Thought I'd share a little of my pre-party prep with you today, since I was going through my Easter pics from March of 2013, and planning my Easter dinner this year.
Once all the recipes have been chosen and the refrigerator is bursting with groceries, I make a list of the menu items, and also when I need to put the different dishes in the oven, at the correct temperature. I've been known to leave a jello in the frig, so writing all the yummy foods on a master menu keeps me from forgetting anything! (Especially if someone else has brought it).
The day before the big party, I set out my serving dishes along with their corresponding silverware. This enables me to not be scrambling through high cupboards the day of the party, and helps me be able to enjoy my guests better, and give instructions to the rest of the kitchen preppers. I also place each dish's recipe card on it's corresponding server.
I also make any recipes I can ahead of time: dips, cakes, garnishes of cut parsley, sliced lemons/oranges. I also make sure anything that needs defrosting is in the frig. for overnight thawing: hash brown potatoes for the Cheesy Potato recipe, frozen juices for punch, etc.
Usually it's dark by the time I finally start to set the table. I hate ironing tablecloths, so I usually grab a section of fabric yardage, or an old vintage bedspread for a tablecover. I rinse the plates and glasses if they seem to have gotten dusty in the cupboards. I arrange my flowers, and make sure to have some candles to burn also, for a festive touch. By the time I head to bed, the table and chairs are all set to go, so I can sleep better, and just focus on food and my guests the next day.
I know everyone has a different style when it comes to hostessing, but maybe some of my ideas may be helpful to you! We'll see how my Easter comes out this year...I'm really needing some inspiration, since we just got a spring snowfall, and everything looks pretty wintry here:(
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