How To Organize Your Party Supplies

I’m sure we’ve all been guilty at different times of having a ton of leftover party supplies. I’m talking themed plates, banners, balloons, colorful plasticware, the infamous party hat (does anyone ACTUALLY look good in those?). While “there’s always next year” now is the time to crack down on what you have and be realistic about what you’re keeping. Let’s break it down here. We’re going to use the S.P.A.C.E. acronym to explain our process - Sort, Purge, Assign, Contain and Equalize.

First, as always, sort and purge what you have. I suggest sorting your items into their sets and then further by occasion. Once you have your sets picked out, put your kid birthday supplies together, anniversary/other themed party sets together, etc. I would also suggest to keep your cutlery sets together rather than all of the forks separated from the spoons and knives. Unless you’re being super casual, it’s nice to keep the pink baby shower forks away from the mock silver cutlery.

While you’re sorting your party supplies, purge the excess. You might have some plates that have become a little too bent out of shape or ripped. Start by purging those. Continue by finding other sets that you/your child may have grown out of (hello, Paw Patrol). Recycle what paperware you can. You can also always contact your local soup kitchen to see if they accept opened utensils and paperware.

Once you’ve sorted and purged your partyware, it’s time to assign it a home. For some it’s in the basement, while other’s might have spare pantry space where they keep it. The two things you have to consider are: 1. How often are you using it? and 2. Where do you have the space to keep it? If it’s something that you’re not accessing frequently, it’s not worth giving it the prime real estate that might be your pantry. 

The second to last step is to contain your partyware. I would suggest using a big clear bin to contain your categories. Make sure that whatever bin you choose actually can hold everything it needs to so that you don’t lose half of your Sesame Street birthday set in another bin. Our Jumbo Box from The Container Store is a great option for that. Once you have your items in a bin make sure that you label the bin so you know exactly what is inside (ie: kid birthday party supplies and cutlery or cutlery). You can also divide up each set by containing items in zip-loc bags so they don’t slide around in the bin.

The last step to our organizing process is always Equalize. As time goes on you’re hopefully going to continue to entertain. Revisit what you have before you buy any new items and see what you can continue to use and get rid of. If you’re finding that after many parties there are certain patterned plates you’re just not feeling anymore, it’s okay to let it go. 

Party planning has enough steps and organization that needs to happen. Don’t make fishing through your party supplies one of them. Know exactly what you have and be able to find it just by peering at your labels. You will be so happy you don’t have to deal with separating the forks from the knives!