Party Planner Organizer

Every time the dining room table is full with serving dishes or the buffet tables are being set my husband asks...are we having another party? My hubby can't quite keep up with my event schedule so he knows the "signs" of a party.
For an event at home, I never wait until the day or day before to set up-even if it's just a BBQ. (Sometimes to my husband's dismay.) The key to a great party is for you to be relaxed and have fun and your guests will follow suit. The best way for you to relax and have fun is to be prepared and organized. Here is a party planning organizer that if you follow ~ you will not forget the ice!!

Party Planning Organizer

Party Prep Timeline

Two to Four Weeks Ahead
Create a budget
Draw up a guest list
Decide on a menu: appetizers, main dishes, side dishes, desserts, beverages
Send invitations (four weeks ahead if party surrounds a major holiday)

Two Weeks Ahead
Assemble party favors, if desired
Create any custom tags, decor, etc...
Start compiling party music, games, and other entertainment

One Week Ahead
Review menu and shop for ingredients (minus fresh produce and/or fresh meat)
Read all recipes that you will be making and create food prep timeline (see attached timeline)
Purchase/set out decor items and candles, firewood, etc.
Finalize RSVPs

Three Days Before
Clean serving pieces, stemware, glassware and utensils
Clean house (make sure the guest bathroom is spotless!)
Clean and press table linens if you're using your own
Set table or layout buffet table

Two Days Before
Purchase fresh meats
Make sure camera is charged and ready
Finalize play list for party

One Day Before
Purchase fresh produce and if applicable, fresh flowers
Arrange flowers
Set up the bar
Lay out serving pieces and utensils
One more quick run with the vacuum cleaner and dusting cloth
Stock plenty of toilet paper and put out the guest towels
Place/hang decor items. Set up candles, fireplace, etc.
Chill drinks

Party Day
If applicable, purchase fresh seafood
Buy party ice
Eat something light before guests arrive
Light the candles, fire, etc.
Start your music

Food Prep Timeline
Menu:

Appetizer:____________________________________________
Starter:______________________________________________
Main:_______________________________________________
Dessert:_____________________________________________

Of the above items, write down below what you can do days before the party:

Several days before the party:

2-3 days before the party:


Working backwards from when your party starts, make a timeline below with the food that
needs to be prepped and any other items that need to be done the day of the party:

______an/pm____________________________________
______am/pm____________________________________
______am/pm____________________________________
______am/pm____________________________________
______am/pm____________________________________
______am/pm____________________________________
______am/pm____________________________________
______am/pm PARTY STARTS


Happy Planning!