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Things to Think About
When planning a party or gathering, there are many things to think
about:
- Who is the party for?
(business, family, friends)
- What is the reason for the party? (theme, birthday,
special occasion)
- When is the party?
(day of the week, time of day)
- Where is the party going to be? (home or office)
- How many people are you inviting?
- What type of party is it?
(brunch, lunch, dinner, hors d'oeuvres, dessert, buffet,
sit-down meal)
Let's Start Planning
After thinking about these questions, let's start planning your party.
Here is a checklist to help you:
- Make list of people to invite.
- Mark the date on your calendar.
- Send invitations (by mail, e-mail or phone).
- Plan menu, including the beverages.
- Make shopping list (food, paper goods, decorations).
- Plan cooking schedule: Determine what can be made ahead and
frozen, day before, and that day, and what you are buying already
prepared.
- Make list of equipment needed (rental chairs and table).
- Plan the layout of the rooms. (Make sure all the food tables
are not right on top of each other to ensure smooth flow for people
to mingle.)
- Plan music, if appropriate.
- Plan lighting.
- Buy or make a centerpiece or other decorations.
- Buy cleaning supplies for before and after the party.
- Make a checklist of what you are making with appropriate cooking
equipment needed for each recipe.
- Make sure you have all the platters and serving pieces you will
need.
During the Party
Here are some things to think about for your guests:
- Coat rack (hangers or a separate room to put coats)
- A place to put boots or umbrellas
- Ice, ice bucket, ice tongs or scoop
- Cocktail napkins (have enough for 2 per person)
- Toothpicks
- Candles
- Paper towels
- Extra toilet paper (for powder room)
- Pretty guest soaps (for powder room)
- Paper hand towels (for powder room)
- Potpourri (for powder room)
- Plates (appetizer, salad, dinner, dessert)
- Glasses (water, wine, mixed drink, beer, soda, coffee); some
beverages can use the same type of glass
- Silverware (remember all of the courses, a fresh spoon or stirrer
is necessary for coffee)
- If grilling, check the tank, charcoal, lighter fuel, bug spray,
and citronella candles
- Coffee and assortment of tea bags
- Cream and sugar
- Salt and pepper
- Wine, beer and soda chilled
- Wine and bottle opener
- Bar garnishes (lime, lemon, olive)
- Film for the camera
- Garbage bags
- Dishwashing soap
- Club soda (for any thing that may spill, a great spot remover)
- Space to chill beverages. It only takes beer, wine and soda
20 minutes to chill on ice. A large tub or cooler can be used
in a back room.
Keep a Journal
After any party, it is a good idea to record in a journal how much
was left over and what people liked and didn't like. This information
will be a big help when you plan your next party. Think of your party
journal as a reference to look back on when you are trying to remember
your boss's favorite drink. That way you can have it at the next event.
It's also an easy way to keep track of what you served so you don't
make the exact same menu again.
Remember to write down what you wore. Then when you have another party
with the same people, you won't wear it again.
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Sandwich Chart
Brown bagging's a breeze with this handy chart to post on pantry or fridge.
A Pretty Palate
Color your menu with 5 a day the easy way.
Sunless Shimmer
Capture the glow of summer all year round with beautiful bronzers.
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H-E-B
Celebrations