STRESS LESS SEASONAL GATHERINGS
HOW TO PLAN A MEMORABLE GET TOGETHER
The holidays are nearly upon us. A wonderful time of year when we tend to be much more social creatures, and ‘get-togethers’ are plentiful. If you are the one hosting the party, it is your opportunity to show your appreciation for the people in your life, and create connections with friends, family and home. It is important that you set the stage for people to laugh, have a good time, and create lasting memories.
However, with an already full schedule, all of the pre-party preparation can leave you, the host, feeling a little like scrooge. To avoid this and to make your life easier as you organize your next gathering, here are a few tips to help you before, during, and after the party.
Unless it's a spontaneous Friday night get-together, parties benefit from advanced planning, so here is a simple breakdown of party-planning tasks, and when to do them.
One month or more before the party:
- Make your budget. Decide how much you'd like to spend and assess what party items cost. This will help you make important decisions, like what type of food to serve (chips and dips vs. sushi, for example) or what type of party you want to have.
- Make your guest list. When you're making your guest list, think about the people you'd like to introduce to each other. Keep in mind that the best parties are ones where there's a mix of personalities. Remember, you don't have to invite everyone you know to each gathering.
- Consider your space. Parties in small spaces can be cozy and intimate. However, if you need more room, get creative. If you want to create an intimate atmosphere, move the furniture around to make a room more party-friendly.
- Invite your guests. Add a personal touch by printing your own invitations. Ideally, mail them three to four weeks in advance. If you are short on time, send e-mail invitations.
Three weeks before the party:
- Plan a menu with your theme in mind.
- Decide what will be made ahead.
- Decide a bar and buffet set up. Borrow extra furniture, supplies if required.
- Inventory linens, dinnerware, serving pieces.
- Buy nonperishable goods you’ll require (paper products, decorations, and non-refrigerated foods).
- Buy individual cans of soda, water, and other beverages so you can easily store (and not waste) leftovers.
Two weeks before the party:
- Recruit help. Ask a friend or family member to help you prepare for the party. Your helper can contribute by making desserts, decorating the house, or setting the table.
- Decorate the house and yard - create atmosphere with your decorations.
- Make a housecleaning and cooking schedule for the days ahead, doing a bit each day.
The week before the party:
- Select music. Make a few mixed CDs or create a party playlist on your MP3 player. Be sure to test the equipment several days before the party to see that everything is working.
- If you plan on taking pictures or sending guests photos from the event, make sure your camera has batteries and free memory or extra film.
- Do major housework.
- Rearrange refrigerator to accommodate party food and leftovers.
- Make or buy extra ice.
- Follow up with people who haven’t rsvp’d to get a better idea of how many guests to expect.
The day before the party:
- Shop for perishables such as bread, cheese, and flowers. Be sure you have enough refrigerator space.
- Tidy up. Clean the house and refresh guest towels. If there will be kids or pets at the party, you may want to put away breakables. This is also the best time to move any large items that may be in the way.
The day of the party:
Now it all comes together to create a great experience for all your guests.
- Provide clearly labeled containers for trash and recycling (to minimize cleanup after the party) and encourage people to use them.
- Set aside space for anything that guests might bring: coats, gifts, food, beverages, etc.
- Have plenty of extra glassware on hand or use wine charms to help guests identify which glass is theirs.
- A half hour before guests arrive, set out snacks, open wine and light the candles.
During the party:
- As guests arrive, greet them and introduce them to at least one other person.
- Mingle! Make your guests feel special by spending time with them.
- If someone brings food or drinks, share them with guests.
- A spilled glass of wine or a broken dish—these things happen at parties. If something goes wrong, downplay it and don't let it spoil the fun.
After the party:
- Clean up as much as you can right after the party to lighten your load the next day.
- If your budget allows, hire a housecleaner to come in the day after your party and get your house back in order.
- Follow up with your guests by sharing photos from the party.
