6-8 Weeks Before:
Decide the type of party (sit-down dinner, buffet, cocktail)
Choose a theme
Create your guest list
Create your invitation
Arrange any rentals you might need (plates, utensils, glasses, tents)
Book entertainment
Hire a bartender or know who will oversee bar
Hire hospitality staff or find high school or college students to help throughout the evening
Is it a big party? Do you need valet? If so, book a company
* When it comes to any vendors, the earlier you book the better. Our 6-8 weeks is a guideline, but we highly recommend booking as soon as you know, even if that is 6 months out. No reason to wait!
4 Weeks Before:
Mail your invitations. Some events need more than 4 weeks, especially around the holidays.
Do an inventory of your home (any repairs needed, light bulbs out, organizing that needs to be done)
Create your menu
Decide the layout of your party (buffet station, bar location, where entertainment will be)
3 Weeks Before:
Purchase items needed for your bar
Create music playlist (or use one of the Lisa Lou Spotify playlists)
Purchase party favors
Purchase decorations
Set your table (this is a trial run to see if anything is missing)
All linens used should be ironed
2 Weeks Before:
Menu shop and purchase non-perishable items
Prepare any food that can be frozen
Hire a babysitter (if desired)
Order any floral arrangements
Decide what you are wearing (it should match the attire you stated on the invitation)
1 Week Before:
Call all service/rental companies you booked and re-confirm (you should always get bookings in writing)
If not hiring a professional event team, then assign friends certain duties (answer door; take
hostess gifts; store coats; coordinate games)
If your entertainment consists of playing games, make sure you have read all instructions and YOU
know how to play
If you put a “reply by” deadline on the invitation, call guests 24 hours past the response deadline for
those who have not responded
Prepare any food that will keep until your party
Set up the bar
Clean the house
Does landscape meet your approval?
Move specific pieces of furniture to garage or another room, if necessary, so guests can easily mingle
If a large party, let your neighbors know what to expect (better yet, include them on guest list!)
Set up party decorations (if applicable)
1 Day Before:
Set party favors close to door but in a closet so guests do not see when arrive
Purchase last minute items (example: perishable food)
Finish meal prep
Powder room cleaned (hand soap; hand towels; extra toilet paper; deodorizer spray)
Replace any burned out bulbs
Do any last-minute straightening inside (fluff pillows, straighten coffee table)
Pick up any trash/toys in front yard
Empty all trash cans throughout house
Set up an out of sight area with cleaning material to handle spills (specifically red wine)
If it is a self-serve, paper plate party, set up garbage bags near the kitchen
Designate an area for coats, handbags, and umbrellas
Check that the pet area is clean or move to another room
Spray upholstery with fabric freshener
Morning of:
Chill wine
Pick up floral arrangements
Turn AC down low and close all curtains to keep heat out
One hour before:
Be dressed and ready!
Turn ambient lighting on: dimmers, lamps, candles (no hot overhead lights)
Ceiling fans on for circulation
Finish last minute meal prep (there should not be much to do)
Shut garage doors (guests do not want to see our messes when they arrive)
Open blinds
Toilet seats down
30 minutes before:
Light all candles throughout house, including fireplace
Turn music on
Check yourself one last time (powder nose, lipstick, breath mint)
Grab a glass of wine and relax while waiting for guests to arrive!
Together with you,
Lisa Lou
