Party Planning Advice

Party planning is a long and elaborate process but it need not be tedious and fraught with stress if things are planned. Here are some pointers to make the process of planning smooth and hassle-free.

Estimating Alcohol Requirements

If this is a party with adults or a mix of both, both alcoholic as well as non-alcoholic beverages should be served. The amount of alcohol to be served will depend on factors such as:

• The duration of the party
• If the guests are heavy drinkers
• In terms of variety, the kind of balance to be offered between mixed drinks, wine and beer
• Kind of party planned, whether cocktail or sit-down type of dinner

Ultimately, while the above considerations will help, deciding the amount of alcohol will be a blend of science and art. In the case of cocktail parties, the general rule is to serve one bottle of champagne or wine every two persons at every two-hour intervals.

In terms of calculation, estimate the amount of drink for each person for every hour and add an extra 25% to keep a margin. If the temperatures outside are hot or if the food is spicy and salty, chances are the guests will be drinking more.

Things To Avoid When Entertaining

Most people concentrate on things to do when they entertain. However, there are some rules governing what proper entertainment should be like.

Cooking food for oneself without providing the option to share with others, getting guests to run errands, overlooking special dietary or culinary preferences of guests, leaving embarrassing items out for guests to see or keeping the house unclean, not following proper hygiene when cooking etc. are just some of the blunders people make when entertaining.

Prepare For Last Minute Guests

Every once in a while a host finds unexpected guests asking if they can drop by. Here are a few tips to make the entertaining experience easy:

• Quick cleanups:
  Clean places, which are more prone to be seen such as the living and dining areas.

• Presentation with candles:
  Candles lend a soft and warm appeal to any ambience. Decorate the table with candles for extra splendour.

• Fantastic centrepieces:
  A host need not spend an arm and a leg to create fabulous centrepieces. At a moment's notice, nice centrepieces can be made using existing materials in the home.

  Some examples include bottles of salad dressing, tin cans, tea pots, water pitchers, china tea cups etc. can all be used as vases. Filling up cans with dry leaves, potpourri or large magnolia leaves can work wonders to spruce up a dining table.

• Easy appetizers:
  Food is mandatory for any entertaining experience and if these are last minute guests, easy appetizers like cheese and fruit platters or cheese straws, stuffed tomatoes etc. all form easy recipes to make at a moment’s notice.

Checklist

Make sure that the menu has been planned, guest list is confirmed, invitations are extended, shopping has been done beforehand.