So wow, it’s my last Tuesday’s Tip with The Kitchen Whisperer of 2015. Man this year has flown. I don’t know about you but I am THRILLED this year is almost over as it was one of worse ones. But we pushed through and made it. With that, it’s time for a party. Who’s with me? Let’s send off this crappy year with a blast!
That being said it looks like we need to make a mad dash and put together a last minute party. Has that ever happened to you? You make a decision at the last minute to throw together a party. In your head it’s not a big deal – send out a few texts, make a few calls, whip up some food, get some drinks. Easy peasy, right? HA! Hardly! Reality sets in as you realize you have zero time to cook, your house looks like a warzone, your cupboards are bare and the thought of vegging out in your jammies sounds just so much more easy.
Alas, you deserve to let loose and unwind. Plus those that you invite are friends and family. They already like you so need to impress them. LOL
Let’s put our party clothes, purdy up our hair, break out the lip gloss (cause that’s how I roll) and have a party. Since it’s almost New Years Eve, we’ll plan a NYE party. These Last Minute Party Tips are sure to help out and keep you sane so you, too, can enjoy your party!
Enjoy this week’s Tuesday’s Tip with The Kitchen Whisperer – Last Minute Party Tips
People
Figure how who you want to invite and send each person a text and or leave a voicemail. I HATE HATE HATE group text messages and will most likely delete them before reading them. You can do it but if you do it to me, plan on being ignored. I find them impersonal. but then again, that’s just me. Tell them the time and date. In addition, to help you on both cost and time, ask them to each bring a dish and or drink of choice. This way it helps everyone out.
Food & Drinks
So whether you have 24 hours before the party or 12 hit up the market and liquor store (unless you live in a state that actually sells beer and booze in the store). Be easy on yourself. Go with simple foods, buy a few roasted chickens (unless you have a pressure cooker then do all the cooking yourself), get some chips, stuff to make dip, stuff to make finger-sized bites. You only really need 3 main type dishes, 2-3 appetizers (a veggie tray is a great appetizer along with a cheese tray) and chips. Something sweet is always a hit.
If you want to go a bit more fancy, make up your own charcuterie board with various meats, cheeses, crackers, olives and other veggies. This is certainly the easiest but given the types of meats and cheeses you choose, it can be expensive.
Next when it comes with drinks for me I ask folks to bring a wine they like or a beer they love. I don’t drink beer so I don’t know what a good one is. As for wine, I hate the stuff and if you asked me to pick up a bottle of wine I’m going to buy the prettiest bottle. Plain and simple. LOL
However keep in mind, you already asked folks to each bring a dish or drink so while you should provide the brunt of the stuff, you have to rely on folks to bring stuff. Well that is unless you’re like that old no-longer-a-friend of Mr. Fantabulous that literally brought a half empty opened bag of Doritos to a huge party we were having. Yes, really, that’s what he brought. The kicker – the dude was LOADED! I would have rather he not brought anything than something half eaten. Know what I mean?
Cleaning
Yeah I know, I said the ‘c-word’ however you have to do it. No one wants to see your dirty gutchies all over the couch. And no you cannot stuff dirty laundry under the cushions or behind the chair. If you want, close off a room that you don’t want folks to go into and store stuff in there however make sure it’s off limits. Run the sweeper, do all the dishes and make sure your sink and dishwasher are empty before your party starts. If you have a pet, clean the litter box, pick up the chew toys and FEBREEZE their area. And if you have time give them a bath. Okay yeah I know if it’s a cat more than likely they would rather claw your face off than be bathed but if you have a dog, bathe the baby. Funny story – when I bought my first house I got 2 more kittens (I already had a grown cat). Sadly when I got those kittens at 6 weeks they were loaded with fleas. Since they were so young, I couldn’t give them flea medicine. Instead I had to bathe them in the kitchen sink with Ivory soap. Well after doing this every week for 6 weeks those 2 cats grew very, VERY fond of water. To the point the one time when I prepped a bubble bath for me I went in, ready to soak only to find both cats SWIMMING in the water! Yes, seriously! LOL
Get your groove on
Nowadays you can use your computer, phone or iPod to create a playlist. Keep in mind who your crowd is when you set up your playlist. Make sure there’s enough music on their so you’re not listening to the same 5 songs. And make sure you have it on repeat in case the party runs late.
Ice, ice baby
Ice is one of the first things that will go at the party. Ask someone to pick up a few extra bags of ice for the party. Don’t rely on your ice maker to keep up. Even that needs a rest.
Fun stuff
If your party is theme-based, set the mood. For New Years Eve get some horns, whistles, crazy hats and so forth for people to party with.
If time permits
What the latest trend is buy a large photo frame. Remove the glass from it and save for later. Glue some funky letters on the outside of the frame to go with the theme and set up an impromptu photo booth for folks to snap a pic and share online.
Finally…
Sit back, breath and enjoy your party!
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