How to Organize Party Supplies

Birthdays, holidays, and backyard barbecues all require STUFF, the se are the things that often are found in more than one location around the house, which is a big mistake. To achieve peak host status, you’ll want to have all your ducks in a row long before your first guest arrives, so we’re giving you all the tips to take your party supply organization to the next level.

When is the best time to organize party supplies?

Ideally, you want to organize supplies before hosting a celebration to avoid buying duplicates of anything you already have. Having duplicate items puts you on the fast track to clutter, and we don’t need that stress.

What is the best way to organize party supplies?

1. Assess your inventory

Start by gathering all your party supplies in one place. Look in kitchen cabinets and drawers, pantry shelves (top + bottom), laundry room, storage closet, or garage and gather everything you see that you only use when hosting. Take stock of what you have, including plates, napkins, cups, utensils, serving pieces, table cloths, decorations, candles, and accessories. Keep like with like. 

Tip: Go the extra mile and make a party planning checklist so you can restock without over-buying!  

2. Declutter what you no longer need

Time to be honest: are you going to have another Transformer themed birthday party? The Class of 2017 is halfway through law school and won’t be impressed by your tassle napkins at this point. Go through the outdated, damaged or simply unnecessary items and keep the ones you love that you’ll actually use. Donate items if still in good condition or use them for crafts if that’s your thing.

Tip: when donating, consider local community centers, schools, or charitable organizations.

3. Where to store your party supplies

How often you host (how often you reach for your party supplies) will determine where in your home you should store them. For some people, one plastic bin on the shelf in the garage is perfect. For others, a more accessible pantry shelf or kitchen cabinet will be ideal. Choose what works best for you, but do designate a specific area for your party supplies.

Tip: use labels to make finding and maintaining your system a breeze.

4. Sort by occasion or theme

If you are Martha Stewart, you definitely need to get more specific with your storage. You’ll want separate spaces for whatever occasions you celebrate - Christmas, birthdays, Hanukkah, Solstice, Día de los Muertos, 4th of July, etc.

Tip: keeping party supplies mixed in with seasonal decorations works if you consistently decorate every year. For example, add those bunny plates to your already existing Easter bin to make sure they get used next season.

5. Sub-organize the small stuff

If you’ve got small things like birthday candles, you don’t just want to throw those in with the big stuff. Use smaller boxes or bags (with labels!) to keep smaller items safe and protected.

Tip: Keep paper decorations like banners neatly between cardboard and secured with a rubber band to prevent them from getting bent.

6. How to stay organized

One of the most important ways to stay organized is to keep the flow in and the flow out balanced. Don’t buy things you don’t really need. Let go of stuff you don’t really use.

We hope you found these tips helpful. Happy celebrating!