party_planningSo, you want to throw a small party and need a little guidance.  We understand.  There are a lot of components to planning a party –when, where, how many and, more importantly, what am I going to serve!  So before you pick up the phone to call your favorite caterer, here are a few tips to help get you organized.

  • Choose a Party Type/Theme
    The type of party has a big impact on the food you’ll serve.  Working within a theme is a good way to match food and décor for your party.  For example, a grill party might work best for your favorite graduate.  Dinner parties are a great way to celebrate milestone birthdays, and elegant brunches work well for communions or bridal and baby showers.  A cocktail party with to-die-for hors d’oeuvres is a wonderful excuse to enjoy time with your friends. 
  • Location. Location. Location.
    Whether in your backyard, a nearby park or your own favorite spot, location plays a key role in determining your party’s needs.  Take a good look at the space and determine if you need to rent tables, chairs, china, glassware, linens and/or a tent.  Is there enough space for all of your guests?  If you’re not sure, ask your sales consultant to visit the site so that he/she can determine the best possible scenario for your party.
  • Know Your Guests
    We say this all the time when talking about event planning – know your guests and their needs. It’s much easier to do this when planning small parties versus a 200-person wedding, so let them know you care by factoring in their special dietary or food allergy requirements.
  • Do You Need Waitstaff?
    A staffed event can free up time for you to relax and mingle with your guests.  Consider having wait staff pass your hors d’oeuvres or serve your plated dinner.  You can even have a chef on-hand to cook your burgers and steaks to perfection or a bartender to keep your guests refreshed with a tasty beverage.

A party’s success depends on the amount of thought that you put into it, so the better prepared you are, the better results you’ll receive when working with your event coordinator.  Together you can create a great party with lasting memories.