Planning a Party....Birthday's, Christenings, Communions, Confirmations, Parties, Weddings etc..........
Holding parties at home is a wonderful relaxed way to catch up with family and friends. Over the past 10 years I've organised my fair share of parties from cozy little get togethers, small and large parties to communions, confirmations, weddings, bbq's for 300 etc.
I've had lots of success but also some distasters along the way - which I have learnt from .... like the wedding bbq party where the buffet tables sunk into the sodden ground and we barely rescued the food ....another one about 6 years ago happened when we lit about 10 sparklers for the buffet dessert table at a large event, we hadn't tested this brand of sparkler but had used one similar at a wedding the week before with no ill effect.... this time they smoked and sparkled and we set off the fire alarms (lucky for me the electrician was a guest at the event and rectified the situation very quickly....
Now if we are using sparklers I always test them beforehand!!!
Another mistake that I very nearly made early on was not to have enough food - you never know how hungry people are or if a few extra turn up along the way or people simply would like to have a taste of everything on offer so I always prepare about 20% extra .
Lots of different kinds of Parties....
Different parties require different budgets for example if you are having a party to catch up with friends over the summer you can have a very simple party with a few nibbles - enlist some help from your good friends and tell everyone to take a drink with them thus cutting down on the costs significantly.
You could host a picnic party in a public park and get everyone to bring a dish and a drink this way no one individual bears the cost you just organise it...
Breakfast/Brunches are a great way to catch up with friends in an informal party kind of way.... anything goes for breakfast/brunch from eggs cooked every possibly way, smoked salmon bagels, warm croissants, big jugs of juices, warm pastries, fresh berries with French toast its all very easy and the great thing about Breakfast/brunch is it doesn't have to last all day ....
Drinks/ Cocktail parties are a great way to entertain a large number of people and even groups that do not know each other. Don't worry you do not have to provide cocktails drinks - simply a selection of whatever drinks you prefer to serve but generally people serve wine, beer and water lots of water for the drivers is always important. Be mindful when you invite people over for drinks that you specify the times it starts and ends or you will have a full on party on your hands, which is ok of course if thats what you intended. However if your intention is to have people over in the early evening after work or over the weekend just for a few hours specify this for example'Drop into our house on Sat 18th May from 4 to 6 for drinks and nibbles' - or another example
' Drinks & Bites to celebrate John's 30th Birthday from 9 till late...
'Coffee & Cake to celebrate the Arrival of Baby Jack from 3 to 5 @ our house....
Are you celebrating something special, such as a christening, communions, confirmations, wedding, anniversary or birthday ....
Its your party/celebration so do what suits you and your lifestyle...However here a few tried and tested tips that work...
" Write up the guest list and keep it safe as you will use it to record who is attending.
" Be realistic about how many people you can fit comfortably in your house and take into account where washrooms and cloak room facilities are located.
" Send the invites... via text, email, post whatever suits you... but always put a RSVP on for at least 10 days previous. Text and email are great as they allow you to follow up the stragglers very quickly and with little hassle.
" If you are on a budget plan the party as far in advance as possible this gives you plenty of time to spot the bargains" Write up a budget and stick to it!!!
" The simplest menus are the cheapest to prepare, the more choice you have the more food and ingredients you need to purchase.
" Think about the kind of people you are inviting to you r party, do they are hearty appetites, are they fussy eaters, have they any specific dietary, medical or religious requirements. (I always allow for at least 10% vegetarian) unless you know your all your guests.
" Choose your menu...keep it simple, pick what I call crowd pleaser dishes (not just what you like)
" When you have chosen the menu - write up the shopping list with ingredients.
" Calculate the quantities you will need to purchase be exact multiply from the recipe how much you will need for the number of people you will be catering for and remember to over cater!!
" Bulk up main courses with side dishes like green salad, and baskets of bread
Enjoy!......Siobhán
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