TWO DAYS BEFORE PARTY

Purchase food and supplies, except strawberries.

If melons aren't quite ripe, place together in closed paper bag on the countertop.

Set table if your dining room can be closed off, clean the house.

Prepare meat sauce for the Manicotti, cover and refrigerate.

Prepare salad dressing for Fruit Bowl, cover and refrigerate.

Prepare French Bread, wrap well and freeze.

DAY BEFORE PARTY

Prepare Chocolate Cake, cover well and store at room temperature.

Finish cleaning.

Check over recipes and make sure you have correct supplies and enough of each ingredient, as well as ice and drinks.

Purchase strawberries and other last minute items.

Prepare Manicotti, cover well and refrigerate.

Prepare Fruit Bowl (except for strawberries), mix with dressing, cover and refrigerate.

MORNING OF PARTY

Put last minute touches on table settings.

Arrange centerpiece.

Prepare crudites (fresh vegetables) for the Pesto Dip, arrange on platter, cover and refrigerate.

Prepare Pesto Dip, cover and refrigerate.

Take time for yourself, to relax, think about the fun you're going to have, go over your lists one last time.

PARTY TIME!

Welcome guests.

I like to have appetizers set out just as guests arrive. When the doorbell rings, pull out your prepared Pesto Dip and platter of crudites and set it on the coffee table in your living room.

JUST BEFORE SERVING

Bake Manicotti.

Put French Bread, wrapped in foil, in oven for last 25 minutes of Manicotti baking time, on rack next to Manicotti.

Pour drinks on table, light candles.

Wash and dry strawberries; slice.

Pull Fruit Bowl out of refrigerator, add strawberries, and place on table.

Slice warm bread, arrange on platter.

Eat and have fun!