A check list and countdown to throwing a GLAMOUROUS holiday party!
THREE WEEKS OUT:
- Confirm the theme.
- Create the menu: Serve a holiday signature drink. Select a few hors d’oeuvers and holiday treats.
- Send out invitations. This is important because it will set the tone for the party. (Email invitations, create a Facebook event, or mail invitations)
TWO WEEKS OUT:
- Schedule a cleaning service to come the day before.
- Buy decorations, candles and any non-perishables. Order flowers from a local florist and dessert/treats from your local bakery.
- Do you have enough table space and chairs?
- Tablecloths and lots of napkins.
- Do you need to buy/rent any charger plates, dishes, stemware, cutlery, candle holders or vases?
- Purchase drink markers so nobody loses track of their drink.
- Start working on your music play list.
- If kids are coming to dinner make sure to plan activities to keep them entertained.
ONE WEEK OUT:
- Make a grocery list.
- Stock up your bar. Make sure to include flat and sparkling water, wine (an assortment of both red and white), beer (also an assortment of different kinds), standard liquor and mixers. Don’t forget an ice bucket.
TWO DAYS OUT:
- Buy groceries – don’t forget lemon and limes for the bar.
- Prepare entertaining area. Clear all clutter from the entertaining space.
- Prepare the bathroom. Remove all personal items from the countertops. Decorate with a nice candle, a nice clean bottle of hand soup. Make sure there is a clean towel to dry hands. Place an extra roll of toilet paper in sight.
- Make sure you have coasters to protect your coffee table and end tables. Spray stain prevention on fabric upholstery.
- Move furniture around to create more space if needed.
DAY BEFORE:
- Pick up a few bags of ice. (If you have space in your freezer, otherwise pick it up tomorrow morning).
- Pick up flowers and treats from bakery.
- Cook or prepare anything that can be warmed up tomorrow.
DAY OF:
- Chill Wine (Use a cooler if you are running out of room in your fridge – This cooler can be used later also if guests bring their own drinks.)
- Set up the bar.
30 MINUTES BEFORE GUESTS ARRIVE:
- Light some candles.
- Begin to warm hors d’oeuvres.
- Pour yourself a glass of wine and relax.
SOME EXTRA TIPS
- Delegate. People like to help! Assign menu items and tasks.
- Make sure you ask everyone if they have any food sensitivities.
- Set up a photo station.
- Use good quality disposable plates, napkins, cutlery and cups if you want to cut back on the dishes after. However, this does create more waste.
- Contact Rifa Concierge and have your personal assistant do the running around and preparation for you!
