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Five Practical Steps to Stress-free Party
Planning
by Mary Jo Rulnick
You’re having a party. Though you willingly agreed to it, now you’re having second thoughts. You feel a cold sweat developing and you wonder how on earth you will ever accomplish everything. Superwoman, you are not. Take a deep breath and read on. These five shortcuts will help relieve that pressure in no time.
1. Plan ahead
Pre-planning your party will make it run smoother from beginning to end. Before you send out the invitations, compile your guest list in proportion to your house size. Take into consideration the families you’re inviting and plan the day and time accordingly. An adult party will work in the evening while an afternoon party will be best for families with young children.
2. Decor
Small, inexpensive touches add ambiance to any setting. Add seasonal silk flowers and decorative bows to your plants. Wrap several wall prints in wrapping paper, add ribbon and a bow to resemble a present. Baskets filled with ball ornaments add a festive look to any table.
Make an ice-luminary by cutting off the top third of a gallon milk jug. Fill a small jar (a bit bigger than selected candle you will be using) with coins or something heavy to weigh it down. Place inside your milk jug. Add water to two inches below the top of the jug. Place small holiday trimmings in the water like pine cones, pine needles or silk greens and poinsettias. Put jug in the freezer. Depending on the size of the container, it could take a few days to completely freeze. When ready to use, run warm tap water around the jug and jar, slip luminary from containers and place on a plate. Add candle and light for a refreshing luminous finish.
3. Make-ahead Recipes
Preparing and freezing food ahead of time will help minimize that last-minute stress and pre-party anxiety. Have the kids help you bake cookies—even the slice-and-bake variety will do. Keep a few on hand and freeze the rest.
Make Stromboli from frozen bread dough, cold cuts, cheese and fresh veggies like broccoli and red peppers to please those vegetarian guests. Allow dough to rise. Roll into rectangle. Layer meats and cheeses. Roll as you would a jellyroll. Bake at 350 degrees for 30 minutes or until a light, golden brown. Freeze in foil. Thaw and heat before serving.
For large parties, keep food and drinks simple. A buffet-style table filled with various easy-to-handle edibles will allow you to enjoy the party, too. Remember to include kids’ favorite choices such as hotdog wraps, mini pizzas or peanut butter and jelly triangles.
4. Creating fun
Why do some parties flow better than others? Entertainment. You need to keep everyone busy. Play a game, concoct a contest, or put a spin on Christmas Carols. Certain games like Outburst™ and Taboo™ can be played by young and old alike. These interactive team games can stir up even the quietest group you might have.
One of my frantic friends sends out photocopies of a coloring book page with each guest’s invitation—announcing a contest to be judged at the gathering. Instead, you might devise a guessing game for your company by having them guess the number of ornaments on the tree. Remember, you’ll have to know the answer and a small prize for the winner (and the loser) always adds to the fun.
5. Party Favors
What better way to remember your party than by having a photo of each family, couple or attendee? Use an instant camera to snap the pictures. Consider purchasing photo holders or inexpensive frames as take-home gifts. If you don’t have an instant camera, ask around, someone is sure to have one you can use. But be forewarned—the film can be quite costly, so plan accordingly.
Now that you are brimming with ideas, take a deep breath and relax. Not only will guests enjoy your holiday party, but you will too.
Copyright 1999, 2005 Mary Jo Rulnick
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