January Guest Blogger: Carol a.k.a. Aunt Carol

So keeping with the organizing trend this month I asked my Aunt Carol to be my guest blogger, since she is the most organized person I know.  Now what I really wanted was her secret to hosting a successful party.  Ask and you shall receive, Aunt Carol is sharing with us her secrets to making your party a success without all the stress!  Read more for the tips and tricks!

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Organization tips for hosting a dinner party
Tip #1 - DO NOT FREAK OUT!

Remember that you are hosting a dinner party because you supposedly like the people you invited.  You are not trying to impress the Queen of England so go easy on yourself. Here are a couple of tips that may make it a bit simpler:

• One you know how many people you will be serving, figure out which dishes you want to use.  Or is it casual enough for paper plates?  Wash up any tucked away dishes a day or two prior to the party.
• If your party is for more than just a few guests, consider serving buffet style.  This will make it easier to watch for needed refills and guests can go back if/when they want more.
• If cooking is not your favorite thing or if you are pressed for time, consider ordering foods from grocery stores or restaurants that cater to that type of thing.  Definitely consider getting your dessert from A Little Treat-cake pops are fun and delicious.  (thanks for the plug Aunt Carol!)
• For some get-togethers, it may be appropriate to ask guests to bring a dish to help out.
• Make any dishes possible in advance.
• Set you table and/or buffet line up the night before the party.  That way you can see how to best arrange your dishes.
• Consider having a "drink table" where guests can help themselves.
• Plan out in your mind (or on paper if easier) when you will start cooking what dishes so that they are ready together at your planned serving time.
• Just before guests arrive, light candles, put on music, check the toilet paper situation in the bathroom, and whatever last minute things that need to be done.
• Enjoy yourself.  If something doesn't go quite right, it's not the end of the world.

Here's to you and your friends/family having fun!

Thank you so much Aunt Carol for sharing all your tips and tricks!  I have been wondering a long time how you put your parties together!

Have a good tip or trick about party planning?  Let me know!  Happy Treats!