Planning a Party!

So my blogging has been sporadic at best but there is a good reason for this! I have been party planning! My youngest child turned a year yesterday (how is that possible!?), My sister turns 35 on Friday so I am having a birthday for her, and lastly my parents are having their 25th wedding anniversary the next day,vI am not totally responsible for the last one but I am helping a fair amount. I thought I would share how I party plan. Since I have developed this habit parties have become a fun activity for me rather than a stressful headache! This goes in the Misc. section of my Home Journal

Party Plan

1 month ahead for a formal party; 2 weeks ahead for a casual gathering

• Decide on the date, place, and style of party.
• Make up the guest list.
• Plan the menu.
• For formal parties, mail invitations. For casual parties, mail invitations or telephone your guests to invite them.
• Decide what table settings, decorations, centerpieces, and music you'll use.
• Make arrangements for any items you'll need to rent or borrow.

1 to 2 weeks ahead

• Telephone any guests who have not responded to your invitations so you can get a definite guest count.
• Do preliminary housecleaning, especially any time-consuming tasks. Make sure all appliances that you'll be using work. If you're grilling, don't forget to buy charcoal or fill the gas canister.
• Compile your grocery-shopping list. Check on items such as matches, candles, and liquor, and add the things you'll need to your shopping list. Don't forget ice.
• Check that table linens are clean and ready to go. Decide on tableware and serving pieces. Wash infrequently used pieces. If you're using disposable paper or plastic items, inventory what you have on hand and add the items you need to your shopping list.
• Order any special flowers, meats, seafood, or other ingredients you'll need.
• If you're making decorations or centerpieces yourself, now's the time to get started.
• If possible, make some foods ahead and freeze them.

2 to 3 days ahead

• Shop for everything but the most perishable items.
• After you return from shopping, recheck your recipes to make sure you have everything you need.
• Plan your timetable for cooking the foods.
• If possible, make nonperishable items, such as snack mixes, ahead.

1 day ahead

• Shop for perishable and last-minute items.
• Reclean the house as necessary.
• Decorate for the party. Prepare an area for coats and umbrellas.
• If possible, arrange and set your tables and serving areas.
• Prepare as many recipes and ingredients as possible. For example, chop vegetables you'll cook as part of a recipe. Some chores, however, such as cleaning salad greens, should wait until party day.
• Thaw frozen items. If the items are perishable, thaw them in the refrigerator.

Party Day

• Go over the house again for a final cleaning check. If necessary, move furniture.
• Prepare the foods according to your timetable so everything will finish when needed. Wash dishes as you go along to save cleanup time later. Don't forget to run the dishwasher, so it'll be empty and ready for party dishes.
• Make sure all foods and beverages to be served cold will be well chilled by party time. Last-Minute Details 1 hour ahead
• Put all the finishing touches on the meal and tables.
• Clear a spot for placing used dishes as guests finish with them, and provide an easily accessible place for garbage.
• Set out cheese and nonperishable appetizers or snacks, if using. As the Doorbell Rings 5 to 15 minutes ahead
• Open wine, if serving. Set out remaining appetizers and snacks, if using.
• Light candles and turn on music, if using.

For:
Date:
Place:
Theme:
Table settings:
Decorations:
Centerpieces:
Music:

 

Guest List
Name	Address	Phone#

 

Menu Plan
Appetizers
Main Dish
Salads
Side Dishes
Bread
Desserts
Beverages

 

Grocery List

Produce

Meat

Bakery

Frozen

Deli

dairy

Grocery Items

Wine/Beer Store

Extra Notes