Party planning tips: Dealing with inevitable trash

August 07, 2009

There is so much emphasis that goes into planning for a party that it's possible some may forget about the aftermath of cleaning up after guests.

Though some guests may spend some extra time helping, there is still likely to be significant cleanup if you don't prepare for it in advance.

Dishes and silverware is the first place you should start. Use paper plates and plastic forks and spoons. For those who want their event to be more environmentally friendly, there are biodegradable versions as well.

But because of the disposable plates and utensils, there has to be a place to throw them out when people are finished. Providing a couple of trash barrels will get people to dispose of anything they are finished with instead of leaving them on a table or bookshelf.

Be sure to place at least two trash barrels at opposite ends, so there is more than one place for people to go.

The same can be done with bottles and cans, though it may be wise to use a separate barrel for those, just to make the aftermath a bit easier for you.