It’s your party, DIY if you want to

You've survived another busy summer filled with beach trips, play dates and poolside siestas. Now, the kids have returned to school, pumpkin spice lattes are back in season (finally!), and you have a few weeks of downtime before another hectic holiday season begins.

Why not use this time to tackle those home improvement projects you've been postponing. But, this year, don't go at it alone. Host a "DIY Party" and enlist a few friends to help out.

Not confident in your party planning skills? No worries, we'll walk you through it.

Pick the project

First, decide on the project. If you're like most homeowners today, you have a Pinterest board full of home improvement pins. Narrow down your list by looking for DIY ideas that require more than one person to complete – as opposed to the projects you can handle alone or those that should be reserved for a pro.

Once you've fine-tuned your list, consider where in your home to host the party. Small bathrooms and bedrooms (with personal items exposed) might not be the best location. Large, open spaces, with good lighting and adequate seating typically work best. Think: kitchen, living / family room or outdoor spaces. Good news! There are plenty of current trends to choose from within those areas. Here are a few of our favs:

• Kitchen clean ups: Want more kitchen storage and extra seating without compromising your style? Convert an old dresser to a kitchen island.  Or, spice up your kitchen with a new backsplash. This budget-friendly renovation involves using vinyl flooring and only costs about $40.  

• Family room fixes: Design and create lampshades to replace your basic ceiling lights. These shades are easy to install and swap out, plus the right lampshade makes for some cool mood lighting. Make your family room pop by using a stencil to create an accent wall. Choose from a variety of patterns and colors to design a wall that best fits your family's personality.
• Make the outdoors great again: Get ready for fall by adding a fire pit to your backyard. Fireside chats and marshmallow roasts will be your new favorite pastime. Or, if you're really feeling ambitious, lay a concrete patio, perhaps with a path that leads to the fire pit.

If these latest trends aren't on your list, try hosting a 'paint party' (painting anything from living rooms to furniture) or a 'craft night', with a focus on seasonal décor like vignettes or wreaths.  

Do the legwork

After you've selected the job, do your due diligence before your friends arrive. There are likely various blogs and articles with clear step-by-step instructions for your project. Do your research and have the directions easily accessible during the party.

You'll also want all project materials readily available for your team. Research what materials you'll need and search for the right brand. For the most part, DIY projects are relatively inexpensive, so shop around for the best deal.    

Speaking of materials, don't forget your party supplies! Have plenty of snacks and beverages on hand and consider breaking out the iPod, connect to a portable speaker and dance your way through the party project. Food and the right music will help keep the mood light and your helpers entertained.

Assemble the crew

You have your project and everything you'll need to execute it. The next step is to corral the troops. Tip: you may want to stick to close friends and family; let's face it – party aside, you're asking for a favor!

Based on the project and your team, make a list of what roles each person will play and share it with everyone in advance. This way, your crew knows what to expect when they arrive.  

It doesn't matter who you invite to your party – your girlfriends, your fellas, the kiddos and their friends – the objective is to spend quality time with your family and friends, while beautifying your home. Oh, and be ready to return the favor. After your successful DIY party, your friends may want to host their own.

Have fun, and happy planning!