Introduction

frant c start helps to avo d dips

Party-grvrng should be enloyable, and

time y planning ensures that any event

enthus asm later on. Often the ln tial

is as relaxed for the organizer as for the

prob ems are not as complicated as

guests. The fo lowing chapters provide

they appear Enthusiasm and -"nergy

are the f rst requirements for over-

guidelines and reminders to ensure that

the o'gar

/ rq i) easy

ar d rhe o.cas

or

coming any uncerta nties, backed up

successfu . One of the arms of this

by making useful lists such as key

to prov de all the adv ce

necessary to make the planning all
part of the party fun and sat sfying on
both informa and formal occasions.

dates, numbers of guests, types of

book

is

Getting started

food and drink. lt is important to do

this before any celebration, large or
small, in advance o{ getting down io

or lt'irirg,
rg ard greerirg.

Above Pure linen napkins add style

t1e praclica iries of invirat

and elegance to any dining table.

rooa

ear nq. coo.

The process of deciding on dates,

times, venues and occasion sty e often

Logelher once-in-a-l {erime gathe'irgs.

Enlisting support

starts the ro ler-coaster task of putting

It can often be a stressful time when

There is no po nt in play ng the party

you are making decisions such as

hero and trying to jugg e every last

Below Io create a sophisticated look,

whether tradii onal ceremonies take

item a ongside a normal busy life

choose one colour for napkins and

precedence over a re axed celebration

far more sensible and fun to share the

table linen, and mix different textures

or how to assemble different groups o{

load and sat sfaction w th

such as linen and organdie.

famr y and fr ends. Side-stepping a

iW

at

it

east one

helper, f not a team of supporters.

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lntrodrlction

Hand pick a reliable and hard-working

friend who shares your aims, ethos and

humour to ]oin in the process - most
people are flattered to be asked {or
their support, especially on important
occasions. Then be thoughtful about

who to add to the team. For children's

parties, unless the occasion is a
surprise, involve the child whose party

it is and allow one special friend to be

included in the pre-party organization.
Getting together a round-table of
enthusiastic organizers is best avoided
unless there are specific. separate tasks

that are ideal for distributing among

several contributors. Finally, there are
times when coordinating a committee

of people

is an essential part

of putting

together a group event, such as for a

club or school, and adopting the same
approach to selecting one or two main
helpers while ensuring everyone else is
usefully involved is an excellent ploy.

Above

When the occasron allows for

flexibility, do not take yourself too

impress

will
your guests at drinks parties.

C/asslc cocktail glasses

Mix and match

seriously but ajm for enjoyment rather

lf the occasion is so formal, such as

than perfection. Mixing and matching

bottle, do not be a{raid to make the

a wedding or christening, or the

can be an inspiring approach to party

occasion a "bring a bottle party" by

planning. especially for informal events.

spelling it out on the party nvitations.

approach so traditional that there

is

little room for changing the style and

Adopt the "do it with a good will or

form, it is best to follow the rules of

not at all" approach and loosen up on

Enjoy!

etiquette. For all parties adopt

the rules. Concentrate on the aspects

Great atmosphere is the most

sensrble attitude to all numbers,

you most enjoy. Those who are not

important feature of any party or

catering, ambience and entertainment

keen on cooking for crowds often

celebration

and use tried and tested approaches

do best by selecting just one or two

ambience alone. Whether you are

practical one-pot dishes and

entertaining in a palace or on

complementing them with well-chosen

to ensure success.

and that does not mean

Below Add atmosphere to a party with

bought foods. There is plenty of advice

building site, remember to do so with

a qenuine and warm welcome. Make

floating candles in a glass bowl.

on making the most of bought

your guests aware of the type, contexl

ingredients in the following chapters.

and style of the party so that they all

The same goes for pany drinks:

come suitably dressed and in the right

while all the experts may dictate

frame of mind to enjoy themselves.

offering chilled champagne or certain

wines and liqueurs to go with

encourage them to mingle, making

individual courses during a meal, or

them feel relaxed, at home and with

an eclectic array of drinks, if

your budget

you

or

dictate otherwise, then

Greet everyone and be sure to

a certain responsibility to participate.

At the end of the day. no matter how

do so with conviction and without

brilliant the tables, food and

apology. And if you expect guests to

decorations, it

make a contribution by brinqinq a

make the party.

is

the people who