THEME: Not the easiest concept, but is very important in the planning.....Birthday, Anniversary, BBQ, etc.....you don't have to have one but it helps when planning the decorations.

THE DATE: Probably the most important aspect of any party (remember: it doesn't have to be on the date of the event your celebrating) You have to give your guests and yourself - especially - enough time to plan and prepare for this event, make it convenient for your guests, so more are apt to show up.

GETTING THE HOUSE READY: Get all major cleaning out of the way first, Check linen, dinnerware, flatware, and accessories; then do washing, polishing or augmenting. Take inventory of the equipment and utensils the recipes call for. Shop for all foods except perishables and start freezing a good supply of ice cubes.

MONEY: Consider it.....Set a budget for yourself and stick to it....without hurting yourself....this is the hardest yet most important aspect. always keep this in mind when ordering everything. There is a checklist print it out and assign a monetary amount to each item!

NUMBER OF GUESTS: Always the variable, the best thing to do is send out RSVP invitations, four weeks ahead of schedule, with all responses coming at least one week before the date......this will give you and them enough time to plan ahead....

EQUIPMENT: What you'll need..(Make a buffet this way after setting up the food you'll be able to enjoy yourself too....Tables (5 foot round sit 8, 72 inch square sit 10) FLATWARE: 4 forks per person (unless you plan on doing dishes) 2 knives and 2 spoons (per person) PLATES: 3 per person + 1 dessert plate GLASSWARE:5 per person NAPKINS 5 per person. This covers your basic stuff (linen, etc. gets outrageously expensive, paper works but not always) Always remember your budget.

SPACE: Remember you have to have enough space to accommodate all the people you invite (too many people, will make everyone feel uncomfortable)

WEATHER: If your planning an outdoor party, my rule of thumb is that it will always rain.... get a tent, if you don't care about spending allot of money, if you can't afford that (about $300) make sure you have a contingency plan to move the festivities indoors.

MENU: This is discussed on home page always make it a personal thing...make the dishes you make best. always make the recipes that are easily assembled and easy to reheat and can also be served at room temperature! Always plan on there being 10% more guests when ordering food, better to have too much than too little.

REFRESHMENTS: Usually bar none (excuse the pun) the biggest expense - you know what your guests like to drink - and its OK not to serve hard liquor....a good wine, bottled water and soda is all the basics you need.

MUSIC: A very important part of any party. This should be planned in advance, whether it is background, mood or dance music.....Music can make a bad party great. Choose wisely!!

DESSERTS: Cakes, pies, ice cream or cookies.....I found that if you order a Wedding Cake, yes a wedding cake from your local bakery its always the best cake they make (mainly because it showcases their abilities and you know its going to be fresh)

PARKING: plan to have your car outside the containment area, in case you have to run up to a store for something you forgot, or drive someone home whose had too good of a time.

EMERGENCIES: It never hurts to be cautious. fire extinguishers, first aid kit, ambulance and doctors telephone number. (I catered a party once and one of the guests had a heart attack, it might have been my hot sauce but I'll never admit it)

PROTECTING YOUR VALUABLES: Lock up all your breakable and valuable possessions; if you haven't got a lock on your bedroom closet there's no time like the present.