Who doesn't love a good party? A party is a break from the mundane, a way to celebrate life and hopefully, be amongst good company. What's a girl in SETX to do to get a good party around here?

Our first bit of advice to "relax." What? There are all these people coming to my house and you want me to RELAX? Eeeekk!!! Yes, relax. You can do this by hiring a party planner. "Yeah, right!," you say. A party planner is for the rich and famous. Or, as we like to look at it, a party planner is for the woman who actually wants to enjoy her own party. Let someone else do the work! All the while, you, the hostess with the mostess, gets the credit for a providing a great time and making sweet memories.

So who do ya call? Party Planner Marissa Sellers of Glass Slipper Events has had loads of practice perfecting the production of a great evening for brides and grooms all across SETX. She's widening her service horizon by planning gatherings- both large and small- for us common, non-wedding-dress-wearing folk. We also recommend Summer Tallina of All About You Weddings. Don't let the name fool ya, Summer will plan a celebration for any occasion!

Next advice is on locations. If you don't want to handle set up and clean up for the party at your own house, where do you take the fun? Party Planner Summer Tallina suggests calling your favorite restaurant to see if they have a room available for use. A few great spaces available are at Cattle Company, Cheddars, Pancho Villas, Acapulco, Poblano Grill, D'Vine Wine, Madison's, and The Garden District, according to Summer.

A few other suggestions-

* Manning's has a great invitation department!
* Created by Courtney- Custom, handmade invitations by an oh-so-talented gal!
* Roger's Park on Dowlen in Beaumont has a newly constructed community center.
* Michael's (craft center) is now hosting birthday parties!
* Need a balloon arrangement? Try the "balloon lady," Teri Guillory.

Is your party a wedding? "Hiring a wedding coordinator allows the couple to be stress free.. They are able to enjoy the engagement period, their families, and most of all each other. There is peace of mind knowing a coordinator will handle every detail from vendors, set-up, rehearsal, attendants, to sending them off to their honeymoon. Most coordinators will work with any budget, which makes having one an option for any couple." -Summer Tallina, All About You Weddings

SETX has a great, unique resource for single moms called "SMORE." They offer retreats (spa day, anyone?) just for this special mama. Check out their website & blog.