1.
When you first have the idea of having a party, there are some points
that should be taken care of immediately. The date, time, and guest
list.
2.
Figure out the menu. Seems simple enough, but it's best to get a
head start on this part of the planning. Are you supplying all the
food or will it be a 'pot-luck' style party.
3.
If you are providing all the food, begin shopping early for items
that can be refrigerated or frozen. Wait to buy all meats, cheese,
fruits and vegetables until the day before so they are fresh. Bake
dishes and items each day of the week preceeding the party and freeze
them until the night before or morning of. This way you are not
stuck baking for 24 hours straight and then cleaning up the mess.
4.
Send out invitations at least 2-3 weeks before your party so people
can save the date on their calendars. If you prefer, you can use
an online service for sending e-invitations (Evite
is what we used). This saves on postage and allows people to RSVP
online and add comments as well. Evite also notifies you when you
get replies, when the evite has been viewed and sends out a reminder
a couple days before your party to all those who recieved an invitation.
All this for free. You can't beat that.
5.
Cleaning can be divided out among the week as well. The days preceeding
your party, begin cleaning the rooms that aren't used often, but
will be seen by your guests. The day or night before dust and clean
windows, TV screens, and any other glass furniture you have. The
morning of, vacuum and clean the bathrooms. Make sure bathrooms
are stocked with plenty of toilet paper and feminine hygeine prducts.
It's also a good idea to have air freshner available, a plug in
air freshener or a scented candle burning - so geusts do not feel
too awkward after using your bathroom.
6.
The night before, begin to set up your food table. Place all non-perishable
items on the table (still packaged - don't open them until the day
of the party) along with the bowl, plates and dishes they will be
on. Place them where you want them to be so you can see where everything
will sit and if there will be room for everything. For those items
that need to be cooked or refrigerated, still place the dishes they'll
be on - on the table for layout. This way you aren't rushing around
trying to make everything fit and in the middle of it, forgetting
items that need to be taken out. This is also helpful to find if
you are running low on anything and you can go to the store and
pick them up.
7.
If you are putting up any decorations, put those up the day before
as well.
8.
Make sure you have music picked out for your cd changer to have
softly playing while your guests are there. Music that is too loud
is distracting and annoying. People don't want to shout over music
just to have a conversation.
9.
Candles are a nice touch, especially scented candles. If you don't
like candles, burn incense right before your guests will arrive.
10.
Greet each guest as they come in the door - if possible. If anything,
the moment you see them, acknowledge them and thank them for coming.
Offer them a place to put their coats and purses as well as something
to drink.
11.
Thank each guest for coming as they leave. Be sure to thank those
who brought food or beverages or those who gave you a gift as they
leave as well.
For
more information and advice on party planning, read 'Help
My House Needs A Makover'.
Do
you have advice for throwing a great party? Let
us know by clicking here.
