Summer Entertaining Checklist
For those of you who love gathering a crowd of good folks around delicious food on warm summer days and evenings, here's a handy party planning checklist on a timeline:

To Do Two to Three Weeks Ahead
___ Choose a date and time and create your guest list
___ Decide if there is a party theme
___ Plan the food and drink menu
___ Send out invites with details and ask for an RSVP
(Include date, time, location, if they need to wear something specific, what they can bring, is it weather permitting, and ask about food preferences if you require that info)
___ Ensure you have all the necessary dishware, cutlery, serving utensils and glassware on hand
___ Select music and create a playlist
To Do A Few Days Before
___ Create a grocery and beverage shopping list. Go shopping and don't forget the ice.
___ Prepare make-ahead meal items and do prep-work such as chopping veggies. Don’t forget to move any meat that needs thawing from the freezer to the fridge.
___ Clean, tidy and add any extra seating or tables
To Do Day Of
___ Prepare salads, grilling items, and cook meals
___ Wash dishes as you go and empty the dishwasher so its ready for party dishes
___ Set out some serving dishes so that if your guests bring food they can easily take them from tupperware to table
___ Make space in the refrigerator for guest's beverages or add a cooler with ice
___ Add flowers or decor
___ Walk through the house and yard, turn on the music, and set out snacks. It’s party time!