The Party Planning Ramble

So as I mentioned briefly yesterday I am planning a pretty big party at my house for my family.  We are at about 25 adults and a few kids.  WOW I have a big family.  :-) While I have been trying to come up with a menu and a game plan that keeps me out of the kitchen when my guest arrive I came across this great article.  I say great because it made me laugh.  See my commentary below.

Three Weeks Before (really 3 weeks??? ugg that is this week.)

• Make an invitation list. For a large cocktail party, invite 20 percent more people than you can fit, since typically only 70 percent to 80 percent of invitees attend.- Or invite your whole family and make them sit outside if the house gets too full.  
• Decide on a theme, if you want one. Make, buy, or borrow any decorations or music you may need to fit the theme. - Theme was decided in February..but you tell me where you can buy 11/11/11 party decorations because I'm just going with the cheapest I find. Only the best for my family.  :-)
• Send invitations. Mail, e-mail, even phone invites are all acceptable. - Call someone on the phone??? really who does that. LOL emails sent  - check
• Plan the menu. Assemble the recipes (choose only those that can be prepared in advance, perhaps even frozen, with just warming and assembling required on party day). Make a list of how far in advance each can be made, and compile a shopping list. Place an order with your local delicatessen or bakery, as needed. - Oh that is easier said than done.  I end here!  UGG (no not the boots) Well really I have a pretty good idea for a menu just still need to figure out if it will feed everyone.  
• Line up any help you may need. Consider hiring a high school student or a professional to help with pre- or post party cleaning or to pass drinks or appetizers, replenish buffet food, tidy up, and generally take some weight off your shoulders. - Isn't that what your own and other people's kids are for? 

Two Weeks Before

• Clean any crystal, china, and silverware you’ll be using. And launder and iron linens. - Now this is funny!!!!!!!!!! Paper plates, napkins and plastic silverware purchased - check!  We can be a formal family, but this is a party!
• Come up with a playlist. The music should be upbeat and sufficient to last throughout the party.  - hmm wonder if I can talk the roommate into doing this for me.
• Do a first round of grocery shopping and cooking. Prepare any dishes that can be frozen. - gross 2 weeks before start cooking...no way

One Week Before

• Clean the house thoroughly. This way, you’ll need only a quick once-over before the party.  - Let's hope that the party falls on a week the maid comes. :-)
• Set the stage. Arrange the furniture as you’ll want it for the party, making sure that guests can move easily from one part of your house to another. - Why we are family we like to be cozy. Designate a coffee table or side table for coffee and dessert, if you’ll be serving them. - IF??? Of course there will be DESSERT! Tuck away things that will be in the way, precious items that might get broken (or even be taken), and any clutter. - HAHAHA things that maybe broken or taken, WOW...that writer must have some shifty friends. Figure out the lighting: Using low-wattage bulbs or candlelight will create the right mood.- I got it, how about lights on it that a mood?
• Take inventory of cookware and serving dishes. If you don’t have enough for every dish you’re serving, consider purchasing inexpensive pieces from a discount or thrift store. Label each dish with a Post-it so you’ll remember what you plan to use it for at party time.- Oh I have plenty of serving dishes, a la Pampered Chef.
• Stock the bar. Plan three bottles of wine for every four people, three to four cocktails per guest for a two- to three-hour cocktail party.- DAMN RIGHT! but heck that is a lot of alcohol.  LOL

Three Days Before

• Notify the neighbors. Let them know you’re having a party if you expect it to be large, loud, or parking-intensive. - Yikes, yep that will probably be necessary.
• Decorate. Arrange candles, put up theme decorations, etc. - PASS
• Check the medicine cabinet. Remove any personal items you wouldn’t want guests to see.- THIS IS THE FUNNIEST THING I HAVE EVER READ.  But yes of course I will be doing this.  LOL
• Set up clean-up stations. Place a box of salt, Wine Away (red wine stain remover), club soda, and a couple of rags in a wicker basket, and store a few in strategic places in case a nasty spill occurs.- You will not spill if you know what is good for you!  Just kidding, we are prepared.
• Specify a place for coats. Make space in a closet and fill it with hangers. You could also choose a bed for coats (make sure the room is especially tidy and free of valuables, so you won’t need to worry about them), or purchase an inexpensive portable garment rack. - Done
• Finish grocery shopping. Make a detailed cooking schedule for your remaining dishes.- How about start and finish.

One Day Before

• Set the tables. Or set up the buffet.- Remind me to hit my mom's house to steal things to use
• Buy and arrange flowers. - debatable
• Finish as much of the cooking as you can. Also, for any foods that require cooking on party day, do as much prep (dicing, marinating, rinsing lettuce, etc.) as possible.- Smart oh and I already knew this.
• Give your house a once-over. Do whatever touch-ups are needed.- clean up the pet hair

Day of the Party

• Finish any last-minute cooking. This should be absolutely minimal!- Ok sorry to whomever wrote this but I will be cooking on the day...I know no matter what I always do.
• Place chairs. Don’t worry about having enough seating for everyone; fewer seats will encourage mingling. - set up tables outside and get fire-pit ready.  :-)
• Display food. One to two hours before guests arrive, set out appetizers and snacks that won’t spoil. Wrap them tightly to ensure freshness; tear off the wrap when the first guest rings the doorbell.- Of course my dear.
• Greet guests as they arrive. Things should be organized so you’re free to mingle, not tied to the kitchen.- One can only hope it works out that way. 

BUT no matter what, throwing a big party for family and friends is always worth it!  As I mentioned yesterday I am blessed and I want to show them how much I love them all.  So bring on the grub, suds and laughter.