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. 

 

• 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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