(Originally
appeared in the July 1, 2004 edition of the Century City News)
There is one thing in this country
that we all have in common; we love a great party! We all love to go to them,
and a lot of us really enjoy giving them. My name is Charlie Scola, AKA
PartyCharlie ™ and I’m here to help you plan every aspect of your party with
timely articles and helpful hints. And if you don’t have the time to do it
yourself, then I’ll plan
and produce your entire party, large or small, from the food, beverages and
service, to the entertainment, art direction, invitations, flowers, security,
rentals and valets. I can provide you with anything you can think of, any theme you can think of,
and if you need it,
I’ll even help you think.
I know what you’re saying, “This sounds great, but who
is this guy, and how can he do that? ” Well, I’ve been in the catering
business, planning perfect parties for over thirty years. I have catered over five
hundred weddings, hundreds of special events as well as countless parties and
other functions. The key to my success is greatly due to my personal style and
business approach of catering to the different needs of my many clients. In this business, it's
important to keep in mind that there are two categories of clients for every
function or party: 'the host' and 'the guest'. By remaining sensitive to the
expectations of both, my client is relieved from the usual pre-party jitters
and as a result, they end up enjoying the planning process, not to mention the
party itself. It's the combination of
extra special touches that create the perfect atmosphere and assure that the
lasting impression is a positive impression.
Now that
you know a little about me, lets get to what this column is all about, creating
a stress free perfect party for you and your guests. In order for the party planning
process to run smoothly, you have to be organized. The following party planning
worksheet and checklist will help to insure a successful party for you and
everyone else involved:
THE PARTY CHECKLIST
6-8 WEEKS BEFORE
Budget, theme, type
of party (formal, casual), location, number of guests (create list), type of
menu (buffet, potluck, family style), start time, finish time, buy/design
invitations.
3-4 WEEKS BEFORE
Mail invitations,
plan menu, shopping list, decide what your putting the food in, where you are
placing the platters, plan buffets, plan utensils (eating and serving), start
looking for disposable ware sales, plan on china, silver, glassware rentals,
plan on table/chair rentals, extra chairs to accommodate guests, linens (buy,
borrow or rent), seating arrangements, plan on decorations, hire valet service,
hire coat check, hire photographer, entertainment (DJ, band, games, speeches),
plan food schedule (what time to start/finish serving appetizers, entrée,
dessert) coffee, tea, dessert, appetizers/hors d’oeuvres, entrée, plan on
scullery (clean-up and trash) area, plan bar (self service, full service), plan
beverages, arrange for bartender, servers, hire caterer, decide on what time
staff arrive/leave, choose staff attire, ensure adequate power supply/water,
make list of areas where you could use volunteers, accept help.
1-2 WEEKS BEFORE
Buy disposable
ware/order rentals, purchase beverages, buy non-perishable foods, confirm
number of guests, designate smoking area, buy decorations, buy party favors,
outline the flow of the party
2-3 DAYS BEFORE
Confirm rental
arrivals/pick-up, clean house/yard, arrange supplies for party, put away
breakable items, set a time chart for day of party – what needs to be done and
how long it will take, designate place to put guest coats and bags, make a
polite call to potential guests who have not RSVP’d, have lighting equipment
set up and tested.
1 DAY BEFORE
Prearrange any
foods that can be stored in refrigerator/freezer, complete food preparation and
pick-up of pre-ordered food items, do indoor decorating for the party. Set
tables / serving tables (layout all disposable and glassware) place post-it
notes on bowls, buffet tables, counter spaces indicating what will go there.
DAY OF PARTY
Staff arrives, set
table/buffet, decorate/floral, prepare any foods that couldn’t be prepared in
advance, set up scullery/trash areas, do outdoor decorating/table setup, have
ice delivered, check lighting equipment, ensure entertainment area is setup,
HAVE FUN!!
Well that’s all for this month.
I’ll be here next month with more exciting party tips, and tricks. I hope
you’ll be here too. You can always email me at: charliescola@earthlink.net with any
party related question that’s on your mind. Please visit my website: www.charliescola.com for more
information. And if you need help with your party right away, you can contact
me by phone at: 310-214-9158. See ya’
next month, Charlie…
