Dinner Party Checklist
Table linens: tablecloth, napkins
Serving platters
Serving utensils
Dinner, salad and dessert plates/bowls
Utensils
Toothpicks
Bread basket
2 or more glasses per person for water and wine
Coffee cups and saucer for each person
Coffee pot, sugar and cream
Hot water and an assortment of tea
Salt and pepper shakers
Carafe or pitcher for water
Wine chiller/corkscrew
Bottle cap remover
Condiments: soy sauce, hot sauce, mustard, catsup, freshly grated parmesan
Butter: Soften by taking out of refrigerator up to 3 hours before serving
Cocktail napkins
Birthday candles (Always handy – you never know when you will need them!)
Camera and/or video camera
Candles, votive candles
Centerpieces
One Month Before Event
Decide on the occasion, theme, date, time and place
Plan Guest List
Decide on dress (casual, dressy, formal)
Plan decorations
Prepare menu/grocery list
Select caterer/serving help (if needed)
Designate items you need guest to bring, if any
Three Weeks Before Event
Mail, phone or email invitations
Begin shopping for decorations
Two Weeks Before Event
Rent or buy equipment (tables, chairs, linens, serving pieces etc.)
One Week Before Event
Buy beverages except fresh juices
Order specialty food items and finalize menu
Consider necessary cooking utensils and appliances and purchase if necessary
Plan for any guests with special considerations (i.e. vegitarians, kosher) and offer an alternative if necessary
Two to Four Days Before Event
Follow up with guests who haven’t rsvp’d
Buy non perishable food items
Buy fresh juices if necessary
Clean the house!
Order cake, prepared appetizers, flowers etc.
Defrost frozen meats/poultry in refrigerator
Day Before Event
Set up and arrange furniture
Arrange serving pieces
Coordinate last minute detail with caterer, servers
Buy groceries and fresh foods needed
Season/marinate meats
Prepare foods that can easily be prepared ahead of time or re-heated
Day Of Event
Decorate house
Pick up balloons, perishables and any items ordered
Put away/hide breakable items
Prepare food items
Chill drinks
Prepare any other food items
Set up food area with serving pieces, glasses and dishes
Give yourself plenty of time to shower and get dressed!
