It's Party Week ! --2

Yesterday we covered the
"How Much" part of the party.
Today we will focus on the
"PREP ER RATION"(my
spelling) part of the party.
PS--This post is long BUT
there are a lot of great ideas
here!!

These are suggestions for
"The Hostess With THE
Mostest"--which is all of us,
RIGHT!!! Better Homes and
Gardens helped with these.

For the WEEK before your
SHINDIG.

1-Plan it easy.
*Time it right--schedule parties
for Friday nights and early after-
noon on Sundays.
 *Work party prep into your week.
This will help you relax on THE
BIG DAY.

2-Make a menu.
*Come up with three simple summer
menus and drinks to go with them.
*Make it an almost Potluck:
Sharing the food load is fine. Most
want to help out and even expect to
bring something. If they ask, have
them bring a watermelon, fresh bread
or ice cream. Something easy is always
nice. I feel the exception to this is if
you are having a large group or family.
ie: holiday dinner. We always share the
load on these occasions.
*Make as much ahead of time-double
check your fridge space.
*Is your cooler clean? How about
your grill? If not, get those cleaned
up.

3-Make a list of things needed.
Remember yesterday's list of
how many plates and cups are
used by your guests.
*Pick up those items needed as
you are out and about OR stock
up during the year so you don't
have to run around finding stuff.
A suggested site for supplies is:
uline.com
*Invest in one entertaining upgrade
each year-start with a dozen cloth
napkins. Cuts paper waste too.
*Purchase a bolt of burlap-cut to
fit table coverings, runners, draping
etc.
*Something I do that I found helps
A LOT is to LABEL platters, bowls,
plates etc. so I know what goes on
each item.
*Check out T.J. Maxx, Home Goods
places like that for all sorts of
unusual serving items.

4-Clean in and out.
*Decide where your party
will be held and clean accordingly.
*Clean a little each day.
*Always make sure your bathroom
is ready to go.

Inside-
*Clean and straighten the rooms
you will be using-clear that clutter.
*Food prep ahead of time will keep
the kitchen tidy also.

Outside-
*Mow the yard, pick up sticks, sweep
the drive, sidewalk, patio or deck.
*Pick up any trash that the trash man
left. :)
*Make sure you have enough seating
or have your guests bring chairs with
 them.
*Use retro style lanterns-they come
in lots of colors and use oil so they
won't blow out if there is a breeze.
*Safety first--look around your area
and check that there is nothing a
child can hurt themselves with.
I say this because my 2 1/2 year
old  great niece finds birdbaths
quite interesting!!! :)

5-Choose your music.
*Create three summer playlists:
Brunch
Lunch
Dinner
Light, upbeat and fun.

6-Party Day.
*I always choose a time to have
everything completed so that I
can get put together without
rushing around.
*Start early in the day getting
things set up.
*Finish food prep, season meat,
chop any veggies needed.
*Have at least one appetizer
ready for guests to nibble on.
This will help if things are running
behind.
*Greet your guest with a smile.
*Have on hand-sunscreen, bug
spray, smores ingredients and
blankets or sweaters IF the
evening is cool.
*Set up a "sanitation station." Pick an
out of way spot and set up a trash can
and some buckets with soapy water so
any dishes or serving items can soak
overnight.

The BIGGEST tip is:
RELAX and HAVE FUN!!!!!!

~Keep on Dreaming~