How a Planner Learns to be Present
The DIY Party Host’s Guide to More Meaning and Less Stress
Sweet friend, there’s been something on my heart for a while. It’s something I’ve been working on and striving toward and struggling with - and it’s been taking serious courage.
I gotta tell ya, it may not be what you think.
This month, we gotta talk about … How a Planner Learns to be Present.
Ufda! This is a tough one for me.
I have to be honest - I’ve noticed that I’ve been trying sooooo hard to outpace God in His plan for me. I mean, what the heck?! He is the almighty creator, after all!
As I’ve been reflecting on all of this, it got me thinking about YOU.
If we know anything about you, it’s that you are a compassionate giver with a heart of gold. You are a planner extraordinaire who (with a little guidance) can absolutely WOW your guests. You are thoughtful about the big moments and the teeny-tiny party details.
So how do party planners like us use our gifts and talents of planning - while still making room for God’s presence?
Let’s get into it.
Why Is It So Hard to Stay Present While Hosting?
… Asking for a friend.
Personally, I struggle BIG TIME with being where my feet are. When it comes down to it, staying present in the moment is not my strong suit!
DIY party hosts like us are first and foremost planners at heart.
To be honest, I think being a planner is a true gift. It means that I can prepare for so many things and serve so many people through what I plan! But I gotta tell ya … it’s a total double-edged sword.
On one hand, being a planner helps me think through details and scenarios like nobody’s business! I can plan ahead, form a strategy, and see problems coming before they even happen.
On the other hand, with my mind always racing to the next thing, it can be sooooo hard to be fully present.
Does this sound like you sweet friend?!
My desire is to be in the moment with the people I love when we gather together. I mean, it’s a party, for crying out loud! I want to be as relaxed and fun-loving as I hope my guests can be.
The good news? I’ve discovered ways to help stay present as a host - and they’re serious party-planning game-changers.
The #1 Mindset Shift That Will Change How You Host
How to prioritize presence over perfection
See, when I plan a gathering, I put a lot of thought into everything!
I’m talkin’ … the food, the decor, the space plan, oh my!
I prep task lists and schedules to ensure that everything goes smoothly
I ask for help - and I encourage the people around me to use their gifts and talents to help us celebrate the guest of honor together
From the outside, it may look like I am just buried in floral arrangements and endless to-dos.
But here’s the secret: When I plan a gathering, my number one priority is to honor the needs of each guest.
I mean EVERYTHING else.
Now! If you’re like us, you’re probably scrolling social media and seeing b-e-a-utiful parties. The flash, the glamour, and the endless inspiration are everywhere!
But I gotta tell ya, NONE of those pretty details matter if your guests feel overlooked and left out. That’s why we need to always care for our people before we entertain them.
So how do you know if you’re meeting the needs of your guests? Check these out!
Learn all about The Uncommon Way of caring for our guests
Get your copy of the “A Little More Care” guide in Host + Gather
Check out another take! Real Simple’s Guide to make any guest feel at home will set you on the right track
DIY Party Planning with More Meaning and Less Stress
That sweet moment of party-planning bliss
So! You’ve done your research, and you’ve got your resources. You’ve done the planning and prepping and double-checking. Now, how the heck do you stay present for your guests?
How do party planners find more meaning and less stress?
I gotta say, some of this next part is completely out of my hands. Maybe you’ve had moments like this, too …
Every time I host, there’s a moment when the Lord quiets everything down a bit.
All of the details are in place and the laughter is in the air.
I look around at each guest. I can see that their needs are met and their presence has been honored. And I can take a deep breath.
I can just be with my people, gathered together. Because THAT is what gathering is all about!
What’s so funny to me is that I can’t predict or schedule when exactly that moment will happen - and yet, it always does!
No matter what the setting is - getting creative at a team-building craft day, enjoying an over-the-top Italian-themed surprise party, or decorating gingerbread beach houses for Christmas in July.
I truly just have to trust that that precious moment will come - and then breathe it in when it happens.
Sweet friend, THIS is the moment I encourage you to focus on. All of those shiny decorations and perfect place settings matter - but not nearly as much as letting go and letting God’s presence take hold.
At your next gathering let’s … pause, take a deep breath, really look at the people around you, and let the moment sink in.
How to Simplify Event Planning
… So you can actually enjoy it!
Real talk - DIY party-planning can be overwhelming!
But here’s the thing - I truly believe that having a thoughtful plan in place ahead of time is what gives me the opportunity to be present when the day finally arrives. In the end, I have to find the courage to let others take the reigns - and let the Lord show up and show off!
Remember: You work SO hard on planning your gathering. You deserve to enjoy the moment when it arrives.
So let’s make the planning process as simple as possible!
Get our favorite party-planning supplies, all in one place on the Uncommon Shop
Get the downloadable tools, bundles, and freebies you need on Etsy
Stop by Magnolia for a simple guide to How to Create Three Seasonally-Inspired Tablescapes
The Ultimate Step-by-Step Guide to Hosting Like a Pro
Show up for the people you love, one celebration at a time
To learn the ENTIRE party-planning process from start to finish, head over to Host + Gather - it’s the ultimate party-planning master class!
You’ll learn:
DIY Party basics like budget, guest list, and invitations
Space planning, accessibility, safety, and circulation from an interior designer!
The best tips for hiring vendors + asking for help
Understanding + exceeding the true needs of your guests (our FAVORITE thing to do!)
How mood boards make or break all of your aesthetic decisions
How element boards help you build your details - and meet your budget
Shopping, sourcing, and thrifting! Plus: building your long-term inventory of hosting essentials
The fun stuff! Seating, tablescapes, and specialty food + beverage bars
The photo booths, balloon walls, and specialty installations that’ll make your guests say WOW!
Last-minute planning tools, schedules, and checklists
Plus, you get to see The Uncommon Way in action, as I walk you step-by-step through planning a very special birthday celebration for my sweet seester!
To recap? You’ll learn to create jaw-dropping gatherings, serve the true needs of your guests, and bring the joy back to hosting people in your home!
We can’t wait to see the incredible gatherings you’ll create!
Remember, sweet party planner: You’re not alone.
If you struggle with being present, tell me how YOU learn to stay in the moment!
And if you need some guidance to help you plan a gathering that you and your guests truly enjoy - you can always book some one-on-one time with me!
We’ve got your back, sweet friend!
-The Uncommon Team
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