Throwing the perfect party can be challenging, especially with all the prep work that comes beforehand. What makes for the perfect party? According to Charlotte Aitchison, known as Charli XCX, a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, it’s ‘loads of really great friends, great music, and a great host.’ How can you be a great host when there’s so much to do? Prepping ahead of time and having a plan can minimize the stress of party planning. Here are a few foolproof tips from the Diva of Do-Ahead, Diane Phillips
Make a plan.
Setting yourself up for success is the first step in hosting a party. Using a blank calendar, make sure to mark down the day of the party, and fill in between the days everything that needs to be done before the big day. This should include, cleaning the house, curating a playlist, and grocery shopping. Decide how many people you want to invite and the type of party style (catered, buffet, sit-down), and then gather your recipes. Most importantly, make a shopping list so you don’t forget anything, including any silverware, decorations and more.
Not sure how much stuff to buy? Here’s help with the math:
- 1 guest = 4 cocktail napkins + 1 pound of ice (for icing drinks and serving)
- Expect at least one alcoholic beverage per guest per hour.
- 12 guest = 6 bottles of wine + 1 or 2 cases of beer + 6 liters of water (still or sparkling)
Give yourself permission to outsource.
If you have a favorite bakery/restaurant, why go through the hassle of cooking! Give yourself permission to ask others for help, it can help alleviate unneeded stress and give you time to do other things. Our service deli and bakery have everything you need, from delicious sandwiches, a variety of party trays, and custom cakes!
Start with a clean kitchen.
Nothing is worse than having to take out the garbage in the middle of a party. Make sure to always start with a clean sink and empty dishwasher. It’ll help relieve the stress of clutter everywhere and help better visualize how you want to decorate. If you need help cleaning your kitchen, our line of Simply Done gets the job done in no time.
Set the table early.
If you’re having a sit-down dinner party, the best option is to set everything up a day or two ahead, it gives you time to rearrange or anything any missing touches. For a buffet style party, figure out what kind of dishes you’ll be using and make sure they all fit properly. Once you know the placement add a label on the table, so you’ll know where everything goes to avoid confusion.
Chill the drinks.
Nobody likes a warm drink! Making sure you give yourself ample time to cool down your drinks. If you don’t have an ice chest, using your sink or washing machine are some cool hacks you can try. As the ice melts, water can drain out, giving you a hassle-free cleanup.
Keep food at the optimal temparature.
Food safety is very important to avoid any guests from getting sick. To keep your dips nice and cold, slice off the top from a round loaf of bread and remove the inside. Make sure to leave a 3/4 inch shell and place into a freezer bag and let it cool overnight. On the day of your party, pour the dip into the bread bowl. This should keep your dip fresh for about 4 to 6 hours. To keep any other items, especially any meats, place your slow cooker to ”warm” to keep it at a consistent temperature without burning it. If you’re looking for the pan for the job, our collection of Simply Done Heavy Duty Roasting Pans is the perfect match.
With these tips, hosting a party can be as enjoyable as attending one. Remember, a little planning goes a long way. By mapping out tasks ahead of time, outsourcing where it makes sense, and setting up your space to work for you, you can create a warm, welcoming gathering without the stress. When the guests arrive, you’ll be able to relax and enjoy the evening alongside them.