Party Checklist
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Toggle Three Weeks Before status
Three Weeks Before
Toggle Make an invitation list status
Make an invitation list
For a large cocktail party, invite 20 percent more people than you can fit, since typically only 70 percent to 80 percent of invitees attend.
Toggle Decide on a theme, if you want one status
Decide on a theme, if you want one
Make, buy, or borrow any decorations or music you may need to fit the theme.
Toggle Send invitations status
Send invitations
Mail, e-mail, even phone invites are all acceptable.
Toggle Plan the menu status
Plan the menu
Assemble the recipes (choose only those that can be prepared in advance, perhaps even frozen, with just warming and assembling required on party day). Make a list of how far in advance each can be made, and compile a shopping list. Place an order with your local delicatessen or bakery, as needed.
Toggle Line up any help you may need status
Line up any help you may need
Consider hiring a high school student or a professional to help with pre- or postparty cleaning or to pass drinks or appetizers, replenish buffet food, tidy up, and generally take some weight off your shoulders.
Toggle Two Weeks Before status
Two Weeks Before
Toggle Clean any crystal, china, and silverware you'll be using status
Clean any crystal, china, and silverware you'll be using
And launder and iron linens.
Toggle Come up with a playlist status
Come up with a playlist
The music should be upbeat and sufficient to last throughout the party.
Toggle Do a first round of grocery shopping and cooking status
Do a first round of grocery shopping and cooking
Prepare any dishes that can be frozen.
Toggle One Week Before status
One Week Before
Toggle Clean the house thoroughly status
Clean the house thoroughly
This way, you'll need only a quick once-over before the party.
Toggle Set the stage status
Set the stage
Arrange the furniture as you'll want it for the party, making sure that guests can move easily from one part of your house to another. Designate a coffee table or side table for coffee and dessert, if you'll be serving them. Tuck away things that will be in the way, precious items that might get broken (or even be taken), and any clutter. Figure out the lighting: Using low-wattage bulbs or candlelight will create the right mood.
Toggle Take inventory of cookware and serving dishes status
Take inventory of cookware and serving dishes
If you don't have enough for every dish you're serving, consider purchasing inexpensive pieces from a discount or thrift store. Label each dish with a Post-it so you'll remember what you plan to use it for at party time.
Toggle Stock the bar status
Stock the bar
Plan three bottles of wine for every four people, three to four cocktails per guest for a two- to three-hour cocktail party.
Toggle Three Days Before status
Three Days Before
Toggle Notify the neighbors status
Notify the neighbors
Let them know you're having a party if you expect it to be large, loud, or parking-intensive.
Toggle Decorate status
Decorate
Arrange candles, put up theme decorations, etc.
Toggle Check the medicine cabinet status
Check the medicine cabinet
Remove any personal items you wouldn't want guests to see.
Toggle Set up clean-up stations status
Set up clean-up stations
Place a box of salt, Wine Away (red wine stain remover), club soda, and a couple of rags in a wicker basket, and store a few in strategic places in case a nasty spill occurs.
Toggle Specify a place for coats status
Specify a place for coats
Make space in a closet and fill it with hangers. You could also choose a bed for coats (make sure the room is especially tidy and free of valuables, so you won't need to worry about them), or purchase an inexpensive portable garment rack.
Toggle Finish grocery shopping status
Finish grocery shopping
Make a detailed cooking schedule for your remaining dishes.
Toggle One Day Before status
One Day Before
Toggle Set the tables status
Set the tables
Or set up the buffet.
Toggle Buy and arrange flowers. status
Buy and arrange flowers.
Toggle Finish as much of the cooking as you can status
Finish as much of the cooking as you can
Also, for any foods that require cooking on party day, do as much prep (dicing, marinating, rinsing lettuce, etc.) as possible.
Toggle Give your house a once-over status
Give your house a once-over
Do whatever touch-ups are needed.
Toggle Day of the Party status
Day of the Party
Toggle Finish any last-minute cooking. status
Finish any last-minute cooking.
This should be absolutely minimal!
Toggle Place chairs status
Place chairs
Don't worry about having enough seating for everyone; fewer seats will encourage mingling.
Toggle Display food status
Display food
One to two hours before guests arrive, set out appetizers and snacks that won't spoil. Wrap them tightly to ensure freshness; tear off the wrap when the first guest rings the doorbell.
Toggle Greet guests as they arrive status
Greet guests as they arrive
Things should be organized so you're free to mingle, not tied to the kitchen.
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Presented by:
Kimberly French
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Who it's for
This Party Checklist is for anyone who wants a simple, practical way to get things done without missing steps.
- Avoid forgetting - keep all your Party essentials in one place (external memory)
- Save time - start from a proven Party structure instead of a blank page
- Stay on track - track progress, come back later, and keep momentum
- Coordinate with others - share the list and divide responsibilities
- Learn the process - follow the steps in a sensible order, even if it's your first time
How to use it
How to use this Party Checklist
- Save Party Checklist to your free Checklist account so your progress is saved and synced across devices.
- Customize it in the app: remove anything that does not apply, then add your own details for Party (dates, sizes, addresses, notes).
- If others are involved, invite them to collaborate and divide responsibilities.
- Work through the list: check items off as you go, and set reminders for time-sensitive steps.
Rate this Checklist
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Scores 4.80 with 601 votes