Party Preparation Countdown!

PLAN AHEAD for the last few days before your party and avoid a last minute frenzy!

2-3 days before your party

  • Clean your house or have it cleaned by professionals.
  • Clean out your refrigerator.
  • Set out your serveware and check your pieces against your menu. Place sticky notes on the serving dishes indicating their intended use.
  • If you’re having a buffet, be sure to consider how your food will be placed on your serving table. Start with plates, silverware and napkins. Then place food in order by type (salads, main dishes, desserts) in a circular pattern or up and down depending on the style of your table. You may choose to set your desserts out separately after the main course is finished or in a different location.
  • Make sure your tablecloth is clean and ironed.
  • Set your table.
  • Set out special party decorations.
  • Select music.
  • Make your grocery list, making sure you have items like matches, candles, paper towel, trash bags, extra ice, dish soap, coffee and coffee filters, tea, lemon, sugar and substitute sweetener, half and half, recipe ingredients, and if needed, sterno.
  • If you’re having a bar-b-que, check for charcoal, lighter fluid and propane gas.
  • Check for liquor, drink mixes and other beverages needed.
  • Wipe down your front door.
  • Sweep the front walk.
  • Clean your door mat.
  • If your party will be outdoors, mow the lawn and pick up outdoor toys.
  • Make sure all of your outdoor lights work.
  • Check for cobwebs on your chandeliers and in the upper corners of each room.
  • If you are planning on using your fireplace, pre-set your logs and kindling.
  • Polish your silver.
  • Set out party favors near the entrance door or at place settings.
  • Unless you have a special coat rack, empty your front hall closet for guests’ coats.
  • Shop for any food that may be prepared in advance or any dry goods needed.
  • Check the weather forecast. Will you need another plan for an outdoor party? Perhaps a tent or move it indoors?

1 Day Before Your Party

  • Have rental furniture delivered. If you are using rental tables and chairs, wipe them down and set the tables.
  • If you are cooking, purchase fresh foods and prepare food that may be prepared in advance.
  • Defrost frozen food.
  • Make a timetable for remaining food preparation.
  • Confirm caterer, server, entertainer or any other service you have arranged.
  • If you’re using a florist, have floral arrangements delivered.
  • If you’re making centerpieces, get started.
  • Charge your camera and/or video camera.
  • Consider the weather. If needed, create a place for boots or umbrellas.

The Day of Your Party

  • Prepare food or pick up any food that has been ordered but is not being delivered.
  • Chill cold drinks.
  • Run and empty dishwasher.
  • Check the powder room and make sure it is spotless. Check for toilet tissue (make sure to put an extra roll in an accesible place like in the vanity), put out a fresh rug and hand towel, set out paper hand towels, and empty your wastebasket.
  • Make sure the powder room smells nice. Set out some scented soap, spray a room scent, or if you can do it safely, plan to light a scented candle.
  • Set up the coffee maker. Make preparations for regular and decaf coffee, regular and herbal tea, sugar and Splenda, half and half and 2% milk.

The Last Hour

  • Turn down the thermostat a notch. Your guests are sure to warm your home.
  • If you are serving warm food, add hot water to the warming pans and light the sterno.
  • Reheat prepared food.
  • Set out butter, salt and pepper. Don’t forget, even if you don’t use butter, salt or pepper, your guests may.
  • Turn on outdoor lights.

The Last 20 Minutes

  • Fill ice bucket and set out cold drinks.
  • Set out appetizers or food that will be served immediately.
  • Turn on music.
  • Freshen up.
  • Light candles and dim lights. Your guests will greatly appreciate the dimmed lights
  • Sit back and relax for a moment
  • Enjoy your party!

Do you have any helpful hints for preparing for a party? I’d love to hear!

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