Novato resident Marinda Freeman knows a thing or two about planning parties, from intimate get-togethers to big special events.

Her career has included everything from working as a cooking instructor in New York City to serving as the executive director of Martha Stewart Catering, Inc. in the early 1980s, producing events that were photographed for five of Stewart’s books, including “Weddings.”

Since 1991, she’s been planning events here locally with her company, Marinda Freeman Event Consulting. For Freeman, the fun doesn’t start at the party, but rather during the planning of one.

If you can’t hire an event planner, Freeman’s new book, “Everything is an Event” (KWE Publishing LLC, $36), will give you all the tips and tricks you need to do it yourself.

Her goal with the book is to inspire anyone — from a reluctant novice to an experienced host — to take a confident leap into hosting a memorable party — and to have fun while doing so.

On March 29, she’ll celebrate the release of her book with a book signing at Book Passage in Corte Madera. In keeping with the theme of her book, guests will be treated to beverages and savory bites.

“Everything is an Event” is an easy-to-follow handbook for anxiety-reducing event planning.

It includes an event planning checklist, a list of essentials items for a day-of-event kit and discussions on invitations, table styles, food and beverages, vendors, staff, rentals, bands and more.

There are also examples of Freeman’s events and parties; menu suggestions and some recipe ideas; ideas for hosting virtual events and preparing a Thanksgiving dinner; and actual timelines from real-life events, such as a summer dinner party, a wedding weekend, a Big Sur wedding and a celebration of life, plus a blank timeline for readers to use for their own parties.Creating fun and memorable events has been Freeman’s profession over the years, but, when pressed, she admits that one of her favorite events was an immersive 1960s flower power-themed birthday party.

Tie-dyed T-shirts and headbands, granny glasses, rolling papers and a mailed invitation that depicted a Beatles poster with the head of each Beatle replaced by the head of the birthday guest-of-honor set the tone for the party.

“The wig bar was a hit with the men and so many put on the tie-dye T-shirts,” she said. “It was a joy-filled evening with a great band that got everyone up dancing. What’s not to like about the energy of love in the room? Guests talk about what fun they had or how inspired they were at an event. They don’t mention how the tables were arranged; they talk about what the event felt like.”

Tables, along with other fundamental event elements, are important, though, and that’s where behind-the-scenes planning comes into play.

“There are myriad details to manage from site layout and budgeting to design and décor, protocol and etiquette, and constant communication with the client, vendors and staff,” she said.

Freeman knows that all of this can be overwhelming, especially if a host hasn’t done it before or hasn’t done it in a while.

If that happens, “take a deep breath,” she said. “Read my chapter on mantras to change your thinking because what you say is what you get, so shifting your inner conversation is key. Realize that gathering with friends is fun. They know you, so there’s no need to be nervous. Whatever you serve is secondary to you being a welcoming presence.”

She recommends starting with a simple party: just a few friends over for dinner or a backyard barbecue.

“Plan a meal that can be prepared in advance or pick up some prepared food to make the preparation as easy as possible,” she said. “Setting the table the day before is one of my rules. Creating a beautiful table tells your guests you thought of them, plus you don’t have to get dressed up, your table is.”

She encourages hosts to plan early and to write down their vision of the party and everything that goes with it.

“By writing everything down, you don’t have to remember it all and you’ll have a guide of what to do,” she said. “Plan a menu where all is prepared ahead of time except for tossing the salad, so you can spend time with your guests.”

More tips

“If you have more than 20 people, get help to keep things cleaned up so you aren’t doing that,” she said. “Ask your neighbor’s high school kid to help.”

According to Freeman, whether it’s a large gala or a small home dinner party, the magic happens when guests feel welcome and appreciated.

“That’s the start of an experience where connections thrive and friendships grow,” she said. “And it’s got to be fun. Fun is the energy of attraction, and don’t we all want to be where the fun is?”

Are there any responsibilities about being a good guest, though? There are.

“No. 1 on my list is reply soon after receiving an invitation,” she said. “Your host thought of you, so be kind and let them know if you will be there or not. Don’t wait to reply.”

“No. 2 is meet the guests — all of them if it’s a small party, or as many as you can if it’s a large gathering,” she said. “Parties are for connecting with others. Who knows, you might meet some amazing people.”

Bring a gift for your host, especially if they’re entertaining in their home.

“It can be a flowering plant or some wonderful soap. Be thoughtful,” she said. “All parties are about creating connections and community. If you’ve had a wonderful time at a party, what about sending a short thank-you note?”

“Since your host took the time to invite you and prepare a wonderful party, let them know you appreciated it, that you had fun and perhaps made some new friends. Yes, you could send a text, but isn’t a note received in the mail even better?”

Details >> A book signing for “Everything is an Event” is at 1 p.m. March 29 at Book Passage at 51 Tamal Vista Blvd. in Corte Madera. Admission is free. For more information, call 415-927-1503 or go to bookpassage.com.

Show off

If you have a beautiful or interesting Marin garden or a newly designed Marin home, I’d love to know about it.

Please send an email describing either one (or both), what you love most about it and a photograph or two. I will post the best ones in upcoming columns. Your name will be published and you must be over 18 years old and a Marin resident.

PJ Bremier writes on home, garden, design and entertaining topics every Saturday. She may be contacted at P.O. Box 412, Kentfield 94914, or at pj@pjbremier.com.