It's the final countdown: throwing a party? Read this.

I've been consumed lately with a party.  I don't consider myself an event planner but give me about $10k and I can make some things happen.  Actually, I'd like to think even my dinner parties are a great success and I try to keep them under $500...

The non-profit I founded, Houston Young People for the Arts, has their annual fundraiser this Saturday.  The conceptualization process usually starts right before the last one as I start getting antsy needing to know the next theme so I don't get bored.  This year is no different.  I already know the direction for next year...maybe we'll announce it on Saturday night.

This year, the theme is inspired by Bring It On: The Musical which Theatre Under The Stars {TUTS} is bringing to the Hobby Center next week {yeah, we'll be there!}.

Firstly, what is Houston Young People for the Arts {HYPA}?  The purpose is to educate, engage and encourage young art lovers to participate in and support the Houston art scene.

There's more to it but we'll come back to it as I'm taking the concept to other cities.  Austin, TX is first!

What have I learned over the past seven years of throwing a party?  A LOT.  Here are some basic tips for parties costing $50 to $10k:

1. Venue:  Intimacy is key.  Depending on the amount of guests, it's always good to keep your venue snug and comfortable.  You don't want to stifle your guests but anything too big can dwarf the effect of intimacy.  I always try to discourage any disconnects in the venue -- as in hallways that lead to other rooms -- to cause a breakup of people.  I want them all front and center...not dawdling in some space that does nothing to add to the intimate feeling I desire.

2. Lighting.  I leave this to the professionals but it really can be an inexpensive (it can be expensive, too!) option for decor.  If you're on a really tight budget, candles can always add some lovely twinkle.  Faux candles may be your best bet in terms of safety.  Be careful!

3. Flow:  There's nothing worse than having angry guests.  Space your bars, food stations, check-in throughout the venue.  Where do people tend to gather at a house party?  The kitchen.  Same with a big party: near the food & drink.  Don't have them all next to each other or you will create gridlock.

4. Food & Drink:  If the top two aren't working, food & drink always make people happy -- as long as you have the right stuff.  Move beyond those fruit & cheese platters and pile on some comfort food.  Drinks should be plentiful {so should the cups/glassware!} and make sure to have some water/sparkling water/soda for our designated drivers or those not in the mood for alcohol.  Beer: check.  Mixed spirit: check.  Red & white wine: check.  I try to always throw some champagne into my drink menus...it's what I like to drink and keep the host/hostess happy is also key for a good party!

Aside:  Party-goers:  I ALWAYS eat before I go to a party because I tend to not eat at parties; either because I may not need to pile on some of those caloric foods and I tend to talk A LOT to people so...it just works out for all of us. {no food in teeth, no questionable breath, etc.}.  Try not to come starving though -- nice to leave something for everyone.

I was inspired by fire dancers after a
holiday in Playa del Carmen. I had
to have fire dancers at a party, thus
Fire + Ice was created.

5. Entertainment: This can be everything from an iPod playing in the background to a band performing on stage or in my case on Saturday night:  a marching band with cheerleaders.  The DJ should lead the party-goers during breaks in other entertainment and always nice to have something interactive for guests to do, too.  Photo booths are still quite popular.

These are just some basic party guidelines...and it can go much more beyond these top five.  I didn't include decor because sometimes lighting is all you need and sometimes you need more.  Luckily, I've enlisted some crafty people in the past to take my vision in words and create a themed wonderland.  Bless you.

I have thrown fundraising parties for non-profits over the past couple of years and finally delved into my first, private dinner party in December at my home {funny it took me so long but I assume since I throw parties...I like to have some quiet time at home!  No more!}.  Small or big, each party takes some work.  Check out some of the past Houston Young People for the Arts party pics here for some fun visuals.

Alright, I have a party to throw tonight!  Either I'll see you there or you'll see some pictures here.  With that in mind, if it's an important party -- do not skimp on a good photographer.  It will leave you with memories of hopefully a good night! : )

Blast to the past:
Museum of Fine Arts, Houston: http://www.chron.com/business/article/MFAH-Starbucks-team-up-to-promote-art-and-a-1870403.php
http://www.houstonpress.com/2005-12-01/news/basquiat-beats-and-beans/

Video:  I think I even see myself behind Grandmaster Flash...ah, such good memories!
-I brought in lighting designer, Nicholas Phillips, and amazing lighting & sound company LD Systems to bring this party up several notches leading to one night with over 7,000 people in the museum.  I will never forget it -- it was awesome.