The Virtual Caterer's Hint Parade


	TVC'S MAY HINT PARADE
	Planning Your Independence Day Celebration

	45 DAY COUNTDOWN

Day 45:	Plan your theme. Holidays make it easy--IT is the theme!
Day 44:	Review your budget. Your budget will determine what type of party to have, how elaborate and the number of guests.
Day 43:	Inventory: Take stock of space, seating, serving equipment, utensils, flatware, dishes, glassware and lighting. This will help you to decide what you must rent or purchase and how much of your budget will be used up.
Day 42:	Agenda: Briefly outline the activities and menu for the party. This will help you to decide how sophisticated or how casual the affair will be and also help to decide what mix of guests to invite.
Day 40:	Prepare a guest list: Generally, summer parties are more casual affairs. That doesn't mean you can't be the host of a formal event mixing Sousa and fireworks. But, keep in mind:
	You are not obligated to invite all of your friends to all of your parties. Similar lifestyles and tastes mix the best. Include a variety of adult ages and occupations. Decide if you are including children or not. Say so on the invitation. Review you list to be sure that for each guest you have invited an equal number of the talkative mixers and vise versa.
Day 35:	Purchase Invitations: Select invitations that reflect the mood and theme of your party (formal, casual, whimsical, etc.). Also, purchase any matching or coordinating accessories at the same time.
Day 34:	Address Invitations:
	Be sure all important information is included in the invitation. Guests need to know what to expect: Date, time (from/to); Place (address, city location); Type (cocktail, babecue, dinner, buffet, etc.); Expected dress (casual, black tie, etc.); Children welcome, what to bring (if anything--towels, sun protection, side dish...); RSVP (date and phone number); Special activities (pool party, backyard cookout, fireworks under the stars...). Address the envelope in such a way as to give the first hint of what to expect; for example: Mr. & Mrs. Brown or George and Martha Brown & family.
Day 30:	Mail Invitations
Day 25:	Prepare a menu Make a list of every item needed to prepare the menu. Cross off the items you have on hand. Prepare a shopping list and keep it with you.
Day 24:	Decorations and Accessories:
	Make a list of all items, other than food, needed for the party. Place an "X" next to the items you have. Place an arrow ("~~>") next to any items you need to rent or order. Make a shopping list of all items you need to purchase.
Day 21:	Orders and Rentals:
	Call and make arrangements for any rental items you may need (tent, chairs, large grill, glasses, china, chafing dishes, portable bar, etc.). Call florists, caterers, bakeries, food suppliers and place orders. Make arrangements for deliveries.
Day 20- Day 8:	Nonperishables:
	Purchase all nonperishable foods and decorations whenever and wherever possible. Avoid last minute shopping.
Day 7:	Cleaning: Begin any necessary heavy cleaning such as windows, drapes, furniture.
Day 6 :	RSVP: Call everyone you haven't heard from to determine final guest count.
Day 5 :	Deliveries: Call florist, rental company, bakery, caterer, etc. to remind and verify the date and time.
Day 4 :	Shopping:
	Review shopping lists Purchase all remaining decorations and non-perishables TODAY!
Day 3 :	Furnishings:
	Arrange lighting Rearrange furniture Remove collectibles and delicate items from party area Clean the bathrooms, entries, party area and all the knooks/crannies
Day 2 :	Final Shopping:
	Purchase all meats, dairy, fruits and vegetables Accept all deliveries Bake and cook all items that can be prepared ahead of time. Freeze if possible.
Day 1 :	Most Active Prep Day:
	Bake Chop, slice, dice, puree, thaw, cut pre-cook Decorate Prepare dishes, glassware, silver Clean kitchen Sweep, vacuum, clean floors Select music Arrange flowers and centerpieces
----	PARTY DAY----
6 Hours:	Finish food except for last minute meats
5 Hours:	Set up for, and chill, beverages
4 Hours:	Tidy up work areas
3 Hours:	Set out equipment and utensils (plates, dishes, silver, crystal)
2 Hours:	Stop! The next hour must be your alone--this is vital!
	Bathe, moisturize, etc. (20 min.) Lie down with a thin slice of cucumber over each eye (20 min.) Fix hair, makeup (10 min.) Dress (10 min.)
1 Hour:	Set out snacks Have hors d'oeuvres ready to cook or serve Chill wines Walk through party area for last minute inspection
½ Hour:	Read-- Reading will slow the pulse, lower temperature, calm nerves When your guest arrive, everything you have done will look effortless.

	PARTY TIME!!!
	Walk slowly. It makes you look relaxed. Smile. Someone is always watching. Go somewhere private for 5 minutes each hour.

	HAVE FUN!