{"id":1571,"date":"2014-10-20T18:25:52","date_gmt":"2014-10-20T18:25:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/?p=1571"},"modified":"2014-10-21T15:08:29","modified_gmt":"2014-10-21T15:08:29","slug":"enjoy-party","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.bhgre.com\/bhgrelife\/enjoy-party\/","title":{"rendered":"How To Enjoy Your Own Party"},"content":{"rendered":"

You\u2019ve double-checked the invites, tried out the recipes, rearranged the decoration, and recounted the gift bags. Yet it seems you might have overlooked something. With all the planning, cooking, and hosting, it\u2019s easy to forget to have fun and enjoy the festivities you have worked so hard to bring about. These practical tips will save you time and headache so you can focus on having a good time your own party.<\/p>\n

1.<\/strong> Get the date into the books early. This is the busiest time of the year for EVERYTHING\u2014so lock it in. Send out a quick email reminder, followed by an evite.<\/p>\n

\"Save_the_Date\"<\/p>\n


\n2.<\/strong> Create a menu that crosses party lines. Include a gluten-free option and a vegetarian one too.<\/p>\n

\"Glutten_Free\"<\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

3.<\/strong> Think small plates (tapas like prosciutto wrapped melons and bacon wrapped dates) and big reheatables that can be made in advance (shepherd\u2019s pie) or that can be bought in bulk (Costco\u2019s spanakopita is almost as good as YiaYia\u2019s). Don\u2019t forget a cheese plate with crackers and a nut mixture that you can make yourself.<\/p>\n

\"Small_Plates\"<\/p>\n


\n4.<\/strong> Don\u2019t do it all. Delegate like an executive. It takes an army. If it\u2019s a big party, consider hiring a couple servers. This doesn\u2019t need to be budget constrictive\u2014there are plenty of high school neighbors that wouldn\u2019t mind a couple hours of work.
\n\"helping_hand\"<\/p>\n


\n5.<\/strong> Make a list of what needs to be purchased\u2014handwritten or on excel. Shop ahead for all that you need. At least two days ahead. There is always something that\u2019s overlooked, but if you start early\u2014a last minute trip to the store is not a deal breaker.<\/p>\n

\"Make_A_List\"<\/p>\n


\n6.<\/strong> Paper plates\/ plastic forks. Trust us, there are some out there that LOOK like you are actually eating on china, even if the forks feel a bit light. Before you balk, just think of how easy it is to clean up. Pass the paper!<\/p>\n

\"Paper_Plates\"<\/p>\n


\n7.<\/strong> Don\u2019t forget your powder room. Add a candle, fresh towels, and pretty soaps. Place a bottle of air freshener in the corner.<\/p>\n

\"powder_room\"<\/p>\n


\n8.<\/strong> Have a clean up contingency plan. Ask a couple confidantes to help you with small tasks as the party winds down. But don\u2019t let dishes in the sink, sink your spirit. Take a deep breath. There\u2019s always tomorrow. And you can always hire someone to help you.
\n\"clean_kitchen\"<\/a><\/p>\n

<\/p>\n

9.<\/strong> Which brings us to our last tip\u2014plan on laying low and sleeping in the next morning. Then go out for a fantastic pancake breakfast. Life is short. Party long.<\/p>\n

\"Pancake_Breakfast\"<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"