Stress-Free Party Planning

How to Get Organized and Still Have Fun

Dec 22, 2008
Vicki F. Chavis

Party Decorating Ideas - Chelseaumi

The key to being an organized host depends on careful scheduling. Planning a timetable that includes everything that needs to be done is the basis for a successful party.

Planning a realistic timetable is the first and most important step to get a party started. Major tasks such as shopping, cleaning, decorating, menu-planning, preparing the food and getting dressed all need to come together in an organized, timely way to enjoy hosting a party.

Here's a quick and simple guide to use for scheduling party preparations. Just remember that each schedule will differ depending on the complexity of the menu and type of party being planned.

Plan Ahead

Make certain to allow for some flexibility in the schedule in case of bad weather, an accident or any other unplanned or unforeseen event. Establish a pre-party day or two to prepare as much as possible before the actual date. These pre-party days will give the hostess a little extra wiggle time. Who wants to be standing in the kitchen all day prior to a party, sweating and stressing out needlessly?

Two Days Before the Party

Make a thorough list of items necessary for every recipe.
Do the majority of the shopping today.
Buy party favors, fresh flowers, decorations, drinks, (and ice, if hosting a large event).
Make sure to have enough serving dishes available.
Get the house cleaned so that on the day of the party, it will only need touching up.
Make sure the music is organized and ready to play.

One Day Before the Party

Prepare as much of the food as possible to avoid last-minute stress.
Chop veggies for use in cooking and refrigerate in plastic baggies.
Some foods must be cut up the day of the party to ensure freshness such as some fruits and veggies. At least have these washed and ready for chopping.
Some dishes can be prepared today, stored in the fridge to be placed in the oven on party day.
Check recipes again to make certain all ingredients are on hand, and if some are missing, make that final trip to the grocery store for last-minute items.

The Morning of the Party

Finish cleaning up last minute house chores, all bathrooms should be clean and guest towels laid out.
Table or buffet should have all bowls and serving utensils in place.
All decorating should now be complete.
Arrange extra tables, if necessary, and set with candles, flowers and utensils.
Begin final cooking in order to have everything ready at the same time.
Clean up pots and pans to maintain an orderly and spacious kitchen counter.

One Hour Before the Party

Put all finishing touches on the meal and the table.
Get dressed, put on music, and start enjoying the party!

With everything done in advance except the bare minimum on the day of the party, it's much easier to enjoy the people and create the perfect environment for fun.

For a simple, yet delicious skewered meat idea, try this recipe.

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Vicki F. Chavis - Growing up in Asia, Europe and North America left Vicki with a love of cuisine, history, language, fashion and travel. Today she writes on ...