Party Checklist

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Let\'s start planning
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Make list of people to invite.
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Mark the date on your calendar.
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Send invitations (by mail, e-mail, or phone).
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Plan the menu, including the beverages.
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Make shopping list (food, paper goods, decorations).
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Plan cooking schedule: Determine what can be made ahead and frozen, day before, and that day, and what you are buying already prepared.
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Make list of equipment needed (rental chairs and table).
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Plan the layout of the rooms. (Make sure all the food tables are not right on top of each other to ensure smooth flow for people to mingle.)
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Plan music.
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Plan lighting.
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Buy or make a centerpiece or other decorations.
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Check your stock of cleaning supplies for before and after the party.
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Make sure you have all the platters and serving pieces you\'ll need.
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During the party
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Coat rack (hangers or a separate room to put coats)
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A place to put boots or umbrellas
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Ice, ice bucket, ice tongs, or scoop
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Cocktail napkins (2 per person)
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Candles
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Paper towels
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Extra toilet paper
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Plates (appetizer, salad, dinner, dessert) - you can order deli trays for your party!
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Glasses (water, wine, mixed drink, beer, soda, coffee); some beverages can use the same type of glass
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Silverware (Think through each course; a fresh spoon or stirrer is necessary for coffee.)
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If grilling, check the tank, charcoal, lighter fuel, bug spray, and citronella candles
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Coffee and assortment of tea bags
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Cream and sugar
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Salt and pepper
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Wine, beer, and soda chilled
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Wine and bottle opener
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Bar garnishes (lime, lemon, olive)
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Charged camera battery
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Garbage bags
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Dishwashing soap
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Club soda (for any thing that may spill, a great spot remover)
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Space to chill beverages. It takes beer, wine, and soda 20 minutes to chill on ice. A large tub or cooler can be used in a back room.