By 
It was a Saturday Night, and I was doing the dishes, Ke$ha's Tik Tok song came on the radio. The following lyric played:
The party don't start 'til I walk in!
So, I went to social media, and I asked my friends to complete the following sentence:
“Every good party starts with __________!”
Here were their responses:
- An Invite
- Awkward Conversation for The First Three Minutes
- Base
- Beverage of Choice
- Enough Ice
- Family
- Food
- Friends
- “Hey! Watch this…”
- Mullets
- Music
- New Job
- Pets
- Planning
- “Please Leave By 9:00pm” Banner
- Red Solo Cups
- A large amount of people included THEIR NAME to complete the sentence!
Whether you are having a few friends come eat dinner, or have 25 people in your home, here are a few tips I have learned over the years that has helped me tremendously. Here are some items that were not included in the list, that have helped me over the years.
Flexible Attitude
People are going to show up late. People are going to bring same dishes. Some friends may remain distant, and some may be the social butterflies. The fire alarm might go off. The AC may go out. What is in your control, do your best to control. What is not in your control, let it go. Smile!
Sticking to Your Party Budget
Parties are fun. Parties are exciting. Sometimes, parties can be a little intimidating. You want to purchase “all the things” at the party stores, and the “this would be perfect” items, and “oh this is so cute” stuff. Remember, the party is less than a day. After that, what is leftover are items you are going to have to store…
Empty Dishwasher
Even if you are having plastic cups, paper plates, and plastic forks/knives/spoons, you most likely will still have dishes. This will save you time as you are cleaning up after the party.
Empty Trash Can, and Enough Trash Bags
With more people in your home, there is going to be more garbage accumulated. If you can plan party around when trash pick up is, that is also super helpful.
New Air Filters
If you haven’t replaced your air filter before the get-together, might as well add that on the list.
New Candles
Not an overly fragrant scent, but something that feels “homey”. I also love having a candle in the bathroom as well.
So, although the party may not start until you walk in, if you are hosting a party, I hope this helpful list will help you keep the party going!
Kelly Raulston
“Reliable and Ready” REALTOR® since 2016. I was born in Monroeville, Pennsylvania, but was raised in Texas since 1997. When I found out we were moving to Plano, Texas, I remember looking forward to riding a horse to school and a brand-new pair of cowboy boots! Growing up in Plano prepared me to be competitive, quick, and to have a strong work ethic.
I graduated from Stephen F. Austin State University in Nacogdoches, Texas. Axe’em Jacks! That is where my love for East Texas began. The nature, warm smiles, football games, and community values can't be beat! I graduated summa cum laude with a degree in Interdisciplinary Studies. I was a middle school math teacher in Tyler, Texas. I met my husband, Travis, in Sunday school, and we have been married since September 2016.
I love being a REALTOR® in East Texas! Relationships are genuine, the area is beautiful, and the market is rockin’! I am an involved REALTOR® to better the community. Some of the organizations I am involved with are: The Professional Development Committee, Texas Real Estate Political Action Committee, and Tyler Educational Networking Group. Some awards I have won were “The Hustle Award” in 2016, and “Rookie of the Year” in 2017.
When I am not working with my clients, I like to spend quality time with my friends and family doing the following: running, target practice, read and participate in book club, and playing with my dachshund Greta.
