1-3 Days Before
FINISH GROCERY SHOPPING.
Head to the grocery store one last time. Purchase
perishable and larger items, like vegetables, fruits, meats,
ice, flowers, and herbs. Then, make a cooking schedule for
your remaining dishes and plan where and how you'll store
them until they're ready to be eaten.
COOK AS MUCH AS YOU CAN.
After you've hit the grocery store, cook as much as you can
and prep any food that must be made on party day. Chill
beverages, marinate meats, rinse and chop produce, and
make sauces and desserts. Don't wait until the last minute,
or it won't get done!
SET THE STAGE.
Get your home party-ready by:
• Testing A/V equipment and sound systems
• Setting tables
• Specifying a place for coats, bags, and shoes
• Creating a clean-up area
• Designating dessert, dining, and beverage stations
• Clearing clutter
• Repositioning furniture so your space is conducive
to entertaining and mingling
• Placing directional signs
• Arranging candles and flowers
• Hanging decorations
• Tucking away medications and valuable,
sentimental, or personal stuff
• Doing cleaning touch-ups
20 COMING HOME MAGAZINE
