Stress-Less Party Planning with Morning Blend video!

Ready or not, holiday party season is upon us! From Halloween through Super Bowl Sunday, we’re hosting or attending some event for work, friends or family. If you happen to be the lucky host, I’m here to help you feel like the Host or Hostess with the Mostest, even if you’re not!

Read on and/or click to watch my Tucson Morning Blend video here.

If sit-down, plated dinners freak you out but you can’t stand the free-for-all tenor of the average potluck, there are options that you’re comfortable with. Because the #1 Rule of Party Hosting is that if you’re not having fun, your guests won’t either.

Here are some things to consider before planning your party:

What are your STRENGTHS? Do you love the chance to show off your mad cooking skills, or are you more of a beer and chips person?
Who’s on your GUEST LIST? Planning will vary, depending on whether you’re having a Big Fat Greek Christmas, watching the game with friends or hosting a work cocktail party.
What kind of TIME do you have for cooking? I’m a pretty good planner but, honestly, this is one that I tend to overestimate. To quote my mom, “Do as I say, not as I do.” 😉
How much SPACE do you have for a sit down meal or is your place perfect for a standing/mingling shindig?
What’s your entertaining BUDGET? Don’t overextend yourself on champagne and caviar if you’ve got a beer and chips pocketbook.

Choose your party style:

Sit-Down Plated. Pros: you control the menu, serving size and budget. Keep it simple, guests don’t need 15 choices. Buffet style is an easy variation that still keeps you in control and showing off your mad hosting skills. Cons: can feel too formal, plus… dishes! How to calculate amounts

Potluck. Pros: completely casual or structured, a well-planned potluck feels casual without chaos. Somewhat easy clean up. Cons: chaos and 15 salads! Personally, I have hosted about 500 completely unstructured potlucks and had interesting but satisfying combinations of dishes. Pros: Take the pressure off by making specific or “anchor” dishes and invite others to bring specific or general sides, (veggie, side, dessert, snacks, appetizers, etc.). Perfect Potluck and Thanksgiving Checklist

Themed Party. Minimize the variables by having a Cocktail/Appetizer party, a Dessert Party, Cookie Exchange or whatever. Pros: Simple, more mingling and chatting, extra good for work, friend or neighborhood parties. Cons: I love these and find to negatives!

It’s the little things: Make your guests more comfortable and your life easier.

Invitations – Fancy or just by email, communicate all the info, so guests know what to expect, where to park, what to bring, etc. Evite
Necessities – plan ahead to have extra toilet paper, hand towels and hand soap available, place to put purses and jackets. Have a large trash can in view and keep extra trash bags in the bottom.
Avoid “Hangry” Guests – make sure that you have drinks and some snacks ready as guests arrive, so they don’t get hungry and angry waiting for the main meal.
Plan the flow – arrange your food line so In line and Out lines don’t crisscrossing, causing a traffic jam. Position your drink station to draw traffic away from prep area and food line. Set down incoming dishes where YOU want them positioned on the table.
Kids – Keep them occupied; Make their own place mats, games, movies…
Get Home Safely – love your friends and family by encouraging them to use LYFT or Uber to get home safely.