Things to Include in Your Party Plan List
Posted: Monday, November 16, 2009
by Roger Blair
http://www.partyplanningmagic.com
Planning a big party? Here's a general time-line along with a party planning list of things to do to make sure everything is in order for your "perfect party":
When to start
If it's a small casual gathering you may get away with preparing your checklist just two weeks ahead, but if it's a larger formal party you will need to start 4 to 6 weeks before D-Day. This means selecting the venue, the party theme and setting the date. These decided, everything else can fall into place.
Give this more than casual thought, as you won't want to forget close friends or family members that should be included. Make sure you have everyone's address (or if you send invitations by email if the party's not real formal) you'll need email addresses.
Plan your menu
Since food is often the main attraction, be sure that you don't leave this to chance. Whether you hire a caterer or plan to prepare the food yourself menu planning requires your careful attention. Often the difference between a great party and a so-so one is the food. When the food is great everyone will have a good time. Therefore, make this a No. 1 priority in your party planning. Regardless of budget,there are many delicious menu choices that will keep your guests coming back for more.
Two Weeks Before the Party
Get a head count. Call guests who haven't confirmed yet.
If the party is in your home some preliminary house cleaning is suggested.
If you're preparing the food, make sure that you have enough appliances, pots and pans and other utensils. If not, now is the time to borrow, buy or rent what may be in short supply.
Make sure you have written down everything you need. Now's a good time to buy matches, dcor, candles, liquor, and other imperishable stuff. Don't forget to make arrangements to do the decorating. If you are renting a facility you may need to arrange for help, and also schedule the decorating with the facility. Find out when it can be done. Also, start shopping for your non-perishable food and supplies.
One Week Before the Party
Shop for the remaining food ingredients, except for the perishable goods. After shopping, double-check your recipes again to make sure you're all set. Plan a food preparation time table as well. Don't skimp on the food quantities. It's always better to prepare too much than too little. You can be sure any leftovers will not go to waste.
One Day Ahead
Shop for the perishable items along with any last-minute party stuff. Tidy up your place if necessary. Finish food preparation of things that can be frozen and reheated. For a party in your home this is a good time to clear space in your closet for coats?
Early on Party Day:
Do your final cleaning. Pick up last minute perishable food items and start cooking. Prepare the food according to your time table so you won't get overwhelemed with too many things to do and too little time! If others are helping, be sure to coordinate efforts so everything is ready on time. Also, make sure you have the equipment to keep things warmed once cooked. Also, now is a good time to reheat frozen items. You'll also need to chill your beverages.
One hour before the party
Put the final touches for the dishes you have prepared and clear a spot near the dishwasher for used plates and other utensils. Prepare plastic lined waste receptacles. Fifteen minutes before your party begins, light the candles, turn on the music, open the wine and set out the appetizers.
Now relax and have fun! Don't be so busy in the kitchen you have no time to enjoy the party. This is where having help is important. You want to set the tone of the party by being a relaxed perfect host, not the chef buried in the kitchen. So plan ahead so everything is ready ahead of time, and have enough help for serving the food. Then you can circulate among the guests and make them feel welcome. When they see you are relaxed, they will relax and all will enjoy themselves, including you.
Roger Blair is a teacher and a party planning enthusiast who takes delight in teaching others how to create "magical" parties. Click the following link for more information on creating a party planning list . Also, Roger's website http://www.partyplanningmagic.com contains many more great suggestions and tips on party planning.
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Top-level comments on this article: (1 total)Hi Roger. This is a very detailed preparation -- a guarantee for a successful party! Thank you for a very informative and well-written article. Happy Thanksgiving Day.~Nenita~
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