| Major Considerations | Some Suggestions | |
| Purpose | Why are you throwing a party? | |
| Birthday | ||
| Anniversary | ||
| Graduation | ||
| Holiday | ||
| Costume Themes | Halloween Costume Party | |
| St. Patrick’s Day | ||
| Cinco de Mayo | ||
| Labor/Memorial Day | ||
| Themed Costume Party | ||
| Hawaiian Luau | ||
| Food Themes | Wine Tasting | |
| Clambake | ||
| Fondue | ||
| Mexican | ||
| Spanish | ||
| Italian | ||
| Chinese | ||
| Japanese | ||
| Activity Themes | Casino Night | |
| Croquet Tournament | ||
| Country Picnic | ||
| Winter Hayride | ||
| Beach, Blanket, Bingo | ||
| Spaghetti Western Night | ||
| Movies Under the Stars | ||
| Party Format | Informal Open House (Day) | |
| Informal Cocktail Party | ||
| Guest Potluck | ||
| Formal Dinner Party | ||
| Guest Size | Large Group – 50 + | |
| Good Size – 25 – 50 | ||
| Fun Gathering – 15- 25 | ||
| Personal Friends – 5 – 15 | ||
| Intimate – 1- 4 | ||
| Romance of 2 | ||
| Service Style | Buffet | |
| Family Style | ||
| Cook Your Own | ||
| Formal | ||
| Considerations | Number of Place Settings | |
| Serving Dishes | ||
| Plates vs. Paper | ||
| Glassware vs. Plastic | ||
| Seating Accommodations | ||
| Creative Opportunities | Invitations | |
| Center Piece | ||
| Menu | ||
| Dessert | ||
| Drink Concoctions | ||
| Ice Breakers | ||
| Games | ||
| Costume Ideas | ||
| Don’t Forget | Guest Book | |
| Toasts |
-
Links
- America’s Test Kitchen
- American Heart Association
- Bon Appetit
- Chefs, Feed Your Passion
- Cocktails
- Cook’s Illustrated
- Daily Dating News
- Drink Mixer
- Epicurean
- Fine Cooking
- Food Dictionary
- Food Encyclopedia
- James Beard Foundation
- The Cook’s Thesaurus
- The Food of Spain
- The Wine Source
- What Women (don’t) Want You To Know
- Wine Dictionary
- Wine Enthusiast
- Wine Spectator
