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ff,s ser pt io t
Don't assume your guests know what to expect. If your cocktails and hors d'oeuvres
mean you can make a dinner out of it, state it (appetizer buffet), or you'll end up with a
bunch of people who ate before they came.
If you want your guests to leave at a certain time, be sure (politely) to include an end
time for your soiree.
The later an event begins, the later it will end. Schedule your party for 6 p.m. on a
Saturday night and guests will leave by 10.
Surprise party? Be sure your written invitation says so. For best results, use the rule of
three: Mention it's a surprise party at least three times in the invitation.
GUEST LIST:
Invite a few. Intimate get-togethers are a chance to use your best dishes, serve more
complicated foods and talk to all of your guests. Larger parties can pulse with the energy
of lively conversation, while allowing you to get the most out of your entertaining dollars.
Fixed costs (decorations, entertainment, etc.) are amortized over more people, so the
cost per head can be less.
Invite people from different parts of your life. It makes for an interesting experience.
Don't invite kids if your party is for adults. Make it specifically known. Some events, like
family celebrations, are so much better when children are involved. Just be sure they're
attended to, for everyone's enjoyment.
For large events where adults are the majority, consider hiring a babysitter or caregiver
to watch or entertain children. Provide toys and activities for the kids as well.
Surprise! Some love them. Some hate them. Know your guest-of-honor.
VENUE:
Home is where the heart is, and it's the most logical and often easiest place to enter-
tain. If your event will take place inside your home only, be sure to keep the number of
guests comfortable.
If you simply cannot accommodate the number of people you'd like to host, there are
countless locations to choose from — restaurants, halls, parks or lakes.
Think of an unusual space — a park pavilion, a commercial photography studio, your
old elementary school. Each has its own charm and built-in theme.
Don't overstuff your space. Cozy can become cramped and crowded in a huny. Arrange
for about 5 square feet per person, minimum.
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BEFORE THE PARTY:
Clean the house. Put away anything that's super-breakable or in harm's way. Make a list
and check it. Don't forget a salad in the garage fridge, the cocktail napkins.
Polish the silver. This recipe works: Line the bottom of your sink with aluminum foil
and fill 3-4 inches with hot (not boiling) water. Add 1 cup of liquid fabric softener and 2
tablespoons of salt. Soak your silver for 10 minutes and wipe with clean, soft towel. Wash
with warm soapy water and dry thoroughly.
Margarita/Slush Machines Sno Kones
Milk Shakes Ice Cream Carts
Cotton Candy... even Professional
Airbrush Tattooing and MORE!
AMBIANCE:
Keep it simple - some of the best parties include nothing more than balloons and a
great guest list.
Invest in light dimmers and use them for evening events. Daylight gatherings should
be bright. Candles make everyone look better and make a party seem more elegant and
special. Candleholders can be a hollowed apple, dinner glasses with tea lights, even
luminaries (paper bags with a few inches of sand and tea light).
Adding color can enhance a theme or add a punch of vibrancy when used sparingly.
Choose colors from your favorite Renoir to create a mood, or from nature or even a
favorite article of clothing.
Unless your party is casual and everyone knows it, use real dishes and silverware. Rent
if you must.
Arresting buffet centerpieces are creative or exaggerated in some way. Large found
branches spray-painted a metallic or bold color in a tall, clear vase is an inexpensive
way to bring drama to your table. Use something either very low or very tall so guests
can see.
FOOD:
Serve something appropriate for the time of day and occasion. It doesn't have to be
fancy, but it has to be the best of its genre. Serve hot dogs, but they should be the best
quality available.
Now featuring CHUAN' TABLES!
Keep your :COLD foods and
beverages (OLD, with these
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Also, attendants available for
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Makin' Your Parties Memorable
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Or call us at
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Continues on page B44
celebrate! I
March 2008 B 4 3