Monday, October 1, 2012

How To Throw A Dinner Party



Today I am writing about How to Throw A Dinner Party, and the planning that went into my husband David's birthday party.  I'm kind of a last minute kind of girl.  I'm always late getting things done (notice I didn't get this post up yesterday, because I was exhausted and needed a day off), and most of the time, I'm still working in the kitchen when people are walking in the door.  I normally barely have makeup on, and sometimes my hair is still wet.  I always bite off more then I can chew.  I always make too much food, because God Forbid, someone may not have enough to eat.  My wonderful, patient, and kind husband always laughs at me, because he says "if we are having 10 people over, there will be food for 20".  

All of that being said, Saturday night was amazing.  I was on time, even early.  I had my hair done and makeup on by 6:40 PM, people were coming at 7:00 PM.  I did have help in the kitchen, from a wonderful woman Lilliana.  She helped with me with getting the appetizers and food out, and the dishes done, so that I would not have to do that part.  I actually got to get everyone drinks, and visit, and enjoy the evening, and best of all my husband had a great time with his friends.  He was relaxed and got to visit with everyone without having to do anything, except show up (that was pretty easy to do, since he just had to walk down the stairs. )

So today I am actually going to give a few pointers on How To Throw A Dinner Party, and enjoy it at the same time. Not always an easy task, but for the unorganized person that I am, this is really doable.  I will post some of the other recipes over the next week.  You have already seen some, and I will put links to those recipe in this post which will make it easier for you to find them.  So here we go, isn't that what Mario or Luigi say in that video game Mario Cart. 


1. I had made my menu a while ago in anticipation that David would want a birthday party.  He originally didn't want a party.

2. Menu:
Appetizers
 Bread sticks  and Hummus
Cheese and Meat Tray




Dinner Buffet
Caesar Salad (Store Bought)
Asian Salad (Store Bought)
Rigatoni Casserole w/ Bolognese Sauce
I will post the recipe this week at some point
Garlic Bread ( I will post the recipe this Thursday)

Dessert Buffet Table


Desserts

Chocolate Mousse Cake (from Tony's in Centennial)
Store bought Cookies
Swiss Chocolate Almond Sundaes ( I will post the Recipe next Saturday)

Cocktails
Cucumber Basil Martinis
Peach Sangria ( I will post recipe on Friday)

2.  Get your recipes together and make your grocery list

3. Do your grocery shopping

4.  I started making my Bolognese Sauce on Wednesday.

5. On Friday, my daughter Charly, helped me with the cooking.
         Made Anitpasto Skewers
         Made the Rigatoni Casserole
         Made the Swiss Chocolate Sundaes
         Make Garlic Butter 
         Muddle cucumber and basil for Cucumber Basil Martinis

6.  To do list for Saturday
     ( I would normally have set the tables on 
     Friday, but my daughter Charly was staying with us for the week
     and I can't keep her cat off of my table, so I waited until he was 
     leaving.  Charly moved last week, so it was great to have her 
     home with me for the week.  Poor thing was exhausted Saturday
     night after moving all day, but she made it.)
        Pull out serving pieces
        Set tables and buffet
        Cover cans with burlap and lace bow
        Buy flowers, bread, salads, and cakes
        Arrange flowers
        Make Peach Sangria
        Get bread cut and spread garlic butter on it ( This was done by
        my oldest son Vince with Lilliana.)
        Get cheeses and meats on serving platter 
        Cut limes and lemons and put in bowls for the bar
        Get coffee ready
        Pull casseroles out of the refrigerator, turn oven to 350
        Casseroles go into the oven 30 minutes before you want to
        serve them.
        Cook Garlic bread
        Toss salads
        Clear appetizers
        Serve dinner
        Clear dishes
        After dinner turn on coffee pot
        Set desserts on buffet and serve

7. I did have help that night, so Lilliana was able to put food in the oven, clear the appetizers, and she was a huge help.  She came 30 minutes before people came, and got the appetizers ready to go, and helped me get everything out when people got there.

I must say, that this party was fun, and I was thrilled that I did not have to spend the whole time in the kitchen.  

You will see different recipes that I made on the blog this week.

I hope that this post was helpful.  Let me know what you think.  I always love hearing from you.

Enjoy!!!

4 comments:

  1. Job well done then! Sounds a great time was had by all - and now all you have to do is clean up the left overs! Enjoy. You deserve the rest from cooking new this week!

    Look forward to the other recipes.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Isobel,
      I appreciate it. Hope you liked the rest of the recipes.
      Thanks for visiting.
      Have a great week.
      Debi

      Delete
  2. How much fun, wish I was at your party!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Hi Erica,
    Thank you so much. It was fun.
    Have a great week and thanks for visiting.
    Debi

    ReplyDelete

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