How to Plan A Party!

Party planning is very detailed work, but once you have an established checklist you are half-way to success! Use this party plan checklist to relax and enjoy your next event.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Note Book
• Pen
• Time

1. THREE TO SIX MONTHS BEFORE PARTY:
   Book Room or Hall if required
2. TEN TO TWELVE WEEKS BEFORE PARTY:
   If invitations are to be printed, start organizing them now!
3. FOUR WEEKS BEFORE PARTY:
   1. Invite your guests
   2. Decide what kind of food you will be serving
   3. Book any staff
   4. Make a detailed list of all the items you require
   5. Plan any decorations
4. Three Weeks BEFORE PARTY:
   1. Start to plan the menu, don't forget pre-dinner snacks
   2. Check if any of your guests have special dietary requirements
   3. Order wines, decide on cocktails, soft drinks or tea and coffee
   4. Make a time plan for the day before and the day of the party
5. TWO WEEKS BEFORE PARTY:
   1. Check the table linen is clean and pressed
   2. Start chasing guests who have not replied to your invitation (SHAME!)
   3. Check your tableware, ask friends to loan you anything you do not have!
   4. Make a detailed shopping list for food, buying any nonperishable items
   5. Make and freeze food that can be prepared in advance
   6. Start to make any decorations
   4. Make a detailed shopping list for food, buy any nonperishable items now!
   5. Make and freeze food that can be prepared in advance
   6. Start to make any decorations
6. FIVE DAYS BEFORE PARTY:
   1. Clean silver and wrap in tarnish-proof bags
   2. Check that you have ordered everything
   3. Write your food shopping list
   4. Keep chasing those guest who have not replied
7. TWO DAYS BEFORE PARTY
   1. Make any dishes that can be refrigerated in advance
   2. Purchase any flowers, cut the stems and store in a cool place in water
   3. If you are employing staff, write a list of what you would like them to do
   4. Place wines, champagne and soft drinks in the refrigerator
   5. Finish making any decorations
   6. Order the ice
8. Day Before Party
   1. Remove and store any furniture that will be in the way
   2. Write your table plan
   3. Write place cards and set the table
   4. Arrange the bar
   5. Prepare cocktails or fresh fruit drinks if serving and place in the refrigerator to chill.
   6. Prepare canapés if serving
   7. Organize hand towels for the bathrooms and a coat storage area
   8. Arrange flowers
9. THE DAY OF PARTY:
   1. Remove canapé from the freezer
   2. Finish preparing canapés and drink garnishes
   3. Cook food that has not already been prepared
10. TWO HOURS BEFORE PARTY:
    1. Remove corks from white wine bottle and the foil from champagne tops
    2. Chill the drinks
    3. Check the bathroom for soap and hand towels
    4. Brief hired staff