Holiday Party Planning Guide - Living Out Loud, Inc.

Holiday Party Planner

Getting started

Decide on the date, place, and style or theme for the party.
Make up the official guest list.
If you do not want to play chef, call your favorite caterer one month in advance and give them your menu ideas and approximate number of guests.
Plan the menu.
For formal parties, mail invitations. For casual parties, mail/email invitations or telephone your guests to invite them.
Select your favorite table settings, flower decorations, centerpieces and music you would like to use or shop for any new ideas.
Make arrangements a month ahead of time for any items you'll need to rent or borrow.

Telephone any guests who have not responded to your invitations so you can get a definite head count.
Perform preliminary housecleaning or have it done for you. If you are not having the party catered, make sure all appliances that you'll be using function properly. If you're grilling, don't forget to buy charcoal or fill the gas cylinder.
Compile your Price Chopper shopping list. Check on items such as matches, flowers, candles, alcohol and anything else that you may need. Don't forget to have or make ice.
Check that table linens and napkins are clean and ready to go. Decide on tableware and serving pieces.
If you're making decorations or centerpiece yourself, now is the time to get started.
If time is limited, make some foods ahead and freeze them or let Price Chopper entertain you with their wide selection of de trays, specialty meats, prepared meals, seafood, breads, desserts, fruit baskets, floral and more!

Shop for everything but the most perishable items.
After you return from shopping, re-check your recipes to make sure you have everything you need if you are doing the baking or cooking.
Order any special flowers, meats, seafood, other ingredients you'll need.
Plan your timetable for cooking the foods.
If possible, make non-perishable items, such as snack mixes, ahead.

Relax because you have planned ahead.
Prepare your music and candles to be
displayed around the house.
Do your last minute decorating for the
part:
Prepare an area for coats and umbrellas.
If possible, arrange and set your table(s),
serving areas and gathering areas for
people to sit and talk.
Prepare your salad greens the day of
the party.
Thaw frozen items, if the items are
perishable, thaw them in the refrigerator.

Go over the house and make sure everything looks perfect especially the main entrance.
Make sure all foods and beverages to be served cold will be well chilled by party time.
Put out some recent pictures of the family.

Put all the finishing touches on the meal, tables and gathering areas.
Clear a spot for placing used dishes as guests finish with them, and
provide an easily accessible place for garbage.
Set out cheese and non-perishable appetizers or snacks, if you are
serving those.