How To Throw A Dinner Party

Today I am writing about How to Throw A Dinner Party, and the planning that went into my husband David's birthday party.  I'm kind of a last minute kind of girl.  I'm always late getting things done (notice I didn't get this post up yesterday, because I was exhausted and needed a day off), and most of the time, I'm still working in the kitchen when people are walking in the door.  I normally barely have makeup on, and sometimes my hair is still wet.  I always bite off more then I can chew.  I always make too much food, because God Forbid, someone may not have enough to eat.  My wonderful, patient, and kind husband always laughs at me, because he says "if we are having 10 people over, there will be food for 20".  

All of that being said, Saturday night was amazing.  I was on time, even early.  I had my hair done and makeup on by 6:40 PM, people were coming at 7:00 PM.  I did have help in the kitchen, from a wonderful woman Lilliana.  She helped with me with getting the appetizers and food out, and the dishes done, so that I would not have to do that part.  I actually got to get everyone drinks, and visit, and enjoy the evening, and best of all my husband had a great time with his friends.  He was relaxed and got to visit with everyone without having to do anything, except show up (that was pretty easy to do, since he just had to walk down the stairs. )

So today I am actually going to give a few pointers on How To Throw A Dinner Party, and enjoy it at the same time. Not always an easy task, but for the unorganized person that I am, this is really doable.  I will post some of the other recipes over the next week.  You have already seen some, and I will put links to those recipe in this post which will make it easier for you to find them.  So here we go, isn't that what Mario or Luigi say in that video game Mario Cart. 

1. I had made my menu a while ago in anticipation that David would want a birthday party.  He originally didn't want a party.

2. Menu:

Appetizers

Antipasto Skewers 

 Bread sticks  and Hummus

Cheese and Meat Tray

Dinner Buffet

Caesar Salad (Store Bought)

Asian Salad (Store Bought)

Rigatoni Casserole w/ Bolognese Sauce
I will post the recipe this week at some point

Garlic Bread ( I will post the recipe this Thursday)

Dessert Buffet Table

Desserts

Chocolate Mousse Cake (from Tony's in Centennial)
Store bought Cookies
Swiss Chocolate Almond Sundaes ( I will post the Recipe next Saturday)

Cocktails
Cucumber Basil Martinis

Peach Sangria ( I will post recipe on Friday)

2.  Get your recipes together and make your grocery list

3. Do your grocery shopping

4.  I started making my Bolognese Sauce on Wednesday.

5. On Friday, my daughter Charly, helped me with the cooking.

         Made Anitpasto Skewers

         Made the Rigatoni Casserole

         Made the Swiss Chocolate Sundaes

         Make Garlic Butter 

         Muddle cucumber and basil for Cucumber Basil Martinis

6.  To do list for Saturday

     ( I would normally have set the tables on 

     Friday, but my daughter Charly was staying with us for the week

     and I can't keep her cat off of my table, so I waited until he was 

     leaving.  Charly moved last week, so it was great to have her 

     home with me for the week.  Poor thing was exhausted Saturday

     night after moving all day, but she made it.)

        Pull out serving pieces

        Set tables and buffet

        Cover cans with burlap and lace bow

        Buy flowers, bread, salads, and cakes

        Arrange flowers

        Make Peach Sangria

        Get bread cut and spread garlic butter on it ( This was done by

        my oldest son Vince with Lilliana.)

        Get cheeses and meats on serving platter 

        Cut limes and lemons and put in bowls for the bar

        Get coffee ready

        Pull casseroles out of the refrigerator, turn oven to 350

        Casseroles go into the oven 30 minutes before you want to

        serve them.

        Cook Garlic bread

        Toss salads

        Clear appetizers

        Serve dinner

        Clear dishes

        After dinner turn on coffee pot

        Set desserts on buffet and serve

7. I did have help that night, so Lilliana was able to put food in the oven, clear the appetizers, and she was a huge help.  She came 30 minutes before people came, and got the appetizers ready to go, and helped me get everything out when people got there.

I must say, that this party was fun, and I was thrilled that I did not have to spend the whole time in the kitchen.  

You will see different recipes that I made on the blog this week.

I hope that this post was helpful.  Let me know what you think.  I always love hearing from you.

Enjoy!!!

Debi
Find us at these great parties