HOW TO PLAN A DINNER PARTY, STEP 2
Planning an entertaining menu and an evening with guests can be quite intimidating. But with these tips and some planning, you will have a wonderful time at your own party! You'll find basic tips on this page, and on the next, I'll give you a menu and countdown timetable chart you can use to plan your party.
GET SET
- Think carefully through the entire menu. If you have only one oven, don't plan two baked dishes that require different cooking temperatures that need to be baked just before serving. Match your food to the type of service too. Foods for a sit down dinner may be difficult to handle at a buffet. If you cook the foods you love, your guests will love it too.
- Now plan your countdown. Block out time on your calendar for house cleaning, shopping, decorating, and setting the table. Make sure to save some time before the party so you can get ready and relax before your guests arrive. Check which recipes can be made ahead, and make sure you have freezer or refrigerator space to store them. You may be able to borrow space in a friend's refrigerator or freezer.
- Go over your menu, gather your recipes, and plan shopping lists directly from the recipes. Don't rely on your memory for this! Check your pantry too. If you are low on staples like baking powder, sugar, or flour, add those to your list.
- Notice that I said lists? Shop for foods and supplies that can be purchased in advance (like staples), those that need to be bought the week of the party or special ordered, and the last minute purchases like fresh berries.
- Plan for heavy cleaning, if needed, well ahead of party time. If you need carpets shampooed or windows washed, take care of those chores at least a week ahead of time.
- Write down a timetable for the day of the party, counting back from party time. Leave plenty of time for food preparation, baking, cooling and decorating, setting the table, arranging flowers, planning music or games, and getting yourself and family ready!
- You can do shopping for staples, like napkins, paper towels, and cleaning equipment, well ahead of time.
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