Party Planning CHECKLIST

A Month Before The Day Before Just Before Guests Arrive

Pick your date and party theme Prepare foods that can be made ahead Queue up the music
Set your budget Decorate house Light candles
Pick your venue. Make reservations (if Set up extra tables/chairs (if needed) Stock the bar/beverage station
applicable) Set up a gift table (if applicable) Set out appetizers
Plan party activities/entertainment. Pull out party dishes and serving Reheat/warm foods you made ahead
Book entertainers (if applicable) pieces. Wash, if needed _______________________________
Clean bathrooms. Refill soap
dispensers and toilet paper. Replace
towels
2-3 Weeks Before Vacuum
During the Party
Invite guests Make space in the coat closet Restock ice and drinks, as needed
Plan décor. Make a list of what you Buy ice Put away leftovers within two hours
need to make/buy _______________________________
Buy fresh flowers (if using)
Plan menu
Chill drinks
Assign dishes (if guests will be
Recharge camera/buy fresh batteries
bringing food)
_______________________________
After the Party / Next Day
Test new recipes
Wash and store party dishes,
Plan Playlist glassware and serving ware
Plan seating arrangement (if applicable) Treat any carpet/upholstery stains
Make a list of everything you need to The Day Of Pre-treat linen stains and wash
buy – groceries, alcohol, décor, party
supplies, etc. Set table(s)/ set out plates, cups, Return anything you borrowed
napkins and flatware.
Shop for all non-perishables Organize and share photos. Order
Set up a bar/beverage station and prints
Make arrangements to borrow anything buffet (if applicable)
you don’t have (extra tables/chairs, E-mail any recipes guests asked for
serving pieces, etc.) Set out serving spoons/forks, including
Enjoy the leftovers
dessert servers.
Start deep cleaning house
Set out trivets/potholders for hot
dishes
Set out food covers (if serving Good to have on hand
A Few Days Before outdoors)
Sugar substitutes To-go boxes/bags
Shop for groceries and alcohol Set out an extra trash can(s) Non-dairy creamer Food covers (to
Whipped cream protect food
Thaw frozen foods Pull out candles and matches (if from flies)
Ice cream
celebrating)
Iron table linens (for a formal party) Bar items - seltzer/
Extra vases (if
guests bring
Put out bug spray, sunscreen and mixers, lemon/
Polish silver (for a formal party) lime, etc.
you flowers)
citronella candles (if outdoors) Extra serving
Make space in fridge for party foods Ice
pieces (platters,
Set up board games/yard games Drink coasters bowls, serving
Tackle yard work Wine glass tags
Pull out extra mugs and coffee spoons, tongs)
Clean guest room(s) for out of town supplies Salt & pepper (for Extra plates,
the table) silverware and
guests—include Wi-Fi login info and a
Make remaining foods Toothpicks glasses
place to recharge devices
Matches Extra pot holders/
Make lemonade, iced tea and other pot rests
Refill propane tank and restock Candles
cold drinks Pain relievers
grilling supplies (if grilling) Sterno
Antacids
_______________________________ Batteries
Baby-proof house (if expecting young
guests) _______________________________
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