Party Planning Checklist

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1 month before

• Determine the type of party, theme and formality level
• Set the date
• Prepare your guest list
• Order invitations
• Line up services (bartender, servers, cleaning, etc.).

3 weeks before

• Mail the invitations
• Plan the menu; determine what you'll cook / what will be catered
• Place order for what food will be catered
• Create grocery list for what you will prepare
• Create beverages list

2 weeks before

• Stock the bar; plan on three to four drinks per guest for a two to three hour party
• Arrange to borrow, rent, or purchase items you don't already have
• Prepare music to be played during party

1 week before

• Contact guests who have not responded
• Confirm orders with caterer, baker and any services
• Shop for and prepare any food that can be frozen
• Clean house thoroughly

4 days before

• Notify neighbors that you'll be hosting a party, so they'll be prepared for extra vehicles and noise
• Prepare for accidental spills by having stain remover and cleaning cloths handy
• Clean and polish serving pieces, plates, flatware and glasses you'll be using
• Launder and iron table linens
• Prepare a place for guests' coats

2 days before

• Decorate the party space
• Arrange furniture for easy traffic flow (fewer chairs than guests encourages mingling)
• Place frozen food in the refrigerator to defrost

1 day before

• Purchase fresh food items (salad greens, fresh bread, seafood, etc.).
• Pick up fresh flowers and arrange
• Assemble foods that can be made in advance
• Give your house a quick recap cleaning

4 to 7 hours before

• Chill the wine and other beverages, set up bar

Up to 1 hour before

• Finish any last-minute food prep and set up
• Check final details and be ready to greet first guests