|
When |
Task |
Complete |
|
2-3 weeks prior |
Choose a theme or type of cuisine. |
|
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Confirm date and time. |
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|
Choose a location for the party home
or at a restaurant or café. |
|
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Determine an affordable budget if
hosting the party at your home
(allow $10-20 per person). |
|
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Generate a guest list with
consideration of your budget. |
|
|
|
Develop a party action plan if
hosting the party at home. |
|
|
2 weeks prior |
Invite your guests by telephone call
or send an invitation. |
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If hiring caterers, book their
service now. |
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|
Create a contingency plan to bring
the party indoors just in case
weather isn't permitting (only if
you are having an outdoors party). |
|
|
1-2 weeks prior |
Create a menu relevant to your theme
and over the next week, test the
recipes you a planning to cook on
the night. Don't forget to match
wine (s) to the meal (remember to
taste test these as well!). TIP - be
conscious of choosing dishes that
won't keep you in the kitchen all
night or that a very quick to
prepare when your guests are at the
table. |
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|
Consider the décor you will be
using. If your budget allows, shop
for a new dinner party set that
matches your theme. OR search
through linen and crockery you
already have to determine how you
will dress the table to suit your
theme. Small inexpensive additions
such as a new tablecloth or
placemats can really change the look
of a dinner setting and can enhance
your theme. |
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|
Create a shopping list. |
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|
1 week prior |
Purchase items off the shopping list
for food that can be pre-prepared,
beverages for the night and other
items that can be stored until the
day of the dinner. |
|
|
|
Pre-prepare foods that can be frozen
until the dinner party. |
|
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|
Prepare your party clothes - choose
what you will be wearing on the
night. You probably won't have time
to be fussy on the day if you are
cooking and baking. |
|
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|
Organise Music for the party -
background music will enhance your
theme. |
|
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Follow up with guests who are yet to
RSVP. |
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Finalise numbers and make
reservations at the restaurant or
café if you’re a having the dinner
party outside of your home. |
|
|
Day before |
Go shopping for fresh food items and
ingredients to recipes that a
required for cooking on the
day/night of the dinner party. |
|
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|
Clean house and dinner party area
(don't forget the bathroom!) |
|
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If having the dinner party at a
restaurant of café, confirm
attendance with your guests. |
|
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Prepare your clothes for the day -
wash iron etc. |
|
|
Day of the Dinner Party |
Buy fresh flowers (if being used for
the table centre-piece. |
|
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|
Set table with linen, crockery,
cutlery and glassware. |
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Set up stereo in a location where
the dinner party table will be able
to hear the music. |
|
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Quick check to make sure the house
is clean. |
|
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Start cooking meals in the afternoon
that can be reheated later and still
taste excellent - remember you want
to spend as much time with your
guests, not in the kitchen. |
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Give yourself an hour to get ready
and relax with a glass of wine
before your guests arrive. |
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Enjoy your wonderful cooking and
great company! |
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Clean up once all guests have left -
try not to let your guests help you
will the cleaning, even though they
may insist on helping. However, if
they do, graciously thank them. |
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