How to Prepare for Your Next Party

Whether it is a holiday party or just a dinner party, it is best to prepare in advance in order to make it a success. Here are some checklist ideas to keep everything headed in the right direction.

It's all about the menu. Plan the menu at least one week in advance. Make a grocery list and think about what you will use as a centerpiece.

Clean the refrigerator. It is always good to have a clean refrigerator for leftovers or to put food that needs to be cooked or reheated.

If you do not have an ice maker, then make some. If you do, you still may want to put ice cubes in bags and make more. It really depends ho big the party is going to be.

Decide on table linens, utensils (plastic, good silver or everyday utensils), china and glassware. If you do not have a bowl for punch, find someone who does or purchase one if you plan to use one.

One week ahead, clean the entire house thoroughly. Decide if and how you want to decorate for the occasion. If you need to buy items for party decorations, do it now. It may take time to find everything you need.

Five or Six days before the party, buy everything you need especially food. Be sure to bring your grocery list.

Three days before the party be positive everything is working. If you are cutting a turkey, be sure knives are sharp. Do you need extra chairs? Are they in the basement? Do you have enough hangers? Try to think of all the little details. If you are having a turkey, is it defrosting?

Two days before the party, you will want to buy any perishable food such as fresh fruit and vegetables. Maybe even half and half for the coffee.

One day before the party, do your vacuuming, dusting and get things in order. Take out the dishes your going to use. Set the table. Make dips or any items that need to refrigerate for a while. Fruit salads should also be made in advance. Double check your menu and be sure you have everything you need. Make a schedule of what needs to be cooked and when. Set an alarm if you need to wake up early.

The day of the party - The first thing to do is check your schedule and be sure to cook everything on time. Prepare coffee maker so you can just turn it on when needed. Put ice in bucket and start making the punch. When guests arrive make salad. Gravy should be the last item on your cooking agenda.

If you follow this easy checklist, your next party will go off without a hitch.