• STEP #1 - WHY ARE YOU HAVING A PARTY...???
• This will set the whole mood and party theme...!!!
• Decide on the date, place (Home, Catering Hall or Party Room) and style of party.
• The date is probably the most important aspect of any party. Remember that it doesn't have to be on the date of the event your celebrating. You have to give your guests and yourself - especially - enough time to plan and prepare for this special event. Make it convenient for your guests, so more of the invited guests are able to plan to show up for the party.
• Make up the guest list.
• Plan the menu; potluck, formal, buffet, BBQ.
• For formal parties, print and mail formal invitations. For casual parties, print and mail casual invitations or telephone your guests to invite them.
• Have a checklist of the guests you have called.
• Decide what table settings, decorations, centerpieces, and music you'll use.
• Make arrangements for any items you'll need to rent or borrow; Tent, tables, chairs, fountains, dishes, and glasses.
• Set a budget for yourself and stick to it....without hurting yourself...! This is the hardest yet most important aspect of good party planning. Always keep the budget in mind when ordering everything for the party.

• Telephone any guests who have not responded to your invitations so you can get a definite guest count for food and space requirements. Remember the guest list from step 1.
• Remember you have to have enough space to accommodate all the people you invite. Having too many people, will make everyone feel uncomfortable.
• Any long drive or out of town guests...??? Hotel and motel reservations or use the spare bedroom...?
• Do preliminary housecleaning, especially any time consuming tasks. Make sure all appliances that you'll be using work properly. If you're going to do outside BBQ grilling, don't forget to buy extra bags of charcoal, lighter fluid or fill the barbecue grill propane gas tank. Maybe buy a filled spare tank...?
• Compile your grocery, party items shopping list. Check on items such as matches, candles, and liquor, and add the things you'll need to your shopping list. Don't forget extra ice. Use those camping ice chests for storage.
• Are pictures required, formal shots...? Buy fresh film and/or videotape, batteries or use the casual disposable cameras now on the market.
• Music is a very important part of any party. This should be planned in advance, whether it is background, mood or dance music.....Music can make a bad party great. Choose very carefully...!!!
• Check that table linens are clean and ready to go. Decide on tableware and serving pieces. Wash infrequently used serving or table pieces. If you're using disposable paper or plastic items, inventory what you have on hand and add the items you need to your shopping list. Buy several extra trash containers for the extra overflow. Line them with two (2) over size plastic trash bags.
• Order any special flowers, meats, seafood, or other grocery items, spices or ingredients you'll need.
• Lock up all your breakable and valuable possessions; if you haven't got a lock on your bedroom closet there's no time like the present. Do it...!!!
• If you're making decorations or centerpieces yourself, now's the time to get started. Get your family and party friends to help out.
• If possible, make some party foods ahead and freeze them.

• Listen to the radio or TV for the local weather forecast. Tent...???
• Prune any large shrubs, mow the lawn, and clean up the party area.
• Shop for everything but the most perishable items.
• Do any guests have special dietary requirements, medicines or meals...???
• It never hurts to be prepared and cautious. Buy several fire extinguishers, rated ABC, first aid kit, family size. Have ambulance service and doctors telephone number. The best route to a hospital emergency room...! Get in your car and DRIVE IT. Is there construction... detours...??? Be Prepared...!!!
• After you return from checking the hospital route and basic food shopping, double-check ALL your recipes to make sure you have everything you need.
• Plan your preparation timetable for cooking the foods.
• If possible, make some or non-perishable items, such as dips, snack mixes, ahead.

• Shop for perishable and last-minute items.
• Double check the house and clean up as necessary.
• Check or charge batteries for the camera and/or camcorder.
• Decorate for the party. Prepare an area for coats and umbrellas.
• Decorate any indoor areas. Save outdoor decorating for the day of the party.
• If possible, arrange and set your table(s) and serving areas.
• Any weather forecast changes??? Remember the Tent...!!!
• Wash your hands...!!! Prepare as many recipes and ingredients as possible. For example, chop vegetables you'll cook as part of a recipe. Some chores, however, such as cleaning salad greens, should wait until tomorrow.
• Thaw frozen items. If the items are perishable, thaw them in the refrigerator.
• Follow proper food handling procedures...!!!

• Go over the house again for a final cleaning check. If necessary, get professional help and move furniture.
• Plan to have your car parked outside the guest parking area. This is in case you have to run up to a store for something you forgot, was accidentally dropped on the floor, or drive someone home whose had too good of a time.
• Prepare the foods according to your timetable so everything will finish when needed. Wash dishes as you go along to save clean-up time later.
• Don't forget to run the dishwasher, so it'll be empty and ready for used party dishes or a last minute forgotten item.
• Make sure all foods and beverages to be served cold will be well chilled by party time. Need extra ice...??? Ice Storage chests...???

• Put all the finishing touches on the meal and tables.
• Clear a spot for placing used dishes as guests finish with them, and provide an easily accessible place for garbage. Remember the extra garbage containers with liners.
• Set out cheese and non-perishable appetizers or snacks, if you are using them.

• Open wine, if using. Set out remaining appetizers and snacks, if using.
• Light candles and turn on music, if using.
• Take a deep breath, smile and open the door...!!!
• IT'S PARTY TIME FOLKS...!!!
• Take plenty of party pictures and videos to commemorate this special party day.
• Plan a NAP for Yourself AFTER the party...!

SPECIAL PARTY Serving Hint: Please go down our grocery aisle and find Autumn Harvest Gourmet Foods before your next party function...! We have complete party assortments of ALL NATURAL delicious dips, spicy salsa mixes, seasoned herb bread mixes and special tasty batter coatings for meat, chicken and fish. The *WILD WEST* All Natural SALSA is absolutely "HOT AND SASSY"...!!!

Bookmark Yankee Grocery: New England resources, recipes and down home eating at its BEST...!