We can help you get things ready to plan a great party with with these five easy steps:
Step 1: Decide what kind of party you want to host
Step 2: Determine your budget
Step 3: Pick a date and time
Step 4: Set a menu
What kind of party do you want to host–a buffet, a cocktail party, a sit-down dinner, or a themed event? A buffet offers a more casual setting, promotes mingling and requires a less formal setting. A cocktail party is geared more towards adults and usually requires less preparation and cooking. Although a sit-down dinner is more formal, the advantage is that everyone eats together which, in turn, promotes a great opportunity for dinner conversation. Perhaps you’d like to try your hand at a themed event. This is loads of fun for everyone. You get to be more creative in your decorations. Plus, your guests can actively participate–think costume or casino party!
Establishing at the outset how much you want to spend will help you keep things stress free. Here’s how:
1. Create a list of everything you’ll need, including food, drinks, paper goods, decorations and any other extras like wait staff/bartender or rentals. Be as thorough as possible.
2. Identify which of those items you already have, crossing them off the list.
3. Write the estimated cost next to each of the remaining items.
4. Total your list and see if what you need fits into your budget. Now is the time to revise and rethink your plan if it’s too costly.
5. Settle on a final list. Take it with you whenever you shop and stick to it.
Once you’ve selected what kind of party you want to throw and have a budget, it’s time to think about your menu. Start by considering the season and offer seasonal dishes when possible. Think about what option your kitchen resources will give you. Keeping the following things in mind can save you a lot of headaches:
How large a dish can your oven accommodate?
How many dishes can your burners heat at once?
How much refrigeration space do you have?
How much space do you have for warming and chilling appetizers?
The menu you choose will also directly impact how much time you spend in the kitchen during the party and away from guests. Here are some tips:
Serve no more than two dishes requiring last-minute preparation.
Choose at least a few appetizers that can be made in advance.
Invite guests to bring appetizers, beverages or dessert. To conserve space, ask for dishes that don’t require refrigeration.
Don’t cook it all yourself. Consider catering some of the prepared dishes to fill out the menu and free up time. Think about what portion of the hors d’oeuvres or meal a hired staff can prepare or finish for you.
Set a date and time. Plan it far enough in advance to give people ample time to reserve the date.
Then your next step is to invite your guests. How you do that is up to you. Written invitations are a great idea. You can either buy pre-made ones or have them custom made for your party. Just remember to send them out early enough to give those you invite time to plan.
You might also consider using one of the many online invitation services. Guests receive your invitation via their email and can RSVP by simply clicking a button. The services are a snap to use and provide up-to-the-minute information about who is and isn’t coming. Most are also free, saving you the money you would have spent on postage.
Here are the must-haves for any invitation:
- Date
- Time, including an ending hour
- Location
- Dress
- A self-addressed stamped RSVP card or a number to call
- Theme (if applicable)
- Things to bring (if applicable)
Now about those little things….All too often it’s small oversights that turn into big sources of stress during a party. Here’s a list of some things you could forget but will be glad you didn’t:
Parking - This can be a challenge, especially with big parties. Make sure to clear your driveway and curbside to make room. Park your vehicles elsewhere for the night to free those spots closest to your house for arriving guests. Offer valet service for large events. Also, warn your neighbors of the party and ask them about parking options. You might even consider including the numbers of a few local taxi companies in your invitation, encouraging guests to reach the party that way. This also gets them home safely if they choose to have a few drinks during the party.
Music - Music is a key piece to creating atmosphere at any party or get together. Prepare enough music for the duration of the party. To keep it interesting, try mixing different musical styles. Load your Ipod with enough music to keep the party going or pull out your CD collection and choose music to set and keep the mood of the party. If you don’t have a multi-disc stereo, put a reliable person in charge of the music so you can concentrate on your guests. Never play a radio station as the background music as the commercials can easily ruin the mood.
Extras - Remember to have enough toilet paper, hand soap and disposable towels on hand in your bathroom. Keep extra rolls of toilet paper in plain sight and easily accessible. It’s also not a bad idea to a have a first aid kit handy in case of a minor accident. Have plenty of ice, zip lock bags for leftovers, paper towels, large garbage bags (and empty outside pails) and an empty dishwasher.
Valuables - If there are any items you will be heartbroken to see damaged, remove them to a safe place for the party. Both you and your guests should be able to relax without fear of accidentally breaking a family heirloom or precious collectible.
Smoking - If yours is a smoke-free house and smokers will be attending your party, make sure there is a place for them. If it’s a non-smoking party, make sure this is clear in the invitation.