Throw a party with ease

So you have 20 guests coming over in a few days for a party. Are you ready?

Create your plan of attack

Make a schedule for the three days leading up to the party and get as much done ahead of time as possible.

The key is leaving only the last minute things for the last minute.

3 days to go – Planning

Plan the menu

Create a menu for all the food and beverage items you will be making or ordering.

Make 2 shopping lists

The first shopping list is for things that can be bought ahead of time and the other for last minute shopping items, such as ice and bread, that must wait for the day of the party.

Decorations

Are you going to be decorating? Make a list of what you need to purchase. Check your supply for items such as plastic ware to avoid re-buying items you already have.

Music/activities

What will you be doing during the party? Is it outdoors? Do you need to set up a volleyball net? It is a child’s birthday party that requires a few games to play?

Think through your party and get things set up and organized ahead of time. If you are doing craft activities with kids at the party, make a list of supplies you will need.

2 days to go – Shopping

Prepare activities, crafts, and music

For example, if you need the volleyball net for an outdoor party, take care of setting it up today.

Take care of any preparations for craft activities, such as painting a base coat of paint on items that will be decorated.

Burn a party CD for background music.

Shopping

Get all the items on your first grocery list, the decorations, and any craft supplies.

Day before – Cleaning & Cooking

Clean the house and set up decorations

Get all the cleaning and decorating done the day before. If the decorations are indoors they can be set up.

Food preparation

If items can be made ahead, get them out of the way. For example, a pasta salad usually tastes better the next day.

PARTY DAY!

Last minute shopping

You are prepared to run to the store with your second grocery list.

Last minute food preparation

If anything has to wait for party day, take care of it as early as possible.

Outdoor decorations

Outdoor decorations can be set up as early as possible. Tape down table clothes and other items securely if it is going to be windy.

Relax

Leave some time to relax so you aren’t stressed out or tired. You want to enjoy the party, too. Take a power nap so you are well rested.

Hour before – final set up

Set out all the food and drinks.

Have fun!