Party Checklist
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- Three Weeks Before
- Make an invitation listFor a large cocktail party, invite 20 percent more people than you can fit, since typically only 70 percent to 80 percent of invitees attend.
- Decide on a theme, if you want oneMake, buy, or borrow any decorations or music you may need to fit the theme.
- Send invitationsMail, e-mail, even phone invites are all acceptable.
- Plan the menuAssemble 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.
- Line up any help you may needConsider 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.
- Two Weeks Before
- Clean any crystal, china, and silverware you'll be usingAnd launder and iron linens.
- Come up with a playlistThe music should be upbeat and sufficient to last throughout the party.
- Do a first round of grocery shopping and cookingPrepare any dishes that can be frozen.
- One Week Before
- Clean the house thoroughlyThis way, you'll need only a quick once-over before the party.
- Set the stageArrange 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.
- Take inventory of cookware and serving dishesIf 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.
- Stock the barPlan three bottles of wine for every four people, three to four cocktails per guest for a two- to three-hour cocktail party.
- Three Days Before
- Notify the neighborsLet them know you're having a party if you expect it to be large, loud, or parking-intensive.
- DecorateArrange candles, put up theme decorations, etc.
- Check the medicine cabinetRemove any personal items you wouldn't want guests to see.
- Set up clean-up stationsPlace 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.
- Specify a place for coatsMake 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.
- Finish grocery shoppingMake a detailed cooking schedule for your remaining dishes.
- One Day Before
- Set the tablesOr set up the buffet.
- Buy and arrange flowers.
- Finish as much of the cooking as you canAlso, for any foods that require cooking on party day, do as much prep (dicing, marinating, rinsing lettuce, etc.) as possible.
- Give your house a once-overDo whatever touch-ups are needed.
- Day of the Party
- Finish any last-minute cooking.This should be absolutely minimal!
- Place chairsDon't worry about having enough seating for everyone; fewer seats will encourage mingling.
- Display foodOne 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.
- Greet guests as they arriveThings 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
5 stars
Scores 4.80 with 601 votes