Party planning ahead will ensure a great time to be had by your guests and YOU! Think of the party planning as part of the fun. The more organized and prepared you are, the better the party.

 FIRST TASKS

• Pick date and time for party
• Create the guest list
• Choose theme or type of party: formal, casual, pot luck, bar-b-q, etc.

INVITATIONS

• Make invitations – remember to be creative and fun as you want
• Mail invitations at least two weeks ahead – more for a formal party
• Include occasion, date, time, theme, host’s names, address, phone, directions, attire, and a RSVP date

MENU

• Plan menu and write down everything you’re going to serve, remember to include toppings, sauces, etc.
• Make shopping list
• For drinks – a good estimate is 3 drinks per person
• One bottle of wine is about 10 servings
• One gallon of punch is about 40 punch cup servings
• To chill the punch – you can use a clean butter tub with fresh fruit to make a large ice cube

DECORATIONS

• Make or buy some decorations, candles, and/or centerpiece
• Get sign, ribbons, or balloons for easy house identifier

SERVING SUPPLIES

• Remember dish and serving utensil for each item
• Coffee mugs, wine glasses, punch cups, or plastic cups
• Trays, chafing dishes, sternos
• Flatware, plates, napkins
• Tablecloth, place mats, trivets
• Pitchers to serve coffee or tea

FOR A BBQ

• Have mosquito spray and citronella candles available
• Have a rain plan

FUN

• Plan an ice breaker

WEEK BEFORE

• Have any necessary items dry-cleaned
• Arrange for yard work to be completed the day before party

3 DAYS BEFORE

• Wash all the serving dishes and mark with masking tape what they'll be used for

2 DAYS BEFORE

• Clean house

1 DAY BEFORE

• Take food out of freezer to thaw
• Wash rugs
• Make any food that can be prepared beforehand

DAY OF PARTY

• Windex bathroom mirrors and other needed glass
• Do last minute sweeping or vacuuming
• Take all trash out
• Set any outdoor items out
• Mark home with sign, ribbons, or balloons
• Pick up any ordered items such as cake or balloons

LAST MINUTE

• Turn air conditioner down
• Light candles
• Turn on music
• Put ice and drinks out