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You are here: Home / Archives for Event Planning

Event Planning: Many Helpers may not be Helpful

February 21, 2012 by Tracy

Though I agree with the phrase “many hands make light work,” I have recently seen how too many hands create confusion.

With many trying to help by showing initiative, they act without consulting the coordinator. The results are time-consuming and chaotic in the midst of a fun event.

On the other hand, I had the privilege of assisting with a luncheon, seating 15-20 people. Working with two other talented organizers, we quickly and efficiently staged the area, set the tables, and arranged the food. Not only was the preparation effortless, but also fun.

Without confusion, I enlisted the help of my girls. They helped wiped down the chairs and place the programs. Teaching my girls how to organize, plan, and coordinate events gives them the framework to organize, plan, and coordinate their daily lives.

My goal is to see my children take on any project knowing they can organize, plan, and coordinate because they have learned the framework. My oldest daughter has the gift of creativity. I look forward to cultivating her framework to see how her creativity will blossom into magnificent spectacles.

Though your goals and events are different from mine, practicing a framework and working with a core group of assistants eases the confusion and increases the productivity. In using time wisely, I prefer to work with one or two adults to coordinate an event for 15-20 attendees. Any more than two is too many helpers which is not helpful.

Determining the size of your event and minimizing the amount of help keeps all helpers on-task while using time wisely. Happy planning!

Question: How many helpers is too many for a 15-20-participant event? 

Filed Under: Assisting, Event Planning Tagged With: helping

Using Time Wisely: Learning to Say “No”

February 28, 2012 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Laura Crowell)

Balancing hospitality, family responsibilities, and ministry opportunities is truly a juggling act. Seeing all the needs and assuming you are the answer to their problems will overwhelm you.

WARNING: No matter what activities, events, and ministries you undertake, there will always be more to do.

So, how do you choose what to take on and what to let go? That answer lies with you as you consider your priorities, time, and abilities.

Priorities

What are your priorities? Five years from now, where do you see yourself? Who do you want to become? Answering these questions to find your priorities will help in answering your question.

Five years from now, I want to have a close bond with my husband and my children. Being involved in their lives through school and church programs is investing my time into their lives. Staying available to help with field trips, science fairs, and programs keeps me connected with my children’s activities.

Will participating in this event deter you or draw you closer to your priorities?

Sometimes choosing to say “no” to a good activity frees you up for another opportunity with more flexibility.

As I stay involved in our school, I have learned to say “no” to a room mom position. Would being a room mom draw me closer to my priority of a close bond with my son? Yes, but when my daughter starts school, I would have to choose.

Instead of room mom, I choose to serve on a committee that stays involved in all the events. During class related activities, I am free to roam between classrooms without conflict.

Time

Considering your current family, work, and home responsibilities, can you take on another project? Be realistic. Taking care of your family with clean clothes, meals, and special moments with you consumes your time. Be careful about adding other opportunities to your hectic schedule. (Ahem. *Speaking to myself here*).

Abilities

Will this task be difficult for you? Substituting for our music teacher would be very difficult for me. I do not play an instrument, sing solos, or read music well. Though this opportunity would keep me close to my son and I could spare the hour, I would struggle with the task. However, overseeing recess would be easier for me to stay close to my son while fitting within my schedule and relying on my mothering skills to watch the children.

When taking on an event, responsibility, or opportunity, consider your priorities, time, and abilities. Filter your question through these channels, consult your spouse or friend, and either accept the responsibility or choose the freedom found in learning to say “no.”

Question: How do you choose which opportunities to accept and which to reject?

Filed Under: Event Planning, Learning Tagged With: learning

Party Ideas: St. Patrick’s Day 2012

March 6, 2012 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Flickr (lookiloos)

Looking at some of these adorable St. Patrick’s Day party ideas almost makes me want to host a play date or small dinner party. Some of my favorites include:

1. Rainbow fruit kabobs

2. Heave-Ho game

3. Easy green St. Patty’s Day centerpiece

4. Lucky You party favors

5. St. Patrick’s Day recipes

Though a St. Patrick’s Day party is not on my schedule, I will celebrate with my family. As we wear our green, possibly eat a green pancake (food coloring in the batter), and enjoy a cupcake, we will celebrate our own Irish holiday together. Happy planning for next week’s holiday!

Question: Does your family celebrate each holiday? 

Filed Under: Event Planning, Coordinating Tagged With: St. Patrick's Day

Holiday Ideas: St. Patrick’s Day – 2012

March 13, 2012 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Flickr (Dining Delight)

Though our family hosted both a small dinner party and a play date, we have not clad our home in green for Saturday’s holiday.

I know . . . I had great inspiration, but no big party plans for this celebration.  On the upside, I did swap the Valentine’s Day decorations for the St. Patrick’s Day embellishments and found some more St. Patrick’s Day recipes and crafts. 🙂

Last week, I shared 5 party ideas from around the blogosphere. This week, I will add 4 more ideas that I found creative.

More St. Patrick’s Day Ideas

Beverage: Lactose-free St. Patrick’s Day Shakes

Cookie: Rainbow Cookie

Cupcakes: Lucky Charms and Clover Cupcakes (Love the clover cupcakes!)

Activity: Rainbow of learning

As you prepare your green outfit and Irish touches for Saturday, enjoy making St. Patrick’s Day special with those around you. Happy planning!

Filed Under: Coordinating, Event Planning Tagged With: St. Patrick's Day

2012: Happy First Day of Spring!

March 20, 2012 by Tracy

Photograph Credit: Rita's Italian Ice

In celebration of the first day of spring, Rita’s Italian Ice is offering each customer a free regular-sized Italian ice today, March 20, 2012.

To find a Rita’s Italian Ice, click on this store locator.

Just stop by between 12:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m. to enjoy your cool drink.

Happy first day of spring!

Filed Under: Holiday, Event Planning, Uncategorized Tagged With: spring

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