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Thanks for your question about the invitations, Christi.  That’s the next step in your plan.  As for your question about the shopping, Jen, it’s in the works.  I have a few more pictures to take, but I’m planning to post that next. 

Step 6:  Plan & Create Your Invitations
Nothing can kick start the pre-party excitement like a great invitation.  With this party, it’s essential.  Remember, your guests have no idea who they are receiving the invitation from, so giving them an attractive invitation with little extra info about the party will really help improve your RSVP odds.

I’m not a scrapbooker, so my invitations aren’t very elaborate.  I like to let the computer do all the work.  My overall goal it to keep the invitations relatively inexpensive and easy to whip out.  I’ve made several different versions in the past, but they all have the same basic info included: a little synopsis of the party, date and time info, and RSVP instructions.  In fact, if you’re curious, you can read this great post about one of my previous invitations on my friend Lisa’s blog (one of my favorite guests in Erie, PA).

I created a new, easy invitation for you guys to use this year.  You can find the free download below.  You can either duplicate the one pictured above or just use the text to create your own fabulous version.  In order to adapt the file easily, make sure you have the font Dolphin installed.  If you don’t, you can download it for free at FontStock.net.  If you’re unsure how to install it, check out Microsoft’s tutorial.  If you still have trouble, send me a comment and I’ll post some instructions.

To create an invitation like the one above you’ll need a few things: heavy white cardstock, black spider web scrapbook paper, glue dots, a paper trimmer, and standard no. 10 envelopes.  Download, adapt, and print the color version of the file below on white cardstock.  Crop the invitations and then use the glue dots to adhere it to the spider web paper (you should be able to fit two invites to a sheet).  From there, just trim the spider web paper to make the invitation fit neatly inside the envelope.

Step 7:  Print Your Envelopes
To keep your identity a secret, you’ll need to address the invitations with something other than your handwriting.  Personally, I like to print them using Microsoft Word because it’s fast, easy, and the font coordinates with my invitation.  If you haven’t done it before, just check out Microsoft’s tutorial on envelopes in the Help area of Word.  I’ll post the MS Word file download for the envelope below.  If printing directly to the envelope isn’t your thing, you could also try printing labels or having a friend address the envelopes for you.  Just be sure to list a false address in the return address area.

Generally, I like to send my invites about three weeks before the party.  You’ll need to know RSVP numbers at least ten days before the party to give you time to form teams and choose captains, so be sure to give your guests a strict deadline for replying. 

A little FYI: I know a lot of you are waiting to read all the instructions before deciding whether you’re up for this party.  My goal is to post every other day so you can have all the info as soon as possible (I’m estimating I’ll be done by the 1st of Oct).  Just to warn you, if you wait until you see everything, it might be tough to pull it all together fast enough.  My advice?  Take the plunge!  I promise, if you start plotting now, you’ll have everything you need to pull it off with style.  Just thought I’d pass it on.