- Plan your menu. This is the most important part of planning a get together since this step entails majority of the work. Make some calls, send out invitations (give yourself at least 2 – 3 weeks) People get really busy around the holidays. Once you have a plan then all you have to do is prep. Hint: plan things that can be crock pot cooked or oven baked. You’ll benefit in 2 ways first, you will be able to cook a lot of food at once and second you’ll have more time to do other things while the food is cooking. Check out these recipes at www.recipe.com
- Food Shop Bring along your list, and don’t forget to stop by your favorite clothing store and get yourself a nice holiday dress. Remember the hostess should look her best
- Prep your food. Decide what you may be able to cook ahead of time and what has to be cooked and served the same day.
- Take a personal day from work, if this can’t be done then call a friend for some help.
- Tidy up and decorate your house, Make the house presentable b/c when the guest leave, you will have to clean again. I had a habit of cleaning my house spotlessly before the party to find that when the guest left I had to mop the floor, vacuum, scrub the stove, and clean up little spots here and there from spills, ECT. Again, just make your home presentable, save time.
- Cooking Day Wake up about 8 am and get the meats/entrees cooking first. These are the dishes that will take the longest to prepare. Again, depending on your menu it’s up to you to plan accordingly.
- Tidy up as you go. I usually have a buffet style menu, paper plates and plastic utensils. Set everything up except for the food; make sure there is plenty of ice and the wine and beverages are chilled. (make a beverage table) The rest is easy again it’s all in the timing.
- Shower time, now it’s your time to tidy up. Everything is just about done you just have to transform yourself from domestic Goddess to The Hostess with the mostess. Relax and make yourself beautiful.
- Final walk through, light candles, spray that new fall air freshener, dim the lights, and don’t forget the party music and finally set out your food. Create the holiday ambiance that you want and you are good to go.
- The guests are here. Eat Drink and Relax and except all the wonderful compliment that you’re going to get. Enjoy yourself. After all you managed to pull it all off and look your best and relax and mingle with loved ones and friends.
Good luck
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