Planning a party is always challenging and it is only when you start to think and plan for your first one that you realise what is required to make it a success. The biggest mistakes people make is to underestimate the time it will take to plan and organise. An average party of 20 people takes approximately 15 hours to plan and organise. Here is a fool proof checklist and tips:
1. Guest List - Make a list of who you would like to invite and add an extra third as that number will not come. Telephone and text 2 weeks before and then 2 days before again. Insist on RSVP as some people do not do this as manners have slipped in recent years.
2. Age Groups - Consider ages of children that will be there. If the majority of guests have children under 5 you will need an early start of 6pm so that they can leave at 8pm. If children are older then you could start at 7pm and finish later at 9 - 10 pm. Of course if it falls on a school night this will impact too.
3. Food - this should be made clear to guests what is on offer e.g. replacement for a meal so that they don't have to make an evening meal and it will be hearty and filling. Over catering and left over food is a disaster if you don't make it clear to guests that they should come hungry. The alternative is to say that there are just snacks and light bites for after the fireworks so that guests know they should eat before coming. This is important for people with small children who cannot wait hours without food. Make simple food that does not require a specific cooking time and be kept warm all night e.g. curry, hotpot or stew or pie and mushy peas. Layout plates, cutlery and napkins and accompaniments on one large table. Announce the food is served and ask people to come up to the stove with a plate which you can offer them choices or serve one simple dish. Or have two of you at the stove with a pile of plates and one person serves the food onto the plate as it passed to you by the other helper. They then pass out the plate to a guest and point them to the table with forks, napkin etc. This is the fastest most efficient way to get everyone fed within 20 minutes.
4. Drink - guests tend to bring a bottle and a good alternative is to give some guidance and ask for red wine only so that you can make a great mulled wine in a large pan and even guests who like white wine will try this and it gets them into that great autumnal / wintry feel. The male guests like this too.
5. Seating - how many chairs will you need even if you think guests will stand (probably in the kitchen where all the best parties are!) a great tip is to buy fold up camping chairs.
6. Timing - guests will turn up early, on time and late so when planning food on arrival plan this for at least 45 minute after your invitation time.
7. Pets - Make sure they are out of the way or go to a nice quiet neighbour of the night. They could escape out of the door as people leave and arrive; they are frightened of fireworks and can get under the feet when serving hot food.
8. Lighting and music are very important and adds to the whole ambiance of the evening and is often underestimated. Lighting should be low and relaxing and likewise with the music at the beginning of the evening. Then as things warm up and people are more relaxed you can play more upbeat tempo to get the party going.
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