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Does the thought of having to throw a party put you off so much that you never even pick a date for the event?  You're not alone.  Many people find the project daunting -- and yet this is the season of parties.  There are graduation parties, bridal showers, baby showers, family reunions, birthdays, and just-because-we-wanted-to summer parties.

This week, we've assembled some great tips to make planning and hosting a party a snap.  It's really not as bad as it sounds, and once you've done one right, you'll be more likely to try another.  Soon, you'll have a reputation as a great party-thrower, and that's no bad reputation to have!

As you plan, remember that we can help both before and after. We can starch to your table napkins to make your fancy folding efforts more successful.  (We're available to attend parties, too, if you're desperate!)

So, have a party -- and have fun.

Jim Nixon
The Cleaners

Toast of the Week!
As you slide down the bannisters of life,
may the splinters never point the wrong way.

Clean Up Crew Coupon!

The party was amazing, the food was fabulous, the decorations stunning, and everyone had a great time.  But somebody spilled wine on the table cloth, everybody got stuff on the napkins, and there's a mystery stain on the table runner.  Let us handle the tablecloth, and we'll do all the matching napkins at no charge.  Nobody should have to clean up alone!  (Include first page of this e-mail with your order.  Offer expires June 15, 2004.  Cannot be combined with other offers.)

Let's Have a Party!!!

When those words ring out, there is an initial thrill of delight... and then reality sets in.  There's so much to do!  It's tempting to just say, "Oh, forget it."  But think of the memorable parties you've been to in your life.  They were special times, and somebody took the trouble to arrange them.  Think of it as your turn.

Take it from the top.

Where do you even begin?  A good place is to select a THEME for the party.  Don't groan!  This means less work, not more, since a theme helps limit your choices down to a manageable few.  For instance, if you have a luau theme, there's no point in looking at red, white and blue decorations, is there?  If it's a 1940s movie theme, no need to order in Chinese food.  Choosing a theme gives your entire planning process direction.

How do you even come up with a good theme?  And how can it help you?  Here's an example:

Family Reunion 2004

Summer is a great time for reunions.  Imagine that you selected a theme of Time Goes By -- a natural one for such a gathering.  Build your theme around the idea of a Family Time Capsule.  Ask each person who is attending to bring with them something that means a great in their mind about the family, or an event that occurred that left an imprint on the family.  These will all be put into the time capsule, and it won't be opened again until a specified time has passed -- 5 years, 10 years, 20, 100?  It's up to you!

• Decorations can revolve around time -- clocks, watches, egg timers and hour glasses with sand, you get the idea.  Use lots of old family photos, too, blown up on computer scanners and printed out.  (Remember not to overdo it on decorations, though.  They are there to create ambiance, not to be the focus of the event.)
• Party favors could be inexpensive watches that the whole family gets, so you'll all match.  Even get the reunion date and family name imprinted on the face of the dial to make it more memorable.
• Invitations could be packaged in small bottles or decorated to look like a time capsule.
• Food could be prepared from family recipes handed down generations.

Setting the theme immediately sends you in creative and productive directions to pull the pieces together, and gives your planning a real boost.

Need a theme?  Check out these resources:

• Better Homes and Gardens website -- full details for each theme, from invitation ideas to planning schedules.
• Family-based Themes, lots for children! -- dozens of themes and ideas for children's parties everyone will enjoy.
• Party 411 -- more themes and ideas, plus expert advice on everything from etiquette to fashion.

And then what?

Choosing a theme will not only give you direction, it should re-energize you in your planning.  It's time to ask yourself a few vital questions:

• What date and time will the party be?
• Where will the party be?
• What style will the party be (formal/informal, sit-down meal or appetizers and finger foods?)
• Who will be invited?

This sounds like the beginning of all the pesky details, so you need a plan.  Fortunately, you can download and print out lots of party planning worksheets that will keep you on track.  Try a few of these sites to find the one that works for you.

• All Recipes website -- has great tips on the food for your party (including food safety) as well as links to recipes, wine selection and more.
• Suite101 -- it's tagline is "Real People Helping Real People" and when it comes to party ideas, nothing is better than that.  Fun parties described with lots of details to get your imagination going.
• Checklist for ANY party -- If you like the satisfaction of checking off things as you get them done, this checklist is for you!  Just eliminate the items that don't apply to your party, and you've got a roadmap all the way to the finish line.

It's the little things that make the difference.

Don't you love it when you go to a party and win a prize?  Be it door prize or party favor, everyone likes getting something fun unexpectedly.  Stumped about what to have for favors or prizes?  don't worry.  The link below has ideas you can really use.

• Party Favors for Everyone! -- New Year's to Bridal Showers, Weddings to Birthdays, they've got ideas.

What about something really unique?  Entertainment, catering, photos... you can find it all.  The website listed below has categories of items you might consider (from caricaturist to draw cartoon likenesses of your guests to florists, entertainers to clergy) and an interactive map of the country so that you can click on the state and get what you need.  Super for planning a party far from home where your usual contacts do you no good!

• Party Planning services directory.

There's a lot to think about with a party, so plan with a friend or family member if you can.  Two (or three!) heads are definitely better than one for getting the details handled.  Consider the following:

• The date -- plan at least 4 weeks out if possible, with the RSVP date set a week prior to the party.
• Budget -- yes, that ugly word has a place in party planning.  Without one, you may find the party becomes something less than a joyous occasion.  Make one and stick to it.
• Weather -- if it's to be outside, either rent a tent (expensive) or have a back-up plan in case of bad weather.
• Parking -- even if you've got a big house or venue to hold the party, if they can't park it will be a disaster!
• Equipment -- you'll need more than you think!  For instance, just to be sure nobody goes hungry, planners suggest the following:
• 4 forks per person (unless you want to be washing in the middle of the party!)
• 2 knives and 2 spoons per person
• 3 plates per person AND a dessert plate (assuming buffet service)
• 5 cups or glasses per person (people put cups down, aren't sure which is theirs, and go get a fresh one.)

To get the low-down on every detail, check out the website below:

• Party Planning -- A resource site for party giving.

Absolutely Don't Forget This!

No matter what kind of party you're having -- spontaneous or elaborate, surprise or planned -- there are three things you MUST have in order to be successful:

• A plan and budget you can live with
• A sense of humor
• Fun!  This isn't a root canal... it's a PARTY!  Enjoy yourself, and don't sweat the things that don't happen as you expected.  If you have fun, so will all your guests.

If we can help in any way, from pressing the
linens to helping with clean-up, don't hesitate to
let us know.  We're here for you.

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Present this certificate at one of our stores and receive $5.00 in drycleaning or laundry service.
Coupon expires May 22, 2004. Not valid with other coupons, specials or VIP.