P.L.A.N.

Pain
Learning
Anguish
Nerve-wracking

It's times like these when being the eldest sibling sucks. My parents' 25th wedding anniversary is coming up and my two siblings and I (okay, just me) have been planning and organizing the party for them on Saturday.

And, boy, has it been a pain. When you plan a party, apparently you have to plan EVERYTHING (who knew!?). Food, drinks, booze, decorations, invitations, plates/napkins/silverware, who to invite, how many people, and then there's picking a date/place/time. Keep in mind: this is all before actually going out and getting anything, much less setting everything up.

I suppose planning a party is like one of those projects you get at the beginning of the semester that your professor tells you to start working on no later than a week from now. Hint: you should listen. The earlier you start, the more time and thus, less stress, you'll have until the day of the party. Then there's also the change of plans factor.

From my recent experience, the first suggestion I would make is to get your invitations out as soon as possible and set an appropriate RSVP deadline, because the earlier you get them out and replied to, the better idea you have of how many people will be attending.

Another suggestion I would make is to take advantage of those around you who are willing and able to help, especially with actually going out and getting materials. I've been blessed with an extraordinary family who, while stepping on my toes at times, have been incredible with not only gathering necessary materials and supplies for the party, but have also drawn from their experiences and given input as to what I should serve or have at the party.

Oh, and about planning early. I kid you not, I just got a call and it looks like the cake I ordered for the party may not happen. It was as timely a phone call as it was creepy.

You can never plan early or well enough.