Having a party? Here’s some hassle-free planning advice:

 

Having a party? Here’s some hassle-free planning advice:

Having a party but not sure how to plan it to ensure everything goes according to your wishes? My parents always said, It’s all in the planning and preparation. So here is a basic planning concept that you can count on to help you plan the perfect party.

!) Date and time. If you’re having a sit-down meal, plan to serve your mail beginning one hour after the time noted on your invitation. For example, if your invite says 7pm, then dinner is served at 8pm.  I usually schedule drinks for 7, dinner at 8. That gives everyone time to be late if they are running late.

2) Create your guest list

3) Create your invite template to be used in email or mail. Always remember to include all applicable information such as:

                a) Location – address

                b) date and time, plus the duration of event

                c) Purpose of event – birthday party, anniversary party, holiday get together

                d) RSVP Deadline instructions

                e) Parking instructions if needed.

4) Send invites out depending on delivery – email or snail mail

5) Create an rsvp list according to invites. Noting how many adults, children and special needs that guests might need.

6) Menu planning and plan out based on recipes.

7) Bases on your menu and recipes, make up your shopping list.

8) Create your timeline of shopping, cleaning, set up and cooking. Don’t forget to give yourself time to get cleaned up and dressed yourself before your guests show up.

Note: Be sure to work backwards from food thaw time, deciding on serving dishes or platters, cooking times and cleaning the house time. Usually that means 2-4 days prior to the event to allow for shopping, housecleaning, food prep, table settings to actual cooking times.

 

In addition, be sure to do an after-action report as to what went wrong and what went right for the day. Once you’ve saved your after-action report, give it a name and event date so that you can see what not to do with the next event.

 Author Elizabeth Kilbride is a former political operative, author, scriptwriter, historian, journalist. business professional, and creative artist, and life coach consultant. Ms. Kilbride holds half a horticultural degree, a Masters in Criminology and a BS in Business Management and over 40 years in the political arena. She stepped out of the loop for a while, but who is now back with a powerful opinion and voice in the direction of this country and our economy. As a life coach, she is available to counsel individuals on how to enjoy their dreams and a better life. Ms. Kilbride loves to travel, photograph her surroundings and is also a gourmet cook who loves to garden and preserve food for the winter months.