If you've hosted a party or shower before, then you're probably aware of how much work it can be! The good news is that there are definitely ways to make things easier rather than harder. Here are 5 tips to focus on that should help keep things streamlined and easy, and will hopefully also help to keep you from pulling your hair out while you plan and prep for the party!

1. Choose one specific element to help inspire your theme.
This element might be a certain plate or decorative paper pattern, a specific type of flower or floral arrangement, a special table linen, or even a contemporary toy for a kids party or baby shower. The rest of your party decor should coordinate with your "inspiration element", and having something to base your decisions off of will make planning so much easier.

2. Instead of slaving away in the kitchen, opt for ready-made appetizers and/or takeout from a favorite local restaurant.
Before serving, transfer the food to your own dishes or creative containers, such as a mini chinese takeout boxes for serving up individual servings of chow mein of Chinese chicken salad. There's absolutely nothing wrong with choosing takeout over making everything yourself, so don't feel guilty about it for a second!

3. Keep the bar simple and stick to just beer and wine, plus a simple signature drink to give your party a festive feel.
For more formal affairs, it's a good idea to also offer the basic liquors - vodka, rum, gin - along with standard mixers such as sodas and juice.

Choosing a signature drink with just a few ingredients, such as a French Martini, which is simply vodka, Chambord, and pineapple juice. Tailor your featured cocktail to the celebration by giving it a special name and adding a simple garnish the works with your theme. For example, at a luau you might call the French Martini a Tropical Martini instead, and add a wedge of pineapple to dress it up, or at a bridal shower or birthday party you might come up with something creative that incorporates the guest of honor's name. There are no set rules for what to name your signature drink - just have fun with it!

4. Go for easy centerpieces and party decor. 
Simple arrangements, such as single orchid stem or 3 tulip stems submerged under water in a glass vase, or just a few bright blooms floating in low bowls filled with river rocks – can be just as striking as fancy floral arrangements or crafty projects that take hours to make.

Paper lanterns are another great way to deliver high impact with minimum effort! Hang colorful lanterns from your backyard trellis, trees, or any other overhang that's available, and set them out as tabletop decor on buffets, gift, and side tables.

5. Turn to websites that can do some of the work for you by featuring detailed themes, ideas, and packaged party supplies all in one spot.

Social Couture is a great website that offers pre-packaged party themes, so you can buy everything you need to recreate the parties on their site all in one pop! A couple great spring & summer themes from Social Couture include the Preppy Party (pictured above) and Spring Fling (pictured below).

At HostessWithTheMostess.com, we have a party themes section that features imagery and ideas for different types of party themes (such as the Coffee & Dessert theme pictured at top), along with resources on where to buy the products used in the themes, coordinating signature drink recipes, etc.

Is there anything you do to make things easy on yourself when planning a party? Or do you find that it always ends up being a major effort, no matter what you do? If the latter, which parts of the process usually get you particularly hung up?