Throwing a party?
It's a good idea to prepare a checklist so there's no cause for last
minute panic when you suddenly remember something crucial is missing.
Here are a few points to bear in mind.
Drinks
Even if you are having your party catered from outside, it is always a
good idea to arrange for your own alcohol. If you are having few close
and special people over, you can always use your best bottles. But if
you are throwing a large party, save your expensive and delicious wines
for another day, and invest in a few regular bottles available at your
local store. If you buy in bulk,
always remember to ask for a discount. Arrange for your alcohol
earlier, as you may be able to get it at a good price if you ask
around. Army stores sell alcohol at discounted rates, and you can save quite a bit if you plan to buy a large quantity.
Food
Will you be making the food at home,
or will you be getting it catered? If you are getting it catered you
need to book well in advance to make sure you get the caterer of your
choice on the date you require. Also, you will need to select the
dishes, go for a tasting and so on. If you plan to make the food at home, the first thing you need to do is prepare a menu. Make a list of the ingredients required and then run a quick check at home
to see what you have and what you require. Vegetables will need to be
purchased, but other ingredients like baking soda, cocoa,
Worcestershire sauce etc. may be lying at home. You don't want to reach the store and then start wondering if you have a particular ingredient at home. Plan to make just one trip to your neighbourhood supermarket, and try and be as organised as possible.
Home
You will naturally want your home to look beautiful on the day of the party,
but needless to say, there's no point in getting out and purchasing new
furniture or paintings! Make good use of flowers and candles. Place a
large bowl on the main table and on the centre table and fill it up
with water, petals and floating candles. Even a single large floating candle
looks pretty in a bowl. Place fresh flowers in any empty vases you may
have. Make sure all your candle stands have candles in them, and light
all candles for the party.
Toilet
Don't forget the toilet! Make sure it is spic and span. Wash
soap dishes, the sink and of course, the pot. Scrub tiles a few days
before the party, when you have more time. The morning of the party,
place a number of small towel napkins in a little basket by the sink or
hang a number of little towels from the rod. Place a little laundry
basket on the floor, so people can use towels and throw them for wash.
Give your bathroom a decorative touch by placing a few fresh flowers in
a vase, and lighting a scented candle next to the vase. If you have a
ventilator fan, then make sure it is switched on for the duration of
the party so no one stinks up the bathroom!
Checklist
Always make a checklist of your own requirements as soon as you
start planning the party. Keep adding to the checklist as certain
things come to your mind. A well planned party is a great party!
