Issue link: https://www.cominghomemag.com/i/1511329
2-3 Weeks Out PREPARE A TIMELINE. Create a timeline for the party. Note when to start cooking, when guests will arrive, what time food will be served, and when games will be played to help guide the event. ARRANGE MUSIC. It isn't a party without music! If you aren't hiring professional entertainment, skip the shuffle feature and build your own musical experience. Mix styles, sandwich fan favorites and classics between lesser-known tracks, and tailor the tunes to your theme, guest list, and setting. Your playlist should be about an hour longer than your event is scheduled to run. Listen to it a few times before your party to make sure it flows. STOCK THE BAR. Get the bar stocked well in advance so you don't have to worry about it later. In general, assume one drink per guest for each hour of your function. You'll want to provide a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages. For a full bar, you should have: • Wine: Red, white, and sparkling • Beer: Craft and domestic • Spirits: Vodka, gin, tequila, bourbon, rum, and scotch • Mixers: Tonic, club soda, cola, diet cola, lemon-lime soda, cranberry juice, orange juice, and tomato juice • Non-Alcoholic: Soft drinks, bottled water, juices, coffee, tea, and soda water Stock up on glasses, cocktail napkins, ice buckets, shakers, strainers, bar tools, stirrers, corkscrews, bottle openers, and shelf-stable garnishes, too. AUDIT YOUR SERVING WARE. Take inventory of your platters, bowls, plates, utensils, and flatware. Map out what you'll serve on each and label it with a sticky note. Purchase what you need to fill in the gaps or ask to borrow items from a friend. Also, launder and iron linens.