A Guide On How To Prepare For A Celebration

by | Oct 25, 2021 | How To | 0 comments

 There are very many celebrations that you can attend in your lifetime. There is usually a lot of work put into planning a party to ensure that every guest will have the time of their life. So how do you prepare for a celebration? There are general rules you can follow to guide you in planning a party. The following are some of the useful tips to help you in party planning. Read on.

Set the Party Dates

A Guide On How To Prepare For A Celebration | Uncustomary

The first thing to do is to set the date. Setting the actual date is important as it will determine the number of guests and what to prepare in advance. A proper date is on the weekends since most of your guests will be free from work or during a public holiday. After deciding on the date, ensure you update your calendar not to forget and plan for something else on that day.

Also, knowing the dates can help you check the weather predictions of that day so you can plan appropriately. If the weather of the party day is unpleasant, you can also change it to a better day. Furthermore, decide on the location of the party. If you will be hosting at your home, then preparations will be less than if you have a different location.

Send Invitation

A Guide On How To Prepare For A Celebration | Uncustomary

Now that you have set the dates, you can send invitations. Sending invitations early is brilliant because you will know the number of people who have confirmed attendance which will help in planning. Before sending the invitations, decide on the theme of the party so that you can inform your guest while sending the invites. If you have no theme, inform them too. A themed party is usually better because everyone will be anticipating the day. 

Additionally, you need to include anything that guests need to bring or wear in the invitation. 

Choose the Decor and Furniture

A Guide On How To Prepare For A Celebration | Uncustomary

Every party needs decorations to make it vibrant. The decor depends on the party since you will incorporate what the party represents on the decorations. There are several items you can use for decorations, they include; party hats, confetti, balloons, wall decorations, banners, etc. for balloons, you can inflate them using helium or hydrogen and let them float displaying texts that represent the party. You can use molecular sieve 5a to obtain pure hydrogen. Remember to attach the balloons somewhere or they will float away.

In addition to decorating with style, and the evolving trends in event decor, contemporary parties are embracing innovative options like neon lights, streamers, and inflatables beyond decorating with balloons. Inflatables, in particular, are easy to align to the theme as they can be custom-made.  Inflatables crafted by Custom Inflatables allow for unique shapes, sizes, and vibrant colors, perfectly aligning with the theme of the party.

For furniture, make sure you have enough for all your guests. You can order additional furniture from companies that rent party furniture. The furniture should also rhyme with the overall theme of the party. 

Plan for the Menu

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There is no celebration without food and drinks. Small table details like custom coasters can also make drink stations feel more organized while adding a personal touch to the celebration theme. Planning an appropriate menu may be difficult since you have to consider things like allergies, diet, and age. Ensure your guest inform you of any food allergies so that you can have an option for them. Also, do not forget to consider diet issues like vegetarians and those with health conditions. Moreover, if attend your party people of different ages attend your party, you need to plan food for children since some things kids cannot eat.

Also, choose food that is easy to prepare to help ease your work. If you cannot prepare the food, hire a chef to help out. Besides the menu, ensure there is somewhere your guest will relieve themselves, especially after all the drinking and eating. For example, if you are in a park with no toilets, provide portable bathrooms.

Plan for Entertainment 

A Guide On How To Prepare For A Celebration | Uncustomary

Entertainment is the life of the party. Ensure you plan for how you will entertain your guest. Entertainment can be in the form of music or games. The music can be playing in the background at all times. During the organization, designate an area where guests can dance to make the party enjoyable. Plan for different party games so the guest can participate. Plan for games and dancing before and after meals depending on your schedule. 

Also, you can include photography as part of the entertainment. For example, if you decide to go for a medieval-themed party, set up a photo booth with a medieval-styled backdrop and provide Renaissance cloaks and capes or medieval period props to create fun party photos. Your guest can have their pictures taken, especially since they are dressed according to the theme. If it is a costume party, you can even compete on who wore the best outfit to make the event more enjoyable. 

Plan for Safety

A Guide On How To Prepare For A Celebration | Uncustomary

Safety is paramount at any event. Ensure your venue has no hazards that might put your guest in danger. For instance, any electrical cables should be well insulated and kept away from people, especially children. Also, make sure that the premises are secure to make your guest feel safe. A secure venue will prevent any intruders from invading your event. You can also ask your guest to show their invitations at the entrance to keep track of the number of people at the event.

You should also incorporate smoke detectors and fire alarms for more safety. Additionally, set aside a disinfection area where your guest can sanitize, especially during this time of the pandemic. Have hand sanitizers on these areas and ensure your guest have their masks on. Reliable services like Viking Rental offer portable restroom solutions that ensure guests have convenient access to clean facilities.

Conclusion 

Planning a party does not have to be complicated. If you want the best party, start planning early to ensure you capture all the details needed at the event. start by setting the dates, sending invitations, choosing decorations, to planning for safety. The tips above are very essential for every event. You do not have to limit yourself to the normal, go the extra mile to make your party memorable. 




In Columbia, Maryland, there’s a former grocery store that has been transformed into a department store for mythical creatures, time travelers, and intergalactic tourists.

It’s called DoodleHATCH.

You can groom a unicorn, visit an intergalactic space station, climb onto a giant’s bed, meet guinea pigs, explore an artist’s studio, and discover approximately a million other things that somebody actually sat down and made.

It’s a nonprofit interactive art museum, a community project, an educational resource, and one of my favorite places I’ve ever discovered.

And it could be demolished as part of a proposed redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center.

But there’s still an opportunity to help.

You don’t need to donate money. You don’t need to live in Maryland. And you don’t need to know anything about zoning laws.

You can start by writing an email.

🚨 Here's what's happening

Developer Columbia Concepts has proposed redeveloping the Long Reach Village Center in Columbia, Maryland.

The proposal would replace existing buildings with new housing, recreational facilities, and other development.

Unfortunately, that puts a whole collection of existing community resources at risk of being demolished, including:

  • DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum
  • Maryland Fashion Institute
  • A makerspace used for community education
  • Local restaurants, shops, and service businesses
  • Early childhood education and community programs
  • A 140-foot-long mural created by approximately 100 community members

This isn’t just about losing a fabulous museum. It’s about losing an entire collection of places that people have built, supported, and relied on.

And there’s another possibility!

🌈 Meet The REALM

Lee Andersen, the founder of DoodleHATCH, and her nonprofit ManneqART want to preserve the existing community resources and transform the village center into an arts and culture destination called The REALM.

Imagine a place where artists have studios, children have room to explore, students can learn creative skills, people can attend performances, and local businesses continue serving their neighbors.

There are plans for a performing arts space, more opportunities for artists, and a Witches Kitchen that might serve you a horrible-disgusting breakfast.

Which, personally, I think sounds promising.

The people behind DoodleHATCH are gathering support to oppose the developer’s zoning proposal and advocate for The REALM.

And they’d love your help.

💌 How to help in about two minutes

If you live in Howard County, Maryland

If you’re 18 or older, DoodleHATCH is asking eligible county residents to visit the museum and sign their petition in person.

📍DoodleHATCH Interactive Art Museum

8775 Cloudleap Court, Unit 101
Columbia, MD 21045

⏱️ Museum hours: Friday–Sunday, 10 AM–5 PM.

And while you’re there, I highly recommend exploring the museum. Bring someone who needs a reminder that being an adult doesn’t mean you have to stop enjoying ridiculous things.

If you don't live in Howard County

You can still help!

DoodleHATCH is collecting emails from people who oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and support preserving the existing arts and community resources through The REALM.

Send your email to: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

Suggested subject: Support The REALM | Oppose Columbia Concepts Zoning Proposal ZB 1132M

You can write your own message or use one of the templates below.

You don’t need to write an essay. A short, genuine message explaining what you support and why is enough to participate in this email campaign.

✍️ What should your email say?

To make your position clear, include these three things:

1. Say what you’re opposing.

State that you oppose the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center, case ZB 1132M.

2. Say what you’re supporting.

Express your support for preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, existing community resources, and the proposed arts and culture center called The REALM.

3. Explain why you care.

This is the part that makes your email yours.

Maybe you’ve visited DoodleHATCH. Maybe you’re a parent who wants more creative places for children. Maybe you’re an artist, an educator, or someone who thinks it’s important to protect the few spaces where people can explore and make things without needing to buy something.

Maybe you live across the country and just learned that there’s a department store for mythical creatures in Maryland, and you think the world would be a little less interesting without it.

That’s a perfectly good reason to care.

💌 Email templates you can copy

Option 1: Short, simple, and effective

Subject: Support The REALM | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts zoning amendment and redevelopment of the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M).

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the existing community services and small businesses, as well as the proposal to create The REALM arts and culture center.

Creative and educational spaces like these provide valuable opportunities for families, artists, students, and the wider community. I believe they deserve to be protected.

Please include my email with the messages of support being collected for DoodleHATCH and The REALM.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 2: For artists, creatives, and fellow merriment makers

Subject: Please Protect DoodleHATCH and Support The REALM

Hello,

I’m writing in opposition to Columbia Concepts’ proposed redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and in support of The REALM.

I believe communities need places where creativity, imagination, and play are actively encouraged.

DoodleHATCH is an extraordinary example of what can happen when artists and community members are given room to create something that doesn’t fit into an ordinary commercial space.

Places like this are rare. They encourage people of all ages to experiment, learn, explore, and connect with one another.

I support preserving DoodleHATCH, the Maryland Fashion Institute, the existing community resources, and the vision for The REALM.

Thank you for collecting these messages and advocating for the creative community.

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

Option 3: For people who've visited DoodleHATCH

Subject: Please Save DoodleHATCH | Oppose ZB 1132M

Hello,

I’m writing to express my opposition to the proposed Columbia Concepts redevelopment and zoning amendment for the Long Reach Village Center (ZB 1132M), and my support for The REALM.

I’ve personally visited DoodleHATCH, and I want to share why I believe it’s worth preserving.

[Write two or three sentences about your experience. What did you see? Who did you bring? What surprised you? What made you want to return?]

DoodleHATCH is more than a collection of exhibits. It’s a place where creativity is something people can actively participate in, and I believe losing it would be a tremendous loss to the community.

I support preserving the museum, the Maryland Fashion Institute, and the other existing community resources through the proposed arts and culture center, The REALM.

Please include my email with the messages of support you’re collecting.

Thank you,

[Your Name]
[Your City/State]

A few tips before you hit send

DO:

  • Use your real name.

  • Include your city and state so organizers can understand where support is coming from.

  • Clearly identify the redevelopment proposal you’re opposing.

  • Specifically mention your support for The REALM.

  • Add a personal sentence or two if you can.

  • Be respectful, even if you’re frustrated.

  • Share this page with other people who might want to help.

DON’T:

  • Pretend to be a Howard County resident if you’re not.

  • Claim to have visited DoodleHATCH if you haven’t.

  • Make up experiences or information.

  • Send threatening, insulting, or harassing messages.

  • Assume your email is the same thing as signing the official petition.

  • Worry about making your message sound impressive. Clear and genuine is better than elaborate.

💌 The Save DoodleHATCH Email Machine

A few clicks, a little personality, and an email that helps support DoodleHATCH and The REALM. No account or signup required.

What's your connection to DoodleHATCH?
Why does protecting places like this matter to you?
✨ Your email preview
To: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com
Subject:

Your information stays in your browser until you choose to copy or open the message. The email does not send automatically. Emails support DoodleHATCH's advocacy campaign; they are not the same as official petition signatures or zoning testimony. Please review the message before sending.

🐹 Wait. What exactly is DoodleHATCH?

I’m so glad you asked.

DoodleHATCH is an interactive art museum in Columbia, Maryland, created by artist, designer, and professional generator of wildly ambitious ideas, Lee Andersen.

The museum is designed as a pretend department store for mythological creatures, time travelers, and galactic tourists.

There are dozens of installations, and unlike most museums, you’re encouraged to touch things, explore, and participate.

There’s also an artist’s studio full of fabric and handmade garments, workshops, special events, birthday parties, free books, and opportunities for local artists to share their work.

The museum welcomes families and children, but adults are absolutely allowed to enjoy themselves, too.

And the woman behind it has spent decades bringing creativity into the community through fashion, festivals, education, and public art.

I discovered DoodleHATCH in 2020 and loved it so much that I started volunteering.

I’ve been back multiple times, and there are still things I haven’t seen.

That’s part of what makes it special. You can keep discovering things because people keep creating them.

You don't have to live near DoodleHATCH to care about it.

There are Merriment Makers everywhere.

People turning empty buildings into art spaces. People organizing parades. People teaching kids how to sew, paint, dance, or build things. People putting enormous amounts of time into projects that make their communities more interesting.

Sometimes they’re running nonprofits. Sometimes they’re working out of their garages. Sometimes they’re making something weird in a strip mall that you might drive past a hundred times without realizing what’s inside.

I hope you’ll help protect DoodleHATCH.

And I hope you’ll look around your own community, too. Visit the strange little museum. Go to the local art show. Find the person who makes giant puppets or organizes an absurd annual festival. Spend your money at the independent shop with the handmade things.

There are people everywhere creating reasons for us to be curious about being alive.

I’d like them to be able to keep doing that.

Help save DoodleHATCH. Help protect The REALM. Help keep the world interesting.

💌 Email: Lilou@DoodleHATCH.com

🌈 Visit: DoodleHATCH.com

🦄 Share: Uncustomary.org/Doodle