How To Throw a Party Your Friends Will Rave About--Part 2--Preparing

If our goal is throw a party your friends will rave about, we need to plan, prepare, and host--all with love, care, and attention to detail. In my last blog, we formulated a plan. Now, it is time to start preparing to throw a party that will seal your reputation as a thoughtful, creative, and generous host.

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Party Prep--Procuring

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We were planning a dinner party for three couples, served family style. It will be a backyard Memorial Day dinner party. Since one of our guests is allergic to both tree nuts and sesame products, we've decided to prepare our meal instead of having it catered. Of course, we want some festive and chic decorations. That means it's time to go shopping! Here are a few hints on what, when, and how to shop for all that we need:

Allergy-Accommodating Purchases

• Begin purchasing separate or single-use cooking vessels and utensils. Don't wait until the day of the party to think about avoiding cross contact with allergens. At least 2-3 weeks prior to the day of your event, purchase either separate utensils (tongs, spatulas, etc.) and bowls, pots or pans, or consider using single-use aluminum foil pans where possible. Although you may be strictly avoiding any allergens in your menu, you don't want any guest to become ill due to cross-contact from previous use.
• Read labels carefully when shopping. This means not only looking for the allergens as a possible ingredient, but also looking at notations on "processed in a facility where..." When in doubt, look for a product that clearly indicates that it is free of said allergen, in this case tree nuts and sesame. Remember, too, that you might be looking for the allergen under another name. For example, because our dinner guest has an allergy to sesame--we should not purchase tahini, which contains sesame. Read, research alternate terms, and purchase only what is clearly stated to be free of the allergen.

Decorative and Paper-Goods Purchases

• Explore Your Options. Because they are not subject to spoilage, decorative items and paper goods (plates, napkins, disposable utensils) can all be purchased well in advance of your event date. This means that you can check out a number of places for the best selection and price. Consider buying these items from a dollar store, discounter, or even a restaurant supply store. You may find stylish and creative alternatives to traditional items in unexpected places.
• If you're crafting your decorations, don't forget the supplies. Craft store trip! This 2-3 week period before your event is the time to get the supplies for your handmade decorations, and to start creating them. Because there will be other details to attend to in the days leading up to your party, working on that decor now will eliminate stress later.

Prepare for the Post-Party

• Don't forget about take home containers and party favors. Because we want to be generous with our guests, chances are we will have plenty of food items for our guests to take home. They will appreciate a whimsical container (even better if it is re-useable) to take home those goodies. If you are planning on giving your guests something special to take home--in the way of a party favor--make sure you pick up anything you need for that when you visit the craft store.
• Make sure you have enough durable storage containers for the leftovers you keep. If you still have leftovers after you've sent your guests home with their fair share, you'll want to have storage containers that you feel comfortable reheating those leftovers in. Look for glass or BPA-free plastic.

Ask for Help!

• When you start purchasing things for your party, its time to start thinking about party help. Even for a small dinner party, consider hiring help. You want to enjoy your guest company, not act as chef, server, and bus boy. A ChoreVoyant party help package will allow you to spend more time with your guests, and less time in the kitchen. Hiring help well before the day of the party will make things run more smoothly.

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Cleaning and Cooking

• Start buying non-perishable meal ingredients, as well as any hardy perishables, about 1 week before your party. This way, you avoid running to the store when you need to be doing other things! 'Hardy' perishables include items like cream cheese, fresh pasta, and dips.
• About 3-4 days ahead of the party, begin cleaning those areas of the house that you anticipate guests will use or gather in. Three to four days gives you plenty of time to clean in an unhurried manner, and not too much time for the spaces to get dirty again! Remember to start washing those serving platters right about now, as well.
• Begin prepping ingredients 1-2 days beforehand. Items like peppers, broccoli, cauliflower, and cucumbers can be sliced or chopped ahead of time. Taking this step a day or so before the party will give you more time to take care of any last minute details the day of your party. Use the day before your party to make any dishes that need time for flavors to blend--things like potato or pasta salads, dips, or chili.
• On the day of your party, remember to build in time for eliminating the possibility of cross-contact of allergens. If you are preparing or serving something that may not be suitable for your guest with the nut and sesame allergy, make sure that you have enough time to clean surfaces that may have come into contact with the allergen. Not factoring in this time can slow you down considerably as you do your final preparations.
• Leave time to get yourself ready! It's possible to get so involved in the party prep that you rush to shower and get into your party outfit. Don't wait to the last minute to get yourself ready. Be dressed and in full "glam" about 3-4 hours before your guests arrive. Leave those last two hours before the start of your party to set things out, and have everything in place. If you're worried about staining your outfit, wear an apron.
• If you have hired help, walk them through where things are and what your priorities are at least two hours before guests arrive. If you want their help in setting things out, cleaning up dishes that are in the sink from the food prep, your hired help will need that time to work their magic. Be clear on the order of things you want done, and let them know where things are.

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Party help from ChoreVoyant can assist with any part of the preparation process. Whether it is shopping, cleaning, or serving as your sous chef, we will lighten your load and give you peace of mind as you get ready to welcome friends into your home. Call Marcia at (201)707-5813 or contact us here to chat about what you need.