Party Planning Checklist

4 Weeks Out		Activity
Theme		Decide on an event theme
Guest list		List perfect combination of guests
Invitation ideas		Brainstorm possible invitation ideas
3 Weeks Out
Steam carpets		If necessary
Clean silver		If necessary
Invitations		Send out to those who are available
Menu considerations		Pulling menu ideas together
2 Weeks Out
Clean oven & kitchen		Give oven and kitchen a good cleaning
Table center piece		Attractive/seasonal center piece ideas
Candles		Restock candles
Theme napkins		Stock up on dry needed party goods
Special music		Consider buying special theme music
Table gifts		Consider offering party favors
1 Week Out
Finalize menu		Generate thorough shopping list
Clean refrigerator		Clean out and wipe down
Clean fireplace		Clean if necessary
6 Days Out
Buy party supplies		Buy party supplies
Buy theme decorations		Decorations that reinforce theme
5 Day’s Out
Buy dry food goods		Buy non-refrigerated ingredients
4 Days Out
Dust		Give house a thorough cleaning
Spot carpet		If necessary
3 Days Out
Straighten up house		Finish organizing and straightening up
2 Day’s Out
Buy refrigerated groceries		Make sure perishable items are fresh
Fresh flowers		Make flowers will bloom by party time
Prepare food items		Check recipes for early preparations
Set out table cloth		Place on table so wrinkles disappear
1 Day Out
Clean bathrooms		Make sure bathrooms are clean
Prepare food items		Continue preparing food if possible
Set table		Prepare table settings & serving dishes
Party Day
Vacuum		Final house cleaning
Finish preparing food		Complete all food preparations
Before Guests Arrive
Double check bathrooms		Make sure there’s backup tissue
Turn on festive lights		Plug in party lights
Light candles		Light in bathroom, living room, etc.
Ice up bar, cut garnishes		Get bar ready
Prep appetizer table		Prepare area for appetizers