It may sound silly or obvious even, but each event you do, each party that you organize is a moment in time, a piece of someone’s day, a memory even.  We do so many little events throughout our day and week, then we never really take the time, or need to take the time, to analyze what each aspect means or how everything relates together.  We kind of go through the motions, without really thinking about how we and our efforts are being projected to those that attend.

I will challenge you to think about why you are doing this event.  Is it something that you want to do, have to do, need to do? Sometimes it’s tons of fun to plan (the want to do scenario), other times it is onerous and you begrudgingly do it (the have to scenario), and still other times it may be something that you don’t feel one way or another about (the need to scenario).  The important thing to keep in mind is that no matter what the reason, or your feelings about it, you are tasked with putting an event or get-together or party together and you must approach it with enthusiasm.

Now, if it’s a party that you are really excited about like a baby shower or a themed girls night, enthusiasm will likely be in abundance.  You probably will have ideas and thoughts bursting out and not enough time to use everything you want.  These events make everything we do worthwhile and almost always have fantastic memories attached to them.

But what if you are planning something that you don’t really want to do? What if you really don’t want to plan a bridal shower for your new sister-in-law, or organize something for that friend that hasn’t been so great lately?  What if the event has sad undertones like a funeral or a yearly event that will have someone missing this year? How do you keep the enthusiasm going when you just don’t want to do it?

For me, it’s simple.  I view every event, no matter how big or small, no matter what the connotation, as an extension of me and who I am and what I want to project.  I value order, and beautiful things, and being a good host.  So, if I have to grit my teeth while planning something for someone who I don’t really want to plan for, I just remember that nobody else cares what my issues are.  All anyone cares about and all anyone will be talking about is the event so I want to make sure that it reflects positively on me.

This may sound self-serving and narcisstic and you’d be right to a certain degree.  We all get pleasure and self satisfaction knowing that we helped people have a good time, or helped to take a burden away, or helped to create a positive memory.  But, making sure that you don’t lose sight of the positive outcome you want will help to push you to keep going with the little touches, the little things that create the great moments, even when you don’t feel like doing it.  When you view your event as an extension of you, it will make you want to have nice florals and a beautiful table set up (even if the recipient may not deserve it!).

In any case, keeping up your enthusiasm, or your lack of enthusiasm, will come through in your party.  Always check back in and rediscover what it is you want to bring through in your event or party or get-together.  How do you want your guests to feel? What do you want them to say about the party?  Remembering that you likely want them to have a positive experience will push you to continue to create a wonderful event.  Good luck, and have fun!

Photo Credit: Peachy Bliss