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Enamour
...for the love of entertaining...
Details, Details!
There are many other things to consider other than the menu or the decor when planning a successful party.
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How many people will be attending? Will there be children? What ages? Click here for ideas to keep them happy.
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Where is everyone going to park?
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Are guests bringing food? Will it need to be refrigerated? Start clearing out your frig the week before to make room. Will you need to warm it up? Have a plan in place for reheating food. Use ovens, microwaves, air fryers, crock-pots, roasters, outdoor BBQ, buffet warmers.
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Are any of your guests vegetarian, diabetic, gluten intolerant, or have food allergies? Have options available so everyone gets enough to eat. For more on planning your menu, click here.
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Will you need to keep food either cold or hot such as for a buffet? Don't let perishables sit on the buffet for more than a couple hours. For more tips on food safety, click here.
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Have the dishwasher empty so it is easy to rinse dishes and fill so there aren't dirty dishes everywhere.
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Do you have enough seating? If it is an informal outdoor party, ask guests to bring camping chairs. Or you can rent chairs from a party rental.
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Have a separate food and drinks table to help prevent traffic jams. Better yet, have a couple different stations spread throughout the venue. For more on food statations, click here.
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Do any of your guests smoke? You will need ashtrays placed throughout the venue.
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As far as buffet tables and lighting, make sure there are outlets and extension cords available. And be careful of walking paths... you don't want people tripping over the cords.
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Make sure your bathrooms are stocked with extras, plenty of soap, hand towels and t-paper. If it is an extended party, provide a basket of travel size toiletries in case your guests need to freshen up. Light a vanilla candle to absorb odors. If you are having a large party, you may need to rent port-a-potties.
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Make signs for your trash and recycling bins. You'll need extra garbage cans and trash bags. Place them near where people are eating to encourage your guests to use them.
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Have a contingency plan, in case the weather turns ugly. Rain, wind and even too much sun can make everyone uncomfortable.
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Too much fun?? Have a plan for guests that over-indulge. Call a taxi/Uber, have a designated driver volunteer or invite them to sleep over.
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Planning Tools
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Tips and Tricks
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Hosting
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After the Party