Most of the time I get compliments from family and friends that my parties are very organized and fun. The common question I get asked is ‘how do you do it?’ I thought of having a little break from writing poetry and share some of my tips and tricks that I have achieved and mastered from experience, trial and error and having a sense of creativity.
In the post below I will list and outline some of my approaches that I take when organizing get together at home from a simple play date to birth day parties to formal dinners, lunches, and tea time.
- Determine a date and time of the party.
- Choose a time and date that is convenient for yourself and for your guests too. If the party is on the weekend, make sure to choose a time that suits parents of young children going to school next day.
- 3 – 4 days before the party make sure the house is clean. Pay special attention to the house entrance. Remove any clutter that blocks the hallways or the entrance. If there is a coat closet, make sure to remove all unnecessary coats before the party to make room for guest’s coats. Same idea goes for any shoes in the closet.
- Pay special attention to the kitchen and entertaining area. Remove or hide any appliances on the kitchen counter top that won’t be used during the party.
- In the living room or family room of the house make sure that the side tables don’t have too much clutter or magazines on them. Having too many small decoration items on the side tables makes it very inconvenient for guest to place their drinks or plates when seated on coach.
- Invest in small folding chairs to be taken out when needed. Keep them stored away neatly in an area that is fast approachable during the party.
- Pay close attention to the guest washroom on the main floor. Make sure that there is extra toilet paper stored away in a cabinet. Remove any personal items from the guest washroom. Make sure that the guest towels are clean. It is good manners to place hand lotion and air freshener in the washroom.
- Keep in mind that having a party doesn’t only mean having a fun time, it also entails making guest comfortable in your house. A day before the party make sure that you complete your checklist of cutlery, plates and glasses for the guests and kids. Make sure to place them out neatly in piles on the serving table.
- Give special consideration to drinking water, juices and pops and have the cooler or jugs placed on the serving table as well during the party.
- Now the most important aspect of the party is to determine why you are throwing a party and what it entails. This is important to determine the food menu in your party. If their is any theme to the party like casual dressing or formal dressing, make sure to convey the message to the guests either verbally or write it on the invitation.
- Now comes the menu. I decide my menu by taking in to consideration allergies, vegetarian and non vegetarian options for my guests.
- Some of my common menu items are as follows that I mix and match accordingly:
- Home made potato salad with corns, green pepper, tomatoes and dressing.
- Garden salad
- Pasta with meat balls
- Pizza
- Baked Chicken with potato sides
- Mixed vegetable rice
- Friend Fish
- French Fries
- Chicken nuggets
- Beef stew with bread
- Spinach curry with feta cheese
- Stir fry vegetables
- Red Kidney Beans with minced meat.
- White Rice
- Egg Fried Noodles
- Stuffed peppers
- Spring Rolls
- Rice Pudding for Desert
- Cake for Desert
- Burgers
13. During the party I make sure to use warm burners to place dishes on. For stews and soups, I like to serve them in slow cooker as they remain hot through out. I place the bread in the bread container to keep it warm.
I hope some of these tips you will find useful for your upcoming party at home. Make sure to leave me a comment and also share your tips when organizing a party. 🙂
N. Reflection
Reflections in a teacup 