Food & Entertaining
Fast Fete
Only have 30 days to plan a party? Efficiency (or maybe a caterer) will get you through.
BY
Diane Lambdin Meyer
PHOTOGRAPHY
Kevin Blayney

Busy schedules and planning details sometimes intimidate or overwhelm hostesses from inviting friends and family over for casual get-togethers or sending out invitations for formal entertaining. But with a simple amount of planning and organization — and these tips from professionals in the field — your home can become a center for social activities, and in a shorter period of time than you may think.

“Entertaining is all about being efficient with time and resources,” says Lisa Burgess, a professional chef and owner of LiveWell, ServeWell. 

While many homeowners may be comfortable preparing the meal and other details for a dinner party of any size, hiring a caterer for even the smallest of events may make the process more efficient and the party more enjoyable for you.

“Only you can understand your own schedule and the time constraints in your life and your enjoyment of the process,” Lisa notes. “The more relaxed you are, the more relaxed your guests will be and the more enjoyable your event will be for everyone.”

Either way, pro or no pro, here’s your 30-day countdown to a good party:

30 Days Out
“A good sense of humor and a budget are the two most important factors in planning a great event,” says Randy Johnson, owner of A Touch of Class, which has coordinated special events in the metro for more than 25 years.

The first decision you will need to make is how much you are comfortable spending on your affair, whether it be four or     50 guests. If money is a factor, consider a potluck or BYOB event.
No matter how many guests you intend to invite, set the date and get the invitations out at least a month in advance — even for the most casual affairs and particularly during the holiday season because calendars fill up fast.

This is also the time to determine if you need to rely on the resources of a professional.

The professional will come to your home and take note of things that you may not notice. Perhaps the dining room needs a fresh coat of paint or the carpets cleaned. These tasks usually can be accomplished in a 30-day time frame.

He or she also will make recommendations on traffic flow and where to place tables or extra trash cans, and determine  if your bathroom arrangements will accommodate the number of people you are expecting.

“If it’s cramped and crowded, or people are lining up for the bathroom, your evening is not going to be the success you want it to be,” Randy warns.

Two Weeks Out
If you intend to prepare the meal yourself, Lisa highly recommends that you never try more than one new recipe at a time and that you prepare the recipe  at least once before you serve it to  your guests.

“The first time you make a recipe, it will take twice as long as the second time you prepare it,” she adds. “I always insist that you read the recipe at least three times before diving in. It will save you a lot of frustration.”

Take time to clean out the refrigerator and cabinets to make sure your storage spaces can accommodate the onslaught of additional items. Keep work spaces free of even temporary clutter to make the  last-minute preparations less stressful.

Now, begin shopping. Stock up on paper goods, such as extra toilet paper and paper towels. Buy any alcohol and all of the dry goods for your recipes, minimizing the shopping time involved later.

One Week Out
For small events, a week or so in advance is an ideal time to visit your florist.

“Nothing says classy or reflects your attention to detail like a well-designed fresh arrangement,” comments Connie Bell, owner of Bell’s Flowers and Interiors.

Connie’s favorite tip for home entertaining: Place fresh flowers in the guest bathroom.

If there’s a theme to the party, share that with the floral designer. For the centerpiece, consider taking in a serving bowl that matches your china or another piece that reflects your home’s decor.

The Day Before
Buy fresh produce or other ingredients. Give the public areas of your house a  good cleaning.

Party Day
Buy fresh seafood and pick up fresh flower arrangements. Enjoy your guests.