Nancy, Here Are Some Party Planning Tips....

Hello Nancy,

Here are some tips that might be of help. I use these tips to help me plan and orchestrate a party.

6-8 weeks before a party:

o set a budget
o choose the type of party (buffet, sit-down,
cocktail, cookout, and so on)
o select a theme (formal, costume, pool)
o decide on the date, time, and place
o prepare a guest list w/addresses & phone
numbers
o make or purchase invitations

3-4 weeks before the party:

o Address and mail invitations, always put RSVP
on your invitations to know how many come
o Plan foods and beverages to serve
o Arrange for extra help
o Think about supplies you'll need
o Order flowers if needed
o Think about what you'll wear to the party.

1-2 weeks before the party:

o Call to confirm all orders and extra help
o Create an attending guest list from the RSVP's
you have received
o Add extra coat hangers to your closet for
guests' coats if it is winter

The day before the party:

o Clean your home or yard
o Set out supplies and dishes for the party

I tick off the boxes as I go along. I usually have my Mom help me in the kitchen, she claims she is the Sous Chef and does all the little things. Believe me, she is a big help.

About 4 weeks ago when the invitations went out, I started looking for the cloth for the kitchen counter as well as the plastic eating utensils and dinnerware. The little 39 cent flags I found three days ago at a Party Supermarket. I already had white corningware casserole dishes and blue pottery casserole dishes. The little blue and red dip dishes I found at TJ Maxx and Marshall's three days ago. I set out all the dishes on the counter as I read the recipes so that I would know what went where. I stacked them and they are on the far end of the kitchen counter already. No need to put them away.

One thing that helps me TREMENDOUSLY is printing the the menu and recipes out and then stapling the packet together. This is on the fridge with a magnet. I make my grocery list from the recipes jotting down what I don't have in my pantry or fridge or freezer. Then I get my coupon box and look for coupons for items needed. Insert them in an envelope with the list and I am ready to go.

On Tuesday these are the items I will make and store in * in the fridge:
Spinach Dip
Tuscan Cream Cheese Spread
Toretellini Salad
Green Bean Salad
Potato Salad
Prepare the baked beans
Make the BBQ meat
make the eclair cake and cheesecake
make the lime bars
prepare the frosting for flag cake
make the cake for flag cake and wrap

On Wednesday morning I will pick up the sirloin burgers ordered from Publix...I always pre-order it so that it is freshly ground. I will make:

the margarita dip
antipasto salad
put the beans in the oven
start the wings
prepare the lemonade
assemble the flag cake
make the cole slaw
and 1/2 hour before the guests arrive, make the chili cheese pie and florentine dip.

I really enjoy cooking and planning parties so to me this is not work but fun. The planning list above helps me very much...the important thing is to make as much as possible so that you can enjoy your guests and your own party.

I hope these ideas help you in your next celebration!

Happy Cooking!!! Gina