The entertaining season is coming up and preparing ahead of time is the best thing you can do to make your event go smoothly. Now is the time to take inventory of your supplies: dishes, glasses, linens, serving pieces and utensils, extra chairs & tables, etc. Clean them now and make them "table ready" if you are planning any special parties. I use Post-Its to label each serving piece for my menu items. That way I am sure I have enough pieces and they are clean and ready to go.
Even if you do not celebrate the holidays or are not planning the "big event", now is a good time to take stock of your entertaining supplies.
After you use your items, be sure to clean them and store them in protective containers. Clearly label the contents for easy access at the next occasion.
Get ready for parties
Party planning is the ultimate list generator. Create a list of tasks you do repeatedly for each party. Keep this list on your computer and print out a copy when you start your planning.
Parties are best planned when you think in reverse. Start with the day of the party, then work backward making note of deadlines for party events such as invitations, music, flowers, catering, etc. Give yourself as much time as possible prior to the deadline to see that things get taken care of.
Keep a separate calendar for big party events. This will help you stay focused on the deadlines. Save this calendar for future parties. It will help you remember what to do.
The Christmas "Open Me First" box
Each year I drag out my "OMF" box right after Thanksgiving.
In this box I have all the things I need to start the holidays. I usually cut greens and decorate the front of the house, I send out my holiday cards, and I'm ready to wear my Christmas jewelry. All the things I need for these tasks are in this box: ribbon, scissors, wire, new cards (that I bought after Christmas last year), address labels, holiday jewelry, holiday paper plates and napkins, cookie recipes, etc.
Now I can get a head start before I drag out all the decoration boxes. Make a note of the things you need to start the holidays and put these in your own "OMF" box for 2011.
