Planning Timeline

When planning a party it is best to divide an conquer. Don't expect yourself to be able to do it all at once. You will want to have a planning timeline so that you can make the most of the event and be prepared for any unforeseen occurrences. A good rule of thumb to follow when planning is to:




4 Weeks Ahead

-Mail or deliver the invitations. Do not rely on the telephone or word of mouth. If you are using electronic invitations, it is still good to send them out early, this will allow guests time to plan on attending your event.

-Keep a written guest list. This will keep you on track as RSVP come in for the number of guests that will be attending.

-Plan the menu. Whether you will be catering the event or cooking yourself, plan accordingly.

-Check on cooking and serving equipment. Rent or buy what you may need to make the event run smoothly.

-If needed, arrange for help with parking, serving, or cleanup, and rent coat racks.



3 Weeks Ahead

-Buy non perishables, disposable items, liquor, nonalcoholic beverages, and mixers. This will help you to spread out the costs for the event over a few weeks.

-Plan how you will stage the event and where you will place the food tables and beverage stations to best accommodate for traffic flow. Remember that a party's traffic flow id very different from the normal traffic flow in your home.

-Clean and iron the table linens.

-Order any food items from the caterer, grocer or butcher to ensure that all necessary food items will be available for your party.



2 Weeks Ahead

-Cook and freeze foods such as desserts, breads, and casseroles.

-Check the condition of the garden or backyard if this area is going to be a part of your party.

-Do any major housecleaning.

-Polish silver and clean crystal, china, or serving ware if necessary.

-Begin making ice.

-Order flowers and decorations.



2 Days Ahead

-Set the buffet table.

-Set up the bar.

-Set up the music.

-Clean the rooms where the party will be held, and rearrange furniture to help stage your home for the event.

-Begin making food or portions of recipes such as pasta or potato salads, crudité dips, and some desserts.

-Post a last-minute itemized checklist. This will make sure that you don't forget anything in the next few hectic days.





1 Day Ahead

-Draw a timetable of what needs to be cooked and served when. This will keep the party moving and allow you to enjoy yourself throughout the evening without worrying about what needs to be done next.

-Shop for perishable foods.

-Do as much cooking as possible.

-Decorate your home or event venue.

-Pick up and arrange flowers.

-Call anyone assisting with the event and let them know any last minute instructions that you may have.

-Make the punch base, or the base for the main drink you will be serving at your party.



Day of the Party

-Finish cooking.

-Arrange ice and fruit for the bar.

-Finish any additional decoration or last minute cleaning to make sure the event looks just the way you imagined it.



While not all events will follow this timeline, this will give you a good base to start from when planning your event. Keep in mind that having someone help host your event with you, may make things go a little more smoothly. Also, remember that this party isn't just for your guests, so with the proper planning, you too can enjoy your party.