HOW TO ORGANIZE PARTY SUPPLIES
From picnics to birthday parties to nights where we just don’t want to dirty the dishes, we’ve all accumulated a stash of party supplies we’re not quite sure what to do with.
Where do you store paper plates?
How do you organize party supplies?
I’ve been faced with those same questions. So, as an experienced hostess and home organizer, I’ve curated my best tips for organizing party supplies.
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Party Supply Storage
Inevitably after each gathering, I’m left with a handful of leftover party supplies. While I could recycle them or even donate them, I’ve decided to save my time and money by storing them for future parties.
First let’s talk about where to store your paper plates and other party supplies such as candles, table cloths, plastic ware, or specialty drink cups (like plastic wine glasses or champagne flutes).
You don’t have to store all of it in one place, especially if you don’t have the space. Instead, consider storing some of your paper plates, cups, and napkins in your pantry, or in a kitchen cabinet, to keep handy for everyday life.
Store the rest in:
- The utility room/closet
- in the garage
- in a basement
- or in a buffet
Of course, if you have the space, you can store all of your party supplies in one area.
If you’re storing your party supplies in a closet or a room, I suggest storing them on a top or bottom shelf so they aren’t taking up valuable space from items you use more frequently.
Keep in mind, where you choose to store your party supplies will help determine what type of storage containers you need.
You’ll also need to decide if you want all the supplies in one bin, or if you prefer to sort them and contain them according to category. There’s not a right or wrong answer. It really depends on your organizing style and personality. (You could actually do a combination of the two, and store smaller bins inside a larger “party supplies” tote.)
Once you’ve determined how you want to sort all your party supplies, consider what type and size bins you’ll need. Also, be sure to measure your space before buying any containers.
Organizing Party Supplies
Now that you’ve sorted and categorized all your party supplies, it’s time to organize.
Party Supply Organization Ideas
- Store tablecloths in a buffet or china cabinet in the dining room. If you don’t have either of those furniture pieces, you can fold them over a hanger and keep them in your linen or coat closet, or in a spare bedroom closet.
- Separate plastic knives, forks, spoons into a caddy that is ready to grab and go. You could also use jars or plastic cups to sort them into. Another option is to use a silverware organizer and keep them in a kitchen or buffet drawer.
- Stack paper plates by size, color, or theme/occasion and store them in a plate rack, pot/lid organizer, or bin that sits inside a cabinet or in a deep buffet or kitchen drawer.
- Sort cups by type and stack them in a bin. Store the bin in a cabinet, closet or pantry shelf.
- Gather all your votives, tea lights and taper candles that are designated for entertaining, and store them in a container. You could divide them into categories and store each category in a clear shoe box, or other bin with a lid for easy stacking.
- Be sure to label all your bins so you can easily find the items you need the next time you host.
Having all your supplies organized will make it easier to keep track of what you have on hand and what you need to replenish. When it’s time to restock, be sure to check out Dollar Tree for the best budget-friendly party supplies and decor.
The trick to organizing party supplies (and any organizing system) is that it makes sense to you. Put things in places:
- according to how you naturally categorize or group items
- how often you use the items
- and based on how you use your space
If you do that, your party supplies will stay organized, and you’ll be prepared for the next party or event.
For more home organizing ideas and hostess tips, you might also enjoy reading:
and for the ultimate decluttering guide, check out:
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