Put Together a Good Party

Remember that most people will come to the party for the company and fellowship, not for the food. Still, good food is a necessity. Think about how much money you are willing to spend on the party. Your warmth and caring makes the party special, not lavish food and drinks. Try all your recipes out months ahead of time. For a more casual affair, ask others to bring items; be specific. Planning ahead of time will space out your chores so you will enjoy the event and not become too tired to enjoy it.

Steps

  1. Start a planning notebook.
  2. State the event and purpose.
  3. List the people to invite. Make sure the people you invite are appropriate for the type of party you are giving.
  4. Consider doing a themed potluck. Asking everyone to bring a “Italian" or “Mexican" dish.
  5. List all food into two categories of perishables and non-perishables. Remember to include snacks, like nuts and mints to set out.
  6. List all beverages; remember to have on hand plenty of non-alcoholic and non-caffeinated and non-sugar drinks for the variety of people you will be inviting.
  7. List all non food items, napkins, plastic glasses, drip less candles, ice, flowers or center pieces.
  8. One week before the party: Purchase all non-perishables and make any casseroles. Also check the tablecloths, napkins, place mats wash and press them if necessary.
  9. Select the serving dishes you’ll be using and set them aside. Borrow from friends and family if you need more.
  10. Three days before, do the dusting and all the heavy cleaning, such as the floors and bathrooms. Get the whole family to pitch in.
  11. Decide where guests' coats, purses, etc., will go: in the hall closet? On a bed? In which bedroom? Decide who in the family will be the door greeter and take the coats.
  12. Two days before the party: Buy the perishables. Wash and trim the vegetables, and refrigerate.
  13. One day before: Prepare the dishes that can be reheated or served cold. Set up tables and the buffet line, but don't put the food out.
  14. Set the mood with music - use low-key classical, folk or jazz during the arriving period. Then switch to a soft background music during the dinner time. After dessert, pick up the tempo with more lively sounds. Switch back to a slower-paced music to end the party. Decide what background music should be playing (make sure it is appropriate for the type party you are giving.) Assign a family member or a friend to be in charge of the music.
  15. The day - give the house a once-over in the morning, and pick up flowers and ice.
  16. Prepare the main cooked meal with in the oven on top of the stove. It will not need your attention as the guests arrive.
  17. Pay attention to your guests. Introduce them to each other, telling each something about the other.
  18. Plan an ice-breaker by passing each person a little note to find someone who, for example, has an uncle Louie or used to work at Starbucks.
  19. Remember you are the host and it is your responsibility to make sure people are enjoying themselves and have what they need.
  20. Set up the buffet line in this order: Plates, main dish, vegetables, salads, breads, drinks. Put the sauce or gravy after the item it is to be put on. It will make the guests happy.

Tips

  • Flat twin sized sheets make great inexpensive table cloths.
  • Go to the local thrift store and buy old ugly ties. Have each guest wear a tie with his name written on it with a marker.
  • Set up the drinks away from the food area to keep down congestion.
  • Pretty table toppers-create visual excitement with color, texture and shapes. Look around your house: you probably already an item or items that can be displayed as a center piece surrounded by a little greenery. It may be a figurine, or a unique treasure, such as sea shells, arrow heads, or the like. If your party has a specific theme, try to find something that fits the theme.
  • Fill a pretty jello mold with punch. Freeze it, then let it float on top of the punch, and it will chill the punch, yet not water it down.
  • Allow about four cubes of ice per drink, or about 1½ pounds per two or three drinks.
  • Knives, forks and spoons can be set in coffee mugs along with napkins.
  • Use large blocks of ice to chill large bowls of punch and cubes of ice for individual drinks.
  • Make each person wear an old hat, and then, at a signal, everyone must change hats. Hide a prize in one of the old hats — like a free movie rental or a chocolate bar.

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