The most important things that you can do to help yourself is to get as much done as early as you can, and get help wherever you can so as to not take on the entirety of the duties by yourself. Not everyone is a planner by nature, but as soon as you decide to host a party, you should start making lists. The how’s and the who’s are always a good place to start. First you need to know who is coming. You obviously know why you are having people over to your home, so you may already have a theme. If you don’t, make one up. It will help you in coordinating the rest of the planning.
After you know who is coming and the theme of the event, it’s time to create a menu. If you like to cook, that’s great, this part is easy. Keep it simple and keep with your theme. Never attempt a new recipe when entertaining. Try to make dishes that don’t require your full attention while the guests are there. The best thing you can do for yourself is to hire someone to heat, add the final touches and set out for you. This will be the best way you can spend money you will ever find when it comes to hosting. There is nothing better than having someone take care of the tasks required for setting up and cleaning up, while you simply relax and enjoy your friends.
Simple desserts and seasonal fruit can sit out the entire time. Make 2 – 3 types of desserts ahead of time. Cookies and Brownies can be made a month in advance, frozen, and taken out the day before. A cake from a local bakery is always a simple way to go and you can have someone pick it up for you on their way over to save yourself time.
2 – 3 appetizers that can be served at room temperature can be set out before guests arrive. This is a good place to take friend’s up on offers that want to do something to help. Let them bring an appetizer. Set out small bowls of nuts and trail mix or chips on seating tables and the beverage table. This can be done up to 2 days before if wrapped tightly.
For the main course, again, keep it simple and do what is comfortable for you… make what you make well and have made before. If you like to grill, BBQ themes are simple and delicious. If you don’t cook, then don’t. Hire a caterer to drop off food or call a favorite restaurant and pick up party packages they offer. Again, your hired server can take care of the heating, set up and cleaning of this.
Drinks can be as fun as you want to make them. For most events, a beer / wine / soda bar is just fine. 1 White, 1 Red Wine, 1 Light Beer, 1 – 2 Regular Beers, Coke, Diet Coke, Sprite and Bottled Water is all you need to please most anyone. If you want to step it up from there slightly, add a specialty cocktail. Keep with your theme, pre-mix in pitchers and let guests serve themselves, or utilize your hired hand to serve your guests, it will make them feel special. If you want to go with a full bar, don’t forget the mixers – soda and tonic waters, juices, lemons, limes, olives, cherries and onions. You’ll also need shakers, stirrers, straws and an ice bucket with scoop. Always get more ice than you think you need. This is something that you can ask one of your early guests to pick up on their way.
If you want to make your event extra special, never hesitate to contact a professional, there are plenty of people out there willing to offer advice on your specific situation to ensure your event is a success. Most importantly, keep it simple and have fun.
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