Holiday party guide

By Staff
Dec. 11, 2002
Renee Davis, a professional caterer and owner of Pretty Presentations Catering, offers the following tips for the holiday party season. Davis can be reached at (601) 683-3941. You can e-mail her at ppcater@intop.net.
Decorate soon
The weekend after Thanksgiving is the best time to decorate. Forget the after-Thanksgiving sales (all those "goodies" will be there the next week and you won't stand in ridiculous lines a mile long).
Before you begin, set a deadline and stick to it. After that, put up the rest of the decorating boxes. You will be more relaxed and you won't step over boxes.
Set a date
Make your guest list and send the invitations so that your date is on your guests' calendars. Nothing is more frustrating than have a few guests attend your party after all the work you've done.
Plan a menu
Plan a menu for the party and stick with it; minimal changes mean less work. Also plan a cooking timeline, make your grocery list and buy as much as you can in advance.
Put the schedules and appropriate containers in a box in your pantry so you are ready to begin the week of the party. Photocopy all menus and place together in a booklet.
Remember: You don't have to prepare everything you serve.
If the baker down the street makes a better loaf of bread than you do, buy his. Order some of your hors d'oeuvres from your local caterer. Make the party as easy as possible.
Design a timeline
You'll always have a last-minute surprise on the day of the party. But by finishing all preparations by the day before, those last-minute surprises will be minimal.
Entertain your guests
At the party, share quality time with your friends and family and create a moment of harmony during this hectic time of year. You don't have to do everything or be
everything. It's all about the attitude we have toward one another and ourselves.