parTAY! 6 easy tips for a memorable event

     If you are planning an event larger that you've ever done, remember these key steps. First, relax and breathe. You'll do just fine. Now, let's plan:

•      THEME
•      MENU
•      SHOPPING
•      TIMELINE
•      DELEGATE
•      DRESS

     Make up your mind now to enjoy yourself. No one wants to attend a party hosted by Joan of Arc moments before she is doomed to die by fire. Have fun and for crying out loud, don't forget to smile. Follow a few simple steps, be ready for the unexpected and you'll be just fine.
     Everything I have learned to do has been by trial and error... and I do mean lots of error. Don't take yourself or your event too seriously. Remember that the World won't stop turning, even if things go horribly wrong. That was your pep-talk!! Now, don't you feel better?

     First, after planning the date, location and time, identify the reason for this event. Come up with a guest list and THEME. Some of you theme lovers out there are doing a little happy dance right now, aren't you?

     Now, mentally study said guest list and take stock of their particulars and foibles. Who are they? How well do you know them and their food preferences? Are there vegans or allergy sufferers on that list? Plan your MENU accordingly. Consider the current season of the year as well. Keep your menu simple with fewer items made in larger quantities. Don't choose a recipe that takes days or hours to prepare and this certainly isn't the time to make something elaborate for the very first time.
     People love simple, delicious food with a personal touch... something that is personal to you. Consider accessory items that are pre-made or easy to assemble, like salad mixes, frozen or bakery-made desserts. This gives you more time to concentrate on a show-stopping main course or something you're famous for.
     Utilize Pinterest, free websites and food blogs for menu and planning ideas. You can also google the name of nearly any recipe and have more ideas than you can fathom.

     Next, take chosen recipes and write down the ingredients to each in list form. This way, you can be ready to go shopping. Take inventory of what you have on hand to avoid duplicating. This will save money while rotating pantry staples. Write out the quantities beside each item and group list by where you plan to buy items.

    Set a day or two for SHOPPING. Consider where you will store items bought in advance. Around my house, freezer space is prime real estate! Do you have an extra fridge or freezer, or a trustworthy neighbor with a little room to spare?
     Make a TIMELINE, traveling from the present day, up to the date of the event. List tasks beginning with anything that could be made a month or so ahead and frozen, maybe part of the main course or a dessert. If a friend or relative has something you can borrow in the way of serving pieces or decor, nail it down early and retrieve at least a week before event.

     Work toward the date of the event, breaking down every job and maybe delegating a few things, if you can. Include everything on your timeline... sending invitations, housekeeping, shopping, food prep, decorating, setting the table and making YOURSELF party ready.
     Do you remember the old adage that said, "How do you eat and elephant?... One bite at a time?" Now that you have made your timeline, relax and simply follow the schedule. Breaking event tasks into tiny bits makes life more manageable.

     On the day of the event, remember to clean as you go. If you have someone to DELEGATE the serving and cleanup duties to, enlist them early in the planning stages. This will certainly pay off at the end of the day.
     I have hosted plenty of events that I never got to enjoy because I was refilling dishes or washing them. Most importantly, after enlisting someone to help, be sure to find some way to thank them afterward as well. A thank you note, a Starbucks gift card or volunteering to return the favor will be greatly appreciated.

     Leave time to DRESS prior to the event. No one will be impressed if you attend your own function looking like a scullery maid, disheveled, smelly and stained with the very food you're serving. Eww.
     Shower and fix your hair. Powder your nose and add some color to your face. Wear something clean and please... comfortable, but stylish shoes. 

 Now, SMILE, remember to breathe and go have fun! You deserve it, you fabulous thing, you!