THE BEST THINGS TO KNOW ABOUT THIS PARTY:
- It is a sophisticated party
- Planning is key to this party
- Martinis are "in"
- It is an opportunity to plan a trendy party

TYPE OF PARTY: Cocktail
DATE/TIME: Saturday Evening
LOCATION: Home
GUEST LIST: Friends, relatives, total of 45 guests
INVITATIONS: Design your own or buy invitations. The invitations set the theme for the party. Mail (not email) these two to three weeks ahead.

MENU: Heavy hors d'ouevres for a grazing buffet; mixers and garnishes for drinks; a variety of martinis, non-alcoholic beverages, dessert, coffee, tea.

DECORATIONS/THEME:
Variety of funky martini glasses, linens, cocktail dishes, serving pieces, flowers, candles, lush potted plants, Ice carving for the martinis

ENTERTAINMENT:CDs and CD player, volleyball, college darts, memory album

ORGANIZE PARTY DETAILS:
-Book the bartender at least two months in advance.
-Hire someone to serve hot hors d’oeuvres and to help with the grazing buffet.
-Check out ice carvings for martinis (with a tunnel to chill the martini) from caterers – once you find one you like order it and schedule the delivery.
-You must have an area for the ice carving and a tub for the melting ice. Speak to the caterer about what you will need and where to best place the ice carving.
-Pick up funky martini glasses; you do not need matching glasses for this. Plan on two and a half glasses person (2.5 x 20 = 50)
-Speak to the bartender about fun, non-alcoholic drinks. Use decorative and fun glassware for these drinks as well.
Plan the menu for the evening – heavy hors d’oeuvres and dessert; this may be either prepared by the host or ordered from a caterer.
-Plan to have taxis available for anyone not able to drive home after the party. Stop serving drinks at least two hours before everyone leaves. Be sure each person has not over indulged, has had food, coffee and dessert and is able to drive.

SHOPPING LIST: Form a list and decide whether you will buy, rent, or borrow these items:
Invitation Stamps
Beverage napkins
Linens for the table
Glassware
Menu items - both food and liquor
China
Silverware
Plants
Flowers
Serving pieces
Candles (never have an open flame)
Paper products

SCHEDULE OF TASKS:
Plan each detail. Start a three-ringed-binder to contain all the information for your party.

• Mail invitations two to three weeks ahead
• Confirm with any vendors the date, time and place of your party
• Schedule delivery and pick up for any items rented (glassware, bar, etc)
• Decide when the help should arrive
• Go over the responsibilities for the help
• Set up the bar area
• If menu is catered, schedule time for delivery and pick up
• Speak to cab companies
• Clean and organize home

SCHEDULE OF TASK:
- Think the party through and plan the details.
- Set the buffet table and dessert stations in opposite areas from the bar.
- Have a clear path for servers to replenish the buffet and dessert stations.
- Set up the bar with easy access to water and glassware.
- Keep doorways accessible.

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