Things You'll Need:
- Invitations
- Paper or plastic plates
- Paper napkins
- Plastic cups
- Plastic utensils
- Main dish for 35-40
- Beverages for 40
-
Step 1
Make a guest list, and send out invitations. This might seem like a simple task, but guest lists for larger parties can be more challenging, and arranging for guests to RSVP with enough time becomes increasingly difficult when more guests are invited. Plan to give guests a week's notice at the bare minimum; two weeks is better so they have plenty of time to consult their schedules and respond to the invitation.
-
Step 2
Decide on what you will serve at the party. Since you want to keep the party simple, be sure to avoid any elaborate dishes. Think about serving food that is easy to prepare in large amounts and can sit out for some time. A variety of sandwiches and chips can keep guests going for a while. If you are throwing an evening party, consider serving pizza, which is always popular. Just bear in mind that pizza can become expensive, so call around to local pizza restaurants to ask about party specials.
-
Step 3
Purchase the food and beverages that you will serve at the party. Even though you are only inviting thirty people, plan for food to serve 35 or 40, to avoid having too little for guests to eat. Many guests will eat more than a single serving, so plan for extra food. This might mean leftovers for you, but that is better than not having enough for guests to eat. As for beverages, be sure to purchase enough for at least 40 guests. Beverages, particularly sodas, are popular, and most guests will drink the equivalent of more than a single serving.
-
Step 4
Purchase the items that you will need to serve guests. This includes any paper or plastic plates, napkins, cups and utensils that you will need. These items generally come in bulk amounts, so make sure you purchase a larger supply than you will need. Guests will often use more than one plate,and cups frequently get lost during a party, so plan to purchase serving items for around 50 people or more.
-
Step 5
Establish a main location for food service. Do you have a large breakfast bar in your kitchen? That might be a great place to set the food and drinks. Will you be setting up a buffet table? If so, be sure to plan early where you will place it in the room. Purchase or set out a tablecloth, and prepare the space well in advance.
-
Step 6
Add extra chairs to the party space. While most guests will mingle throughout the party, you need to plan for at least half of the guests to be sitting at one time. To be on the safe side, prepare seating for closer to 20 guests. If you are having a party in which everyone will be gathered at a certain point, plan to seat all of your guests. Folding chairs make a great option for extra seating, so borrow or purchase extra folding chairs to ensure that your guests are not relegated to the floor.
