Party Planning Timeline

Description:

Plan your next party with these helpful guidelines

3-4 weeks before the party

[ ] Set a party budget.
[ ] Decide on the date, place, and theme.
[ ] Decide on a guest list.
[ ] Rent tables, chairs, tents, and other equipment.
[ ] Mail invitations. or use evite, if at houseparty.com, you have it easy.

2-3 weeks before the party

[ ] Plan the menu.
[ ] Order party decorations.
[ ] Purchase favors and tableware.
[ ] If children are invited, plan games and activities that they can enjoy.        Lots of CD'S and games for the kids is recommended. and snacks.

1-2 weeks

[ ] Call any guests who have not  responded to the invitations or emails.
[ ] Do preliminary housecleaning.
[ ] Make sure that all the appliances are working. For a grill, buy the charcoal and gas. Check camera and video equipment and make sure there is enough film and batteries.
[ ] Compile a grocery-shopping list. Do not forget matches, candles, liquor, ice, trashbags.
[ ] Check that table linens are clean. For disposable paper or plastic items,  I inventory what I have and add the items I need onto shopping list.
[ ] If possible, make some food ahead & freeze them.

[ ] Printout all your recipes and take them with you to the market.

[ ] Burn a CD for the party, plan for the music/entertainment.

2-7 days before the party

[ ] Purchase beverages and any fresh food that needs to be prepared.
[ ] After shopping, recheck recipes to make sure I have everything I need.
[ ] Plan timetable for cooking the foods.
[ ] If possible, make non-perishable items, such as snack mixes.

1 day before the party

[ ] Designate an area for coats & purses.
[ ] Set tables.
[ ] Decorate the place.
[ ] Clean the place as necessary.
[ ] Prepare the recipes as much as possible. For instance, skin and dice chicken, chop the vegetables, marinate the meat, thaw frozen items.

[ ] Bring your card tables in from garage, the ice buckets, misc gear.

Day of the party

[ ] Set out bowls of candy, chips, popcorn, cheese or nuts
[ ] Put up any outdoor decorations.

[ ] Be extra nice to husband so he is cooperative and cordial.

[ ] A buffet table is easiest, use bowls with pretty glass rocks, floating candles and fresh flowers tossed in. very festive and easy to do.
[ ] Prepare the food according to the timetable so everything will finish when needed. Wash dishes to save clean-up time later.
[ ] Make sure all foods and beverages to be served cold will be well chilled by party time.
[ ] Put all the finishing touches on the meals and tables. Set up the bar.
[ ] Clear a spot for placing used dishes as guests finish with them, and provide an easily accessible place for garbage. Separate recyclable items from trash.
[ ] Open wine, light candles & turn on music.

[ ] Have a glass of vino, relax, put on your "party personality".

After the party

[ ] Make sure guests have "treat bags"
[ ] Clean up the party site.

[ ] Immediately download photos from event, send out ASAP.
[ ] Send thank-you notes immediately after the party

[ ] Congratulate yourself for another job well done.