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It’s party and entertaining season, starting with Thanksgiving get togethers that are just days away all the way to Superbowl Sunday. So the chances are very good that you will be hosting at least one party style get together over the coming weeks.
While every great host has their special secrets for success, being organized is one of the biggest. Organized party hosts have some basic traits and habits in common that, if you learn to make use of them, can help you become a perfectly organized party host as well.
THEY ALWAYS KEEP THE PANTRY STOCKED
Having basic and specialty items on hand means you can easily make appetizers for impromptu get-togethers and also get a jump-start when shopping for specific recipes.
Before you begin menu planning for your party in earnest, take the time to go through your pantry, organize it so that you can see what you have and then ensure that you plan to ‘shop’ your pantry for party food supplies to avoid double buying and starting the New Year with a cluttered pantry (again.)
THEY ALWAYS MAKE LISTS
Lists are in fact a big key to party organization, and making, and using, the right ones will be a huge help. Here are some lists I find very helpful when it comes to party organization, no matter what the occasion is:
- A master guest list allows you to keep contact information, dietary restrictions and RSVPs all in one place. Create an RSVP sign up use custom questions on your sign-up to collect dietary information. Doing this via email is fine, or if you want to be even more organized, you can make use of a free to use event site such as Evite.
- A master to-do list is a great way to keep all aspects of your party — menu, décor, music and party favors — in one place.
- A master shopping list will let you keep track of the budget and all items you need to buy
THEY ALWAYS STREAMLINE THE MENU
Choosing the food can — and should be — one of the most enjoyable parts of throwing a party. To keep things organized and affordable, keep these considerations in mind:
- Time of party: The hour of the event will help determine what type of food, and how much, to offer. The earlier the party, the lighter the food can be.
- Guest count: The fewer the guests, the fewer the items you’ll need to serve. You can get by with two or three different starters at a party for six, whereas a celebratory event for 20 calls for a greater variety of snacks and finger foods.
- Tastes and textures: When serving multiple dishes, think about how the different foods will taste together. Spicy food is fine, but you don’t want to overload your guests with too much. Similarly, you’ll want to offset rich foods with those that are fresh and light and think about having a mix of crisp and crunchy, rich and creamy, tender and chewy — even hot and cold.
A party is usually not the time to try a new or complicated recipe. Try a less formal approach to the menu and include some classic party foods. Keep these ideas in mind:
- Make a Build-Your-Own Bar – Tacos, ice cream, pancakes and more — let people customize their food with a toppings station.
- Set out Finger Foods – Easy-to-handle finger foods give your guests a chance to sample lots of different flavors. Plus, many can be made ahead.
- Remember Dietary Restrictions – Think about common dietary needs, including vegetarian, gluten-free and dairy-free options.
- Label Everything – Just in case someone has allergies, make little cardboard labels that clearly identify your foods.
- Think About Kids – If your party also includes a younger crowd, make sure your food options include simple items such as cheese, crackers, pigs in a blanket, carrot sticks and macaroni.
- Make it a Potluck – Take the planning down a notch by creating a theme and making it a potluck. The vibe may be casual, but the food is sure to be delicious.
THEY MIX IT UP
A true party guru makes sure to always offer some dishes that can be enjoyed by everyone, including options for those with food restrictions (e.g., vegan, nut-free, gluten-free). The same goes for drinks as well. It’s not just kids who need to be catered to with soft drinks, many adults don’t drink alcohol either.
THEY ORGANIZE PARTY STATIONS
To avoid traffic jams, don’t put all the food and drinks in one area. Spread everything out into a few stations throughout your entertaining space:
- Drinks – Set out cups, 2-liters and any drink pitchers near the fridge. If some beverages are in the fridge, make a small sign so they don’t get overlooked.
- Appetizers – Got a buffet or server in the dining room? This is the perfect place for a cheese plate or rollups.
- Lunch/dinner – Put the main course in your kitchen. Get a crockpot if it needs to remain warm (like meatballs). The kitchen island is an ideal place for these items.
- Desserts – Set up a designated section of your kitchen counter for these sweet treats. Include extra plates and napkins nearby for guests who have already thrown out the ones from dinner.
- Kids – Set up a kids’ table so they have their own spot to have fun. Make it child-friendly with a disposable table cloth (set out crayons!) and extra napkins.
- Photo Wall – Help people remember your party by setting up some colorful paper on an empty wall and laying out photo props — like a fake mustache, top hat, feather boa, etc. — and include a hashtag for social media. #partygoals
- Favors – Put any party favors on your entry table near the door — and make sure people grab them on the way out.
THEY DON’T BLOW THEIR BUDGET
A host that is fretting over the cost of their party is not a happy host at all. Savvy and organized party planners shop for bargains online, opt for themed party packs to save time and money and they NEVER use the good tableware and opt for elegant party disposables instead.
They also shop with their lists (see #2) and avoid being tempted to go over budget by sticking to what they wrote down and then getting out of the store (or off Amazon) as soon as they have.
Need help with holiday party organization, or holiday organization in general? Let’s chat about it. Contact us here, and we’ll discuss how Just Organized by Taya can help you! Already know what needs to be done? Book an appointment right away here.
Working with Taya and her team is easy. You can book an appointment easily on her website, or contact her directly at 832-271-7608
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