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