Most people like to get together with friends. My husband and I are no exception. Our house tends to be the party house, because we live on a lake.
I don't particularly like to cook, but after years in the restaurant business, I always feel it is my obligation to serve great food and ensure the party success.
My husband used to say, "Relax! Just serve hot dogs and chips. NOBODY WILL CARE!" Well, I care…but it's just too much work! The idea, after all, IS to have FUN!
So, here are some tips to make it easy, create comfort for guests, keep it casual but still show some style:
1.Don't have large groups. Small groups are much less stressful to be ready for and simply more enjoyable. The difference between 15 people and 40 people is amazing, in terms of work.
2.Ask each invited guest to bring one appetizer. What I've found is that they bring their special recipe that has been tested over time. This ensures great food, lots of it and most people bring too much, so you never run out. I don't even have to make anything! We DO NOT ask guests to bring their own beverages, aka BYOB), but several always do anyway, so you won't run out of these either. If you're trying to keep the costs minimal, you could ask some guests to bring food and some to bring beverages.
3. Clean the house, but don't worry about every detail. Vacuum and dust. DO be sure your bathrooms are spotless. I don't scrub my kitchen floor, because I know it'll need it badly after the party.
4. Never run out of ice. Ever! Have you ever been to a party where you go to make yourself a drink and have to scoop your hand in ice water to get the few remaining chips of ice for your glass? Ice is virtually free. If you don't want to buy it, start several days ahead and put cubes in plastic bags to stock up. Or, for the guest who just doesn't bring food (the single guy who thrives on McDonalds), ask him to bring a couple of bags of ice instead of the appetizer. You will need a large cooler to store all of this ice in if, like us, your freezer space is at a premium.
5.Get your beverage station set up. The very first thing that should always be done is that you offer arriving guests a beverage. I've been to parties where I had to search in someone's cupboards for a glass to get a drink. It's really hospitable if you pour at least the first drink for your guests. We like to set up in a couple of areas. Mixed drinks and wine in the kitchen. Beer, pop, water in coolers on the deck.
a. Plastic cups are fine for mixed drinks but buy colorful, fun ones that are an ample size. I even put these in the dishwasher!
b. Use only glass wine glasses for wine. We have a couple dozen large but sturdy wine glasses. They're inexpensive, so I don't worry if one breaks (and none have in 5 years!). Plus, I keep those charms on the stems so guests can remember which glass is theirs…they were given to us as gifts…very handy!
c.Stock garnishes. Get lemons, limes, straws (women like straws), olives, twists or whatever you need for the beverages you are serving.
6. Plan food service and displays.
a.Decorate your table…simply, with things you have. Last party, I wanted some simple fresh greens, so I cut some leaves from my iris plants and put them in a couple of vases. Along with some small votive candles, and a simple table runner, the table looked great! My style is minimalist and contemporary. Yours might be flowery. Make it bright, fun, and splashy! Just don't take up too much room with décor.
b.Get out serving dishes (MUCH nicer than the foil or plastic that guests will bring their food in). Yes, you'll have to wash them, but it will make your spread feel more sophisticated and stylish. Put out condiments. Even when we have hot dogs, I put out several kinds of mustards, ketchup, relish, and diced onions.
c.Do NOT use basic white paper plates. They look cheap, they're ugly and they're flimsy. Styrofoam is pretty disgusting too. Again, if your group is relatively small, washing some dishes is not a big deal. Or, buy colorful and sturdy paper plates. I've found some really cool designs at places like Target or even Kmart. Even Corelle now has some trendy, hip patterns…you still have to wash, but they're lightweight and unbreakable. I buy on sale so I have them available. You can shop garage sales for real bargains!
d. Get out serving spoons, forks, tongs. Have them ready since you don't know what you'll need. Better to have too many utensils out than forcing guests to use their fingers just because you didn't notice when someone slipped another dish on the table.
e. If you're having more guests than you have silverware, buy heavy-duty plastic ware. Don't buy the small, cheap ones…you cannot eat with these! I actually put the heavy-duty version in the dishwasher and they're fine, but I also don't worry if it gets tossed. Put the silver or plastic ware in a bowl, basket or tray lined with a cloth napkin or dishtowel. Looks nicer.
f. Buy colorful napkins…cocktail size if it's just appetizers. Again, I find these on sale. I can't stand the cheap, flimsy paper napkins that fall apart in your hands with the slightest use. I use cloth napkins if the group is under 20. Yes, you have to wash (and even iron them), but they're SO much nicer!
g. Plan for the trash. You'll generate a lot, no matter what. If you want guests to recycle bottles and cans, or keep bottles for the deposit, put clear signs on the receptacles where you want these things…or you'll find trash in them. Nobody likes to have to search for the trash or struggle to cram the last bit into an overflowing trash.
7. Don't forget the most frequently used room in the house…the bathroom! Think about this! I said earlier, be sure it's spotless, as people tend to snoop around more when they're in a private space. Are you one of them?
a. Put out extra toilet paper. Don't make guests have to ask…it's awkward. You might forget to check.
b. Put out paper towels or extra guest hand towels. Almost 100% of the parties I've attended (even in homes of wealthy hosts) have not provided adequate towels. Either you're guessing, "Are these their private bath towels?", or the one towel is damp from use, or worse, clearly dirty. You're left wondering, "Did everyone using this towel actually wash their hands??" I like to buy those "paper" towels that are more like Handi-wipes fabric, but disposable (and more expensive). A regular roll of paper towels is better than one wimpy hand towel.
c.If the bath guests will be using is your private bath, don't leave out your personal grooming items. Put away medications, toothpaste, razors, hair gel, robes, slippers, etc. In our guest bath, I use the top drawer for guest items…floss, toothpicks, band-aids, tampons, anything else I think a guest may like to have access to during a visit. If you have no drawer, you could put out small box or basket with some of these items, then just put it away after the party.
8. Create atmosphere.
a.Plan your music. This includes the volume. When there is no music, the room will feel flat in the beginning while there are just a few people there. Music helps guests relax sooner, unless it's too loud. We're all different with music tastes, so something middle of the road or more low-key is generally best.
b.Don't have the TV on when guests arrive…unless, of course, it's a sports-related party. Then, have 2 or 3 TVs in various places. The TV is a conversation killer. People will stare at TV just because it's there, even during the commercials!
c. Decide which lights you want on and use candles when it becomes dark. I don't light candles until they'll be noticed, but you may forget in the midst of everything. I like votives because they're cheap and easy to deal with, but don't last that long. Remember to do this both inside and outside your home.
9. Plan for an unexpected overnight guest. This may be rare, but we live 20 minutes from the town where most people are driving to. We are always prepared for an overnight guest or 2, just in case someone has too much to drink without a designated driver. I keep handy, a box or guest bag with 2 toothbrushes, toothpaste (the dentist gives them to me), clean towel sets, clean sheets on the bed in the guest room. If you don't have a guest room, a clean sheet, pillow and comforter for the couch will work. I also keep some generic clothing… t-shirts and sweat pants in large and X large. This works for almost anyone, in a pinch.
With this bit of planning, you can get ready for a party in a day! Remember, the purpose is fun for your guests and for you!
Michelle Porter, |
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