Party Planning Tips...

This past weekend my cousin, Matthew, graduated from Morton High School and is planning to continue his studies at Bradley University this coming Fall semester. Although not 'certified' caterers, Blake & I enjoy preparing and presenting food and we able to caterer his graduation party on Sunday afternoon for family & friends. For those of you who might be planning an upcoming graduation party or a future get-together, I thought I would pass along some tips we have learned from party planning throughout the years.

1. Plan Ahead. Collect ideas from a variety of events you attend throughout the year; creative ideas can be gathered from business meetings, wedding receptions, birthday parties, magazine layouts, etc. Identify characteristics/styles you find appealing & notice which ideas are effective AND those which miss the mark.
2. Know your audience.Determine the number of guests who will attend the event and plan accordingly. For example, a larger sized group may demand simplicity when choosing a menu OR the adult/child ratio may impact your food choices and/or seating arrangements.
3. Make Wise Food Choices. While it is always fun (and adviseable) to try out a few non-standard or specialty foods, be sure your menu centers around food that will be found pleasing to the majority of the guests in attendance. Also, it is best to plan a menu which includes a combination of foods which can be made ahead of time and those which require last-minute preparation.
4. Make Lists. Once your menu is finalized, print each of the recipes required & a corresponding shopping list organized by specific store location where you plan to purchase the item. You'll also want to make a ToDo list of tasks to be completed prior to the date of the event and those which need to be accomplished the day-off. These lists should be organized in the order in which the tasks need to be accomplished.
5. Presentation! Presentation! Presentation! We use differently shaped and sized white and claer servingware so depending on the type of event, the bowls & platters can appear formal or understated. Even the most simple food can gain extra 'pizzazz' when arranged in a unique and/or creative manner. Arranging food at different height levels creates more of a 'food display' and avoids the 'cafeteria-line' appearance.