Dinner Party Planning - a Day By Day Countdown

Whether you are planning a feast for 50 over the Christmas holiday or an intimate gathering of 6 for Valentine’s Day, creating a time line to get everything done is a wonderful, stress-free way to prepare for the event.  Here is a wonderfully simple and straightforward time line to get everything lined out and ready for your event in a week.

7 DAYS PRIOR:

• Firm up the guest list.  Check over RSVPs and touch base with anyone you have not heard from.
• Finalize your menu.  Detail appetizers, sides, main course, soups, desserts.  Take into consideration dietary needs/restrictions or preferences of your guests.
• Plan your table decorations and purchase any last-minute items to complete this.

3 DAYS PRIOR:

• Create your grocery list and go shopping.  Be sure to include beverages.
• Plan your table arrangement and seating.
• Prepare your linens, serving dishes and place settings.

2 DAYS PRIOR:

• Bake and/or prepare the desserts that can be made ahead of time.  Cover and/or chill those that need refrigeration.
• Clean the house/area or have someone else do it for you (my personal favorite!).

1 DAY PRIOR:

• Prepare all dishes for cooking.  Anything that can be cooked ahead of time should be done today.  Anything that is not able to be prepared ahead of time should be prepped for tomorrow.  For example, wash and slice vegetables and fruits (except kiwi).
• Combine dry ingredients for any dishes that will be cooked tomorrow.
• Prepare appetizers, such as cheese balls and dips.  Dips work best when prepared at least a day in advance anyway.

THE DAY:

• Complete cooking.
• Do a quick check of the place settings and seating arrangements.
• HAVE A GREAT TIME!  It’s YOUR event!