Hey Party planners. Planning a party can be stressful and time consuming. If hiring a planner is not in the budget, heres a checklist to help you get organized and hopefully relieve some anxiety along the way.
1 Month Before
Choose the type of party and the theme
Come up with a budget
Prepare your guest list
Mail or email invitations
3 Weeks Before
Arrange all of the serving pieces you may need. Such as platters, glassware, flatware and table linens
Choose your menu and if you are cooking yourself, gather your recipes
If you are preparing the food, create a timeline for your chosen recipes
Serving cocktails? Think about hiring a bartender.
Prepare a signature cocktail idea
Order flowers. Florists are busy during the holidays so place your order well in advance
Make list of ingredients you will need for your recipes
Test any new recipes you want to troubleshoot
2 Weeks Before
If you are throwing a potluck, have a list of things you are missing and assign away
Purchase wine and liquor
Set the table as a trial run to make sure you have all of the dishes and serving utensils you will need
1 Week Before
Call or email guests who have not RSVP’s to see ifthey will be able to attend. and also follow up with the guests who have offered to bring dishes
Make space in the refrigerator and freezer
4 Days Before
Purchase all remaining nonperishables
If you have a turkey, start defrosting in rimmed baking sheet
2 Days Before
If using cloth napkins or tablecloths, iron them now
Place frozen pie dough in refrigerator to defrost overnight
1 Day Before
Assemble desserts and bake( or wait till next morning)
Pick up fresh Flowers or have them delivered
Wash and prepare salad greens and other vegetables
4-7 Hours Before
Place flower arrangements
Decorate
Set up bar
If you have a turkey, remove it from refrigerator and allow to come to room temperature
4 to 5 Hours Before
Chill white wine and champagne
Bake any rolls
Finish Preparing side dishes
