Party Planning

I've always been a planner - I plan how my day will go, I plan what I will say to so-and-so, I plan what my house will look like some day, I plan how I will teach my children, I plan for what type of job I am going to have someday, I plan what kind of FUN parties I will have with my friends ... and the list can go on (but I won't bore you because I'm sure you get the idea.) The problem with this is that even though I am a planner, I am not always so good at the execution of the plan.

Case in point: I am in the planning stages for a Halloween Bash at my house.

Yes, this is mid-August and I realize that Halloween is in October, but there is SO much I am wanting to plan for...decorations (need lots of them), Food (what is going to be my theme) Invitations (evite or paper), People(how many), Games (kids and adults), and most importantly what am I going to wear?

These are just a few of the questions I've been racking my brain with lately...fortunately Google provides some links to some wonderful sites that share valuable information and my MIL has graciously helped in the decor department by sending the hub back with her stash of Halloween decorations. Now as for the rest...still yet to be determined.

In my mind, I have grand visions of happy people, kids games (bobbing for apples, toss the bag in the pumpkin etc.) food and merriment all around. In real life - I often wonder if this is a pipe dream or if perhaps I could pull it off. Up until this year, we have not hosted parties like this...typically our residence was too small and we stuck to the traditional 'have friends over for dinner' recipe. Now, however, we can do these things, but I am still a novice. What do I feed the masses? How do I get the most for our money? How do I make sure there is enough variety to keep everyone happy and keep the party lively?

This is where the part about "not being so good at the execution" comes in. See, I am obsessing now...I will probably obsess right up until the big day, buy WAY too much stuff and end up with only a few people. Most of which will be our close friends who will drink a bit, let the children run like wild banshees and enjoy some good conversation. So, why do I just plan for this type of party?? That's simple, there is something fun about a big lively party where everyone dresses up in costume that you just can't get from a few people 'hanging' out together (plus, people usually feel like a dork dressed in costume with just a few people.)

Yes, I'm sure I'm obsessing a little bit at this point - perhaps this is normal (I didn't obsess this much over my wedding and it was just fine). Instead of worrying too much I thought I would throw this out to all of you, wonderful readers - you know what you like.

What is your favorite part about attending party? What do you dislike the most when attending a party? Any great Halloween party memories?