My Tips for the Perfect Party

   So you want to host a party, but have no idea where to start? I have come up with some tips that  will help get you in the party mood with style, grace and less stress!
   Hosting a party can be a lot of fun, but stressful if you let it take over your life. Set simple rules for yourself, such as the tips I'll be sharing with you here today, and you will want to host again and again!


   1. STICK WITH WHAT YOU KNOW
      Now is not the time to try a gourmet recipe or ten course meal! Make recipes that you know work    out for you all the time and that are delicious. One pot meals, like roast chicken or beef stew are          great all-in-one dishes, that will fill your guests bellies, and let you enjoy the party too!
   Add a salad, some bread and a dessert, and you have the perfect party meal!

   2. PLAN AHEAD
      Think about what you are going to make at least a week ahead of your party. And make sure you      invite your guests two to three weeks ahead, to give them time to respond and make sure they              are available to attend.
   Once you have your menu chosen, start your shopping list of grocery and miscellaneous items you      will need. By starting ahead, it's easier to make changes later on, should something come up.
   An option to deciding on your menu, might be to pick a theme for your party, such as "Dinner in        Italy" or "Pub Night". It will  help you decide on your food and decor items, and could be a fun          night for your guests too!

   3. SET YOUR TABLE AHEAD
      It's a good idea to set your table the night before your party. It will be one less thing you need to      check off your list the day of your party, and you will have time to make changes if something            doesn't look right, or suit your taste
     Also, take out and label all your dishes and platters that you may be using for the meal as well. I        always keep a pen and Post-It Notes in my dining room sideboard for this exact reason. Then,
   when the dinner/party starts, you don't have to rush around your kitchen looking for that perfect          platter!

   4. DON'T BE AFRAID TO ASK FOR HELP
      Once your guests respond to your party, whether by email or by phone, most likely they will ask       you if they can bring anything to help out. Take them up on it! Even if its just asking for someone       to bring a loaf of bread, or a small dessert; this will take some of the pressure off of you, and will       be one last thing you need to think about.

   5. KEEP GUESTS BUSY
      Always greet your guests at the door and welcome them in. Take their coats and let them know        that there are snacks and drinks waiting for them inside. This will give you time to finish prepping      in the kitchen, and keep your guests happy and busy. Simple snacks, such as, olives, nuts, cheese        and crackers, are easy to prepare and always a hit with guests! Oh, and make sure you pour
   yourself a glass too while you're at it! You should be having some fun while in the kitchen too!

   6. KEEP DECOR SIMPLE
      Simple floral arrangements are always best. You can find some very pretty flowers at the grocery      store nowadays, so pick up a few bunches while doing the shopping for your party. Arrange them
   in different vases or other vessels to make it look like you spent a lot of time on them.
      Some ideas for vases could be fancy glassware or crystal, brass or silver pieces, small white              pitchers, mason jars, or an assortment of bud vases in varying shapes and sizes. Another pretty

   idea is using candlesticks with a single flower bud. It looks elegant and chic! And, adding candles      always make your dinner table look extra special. Just make sure they are unscented as you don't        want any other smells competing with your food!

   7. SHOP YOUR HOME

     There is no need to go out and buy new tablecloths or vases for your dinner party, unless of course     you realize you have only one or nothing at all! Look around your home to see what you can use as    a stand in for these items. As mentioned above, there are many items you can use
   as a vase for flowers or even candles. Scarves and blankets can look great as table covers, and napkins opened up can be used as placemats. Dish towels (clean and unused of course) can make great napkins as well. Look around and get creative! In this pic below, I used dish towels as napkins, and I love the rustic touch they give my table setting!

      8. WHEN ALL ELSE FAILS, MUSIC!

        If you want to get your guests in the party spirit and keep them there, set the tone with great music! Music combined with good food, drinks, and, of course, great friends, makes the party special and memorable!

     I hope I helped you stress less about your next party, or made it easy for you to have you first one. Good luck and party on! Until next time.

~A