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Do warn your neighbors before the party of extra cars parking in the neighborhood. |
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Don't let your guests block neighbors' driveways, or trespass on private property. |
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Do make sure your house numbers are visible and lit after dark. Consider balloon markers or cardboard arrows if your house is difficult to find. |
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Don't forget to light the walkway with votive candles, paper luminaries (bags with decorative holes), or even a few giant garden candles. |
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Do specify on the invitations whether or not children are welcome at the party. |
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Don't forget to provide a sitter for your own children, or plan alternate activities to keep them busy during the party. |
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Do specify a dress code for your guests. |
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Don't forget to get dressed up yourself. |
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Do use familiar landmarks (i.e. a restaurant) as reference points in your directions, especially for night events when street signs can be difficult to see. |
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Don't forget special instructions for secured building entrances, and directions once your guests are inside, if you live in a large building. |
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Do clean the areas where your guests will be socializing. |
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Don't waste your energy cleaning the entire house. |
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Do consider getting help with cleaning and set-up the day of the party. Hire a teen, cajole a friend, or rope in a family member. |
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Don't try to do it all yourself, unless it's a very small gathering. The process is half the work and twice the fun when shared. |
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Do make sure you have enough serving accessories (plates, forks, spoons, etc.) on hand. |
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Don't spend a lot of money on expensive, posh-looking plates. Use paper products instead! |
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Do use indirect spotlights, twinkle lights, lamps and candles to create soft lighting that would make anyone look good. |
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Don't be tempted to leave your overhead lights on (except maybe in the kitchen). It often reminds people of being at work. |
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Do make your pets comfortable away from the main party area, or ask an uninvolved friend to care for them. |
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Don't assume that your guests love animals as much as you do. Many people are allergic to cats, and some are frightened by boisterous, jumping dogs. |
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Do make a plan for guest coats/boots. Clear your own things from the coat closet for the night. |
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Don't forget to light a scented candle in your bathroom, and leave the door ajar so the room is easy to find. |
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Do create a realistic budget and stick to it. |
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Don't forget to budget for unexpected surprises. |
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Do create a realistic budget and stick to it. |
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Don't forget to budget for unexpected surprises. |
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| Thank You Thursday 1/19/12 |
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