Starting a New Tradition
First Annual...
How many times have you wanted to invite friends and family over for a picnic or BBQ? And how many times have you actually done it? As the weather warms many of us have great plans, but all too soon it’s Labor Day and we never got around to having that event. It’s so easy to let things get in the way, you might find yourself saying: “Once I clean the garage I’ll have everyone over.” ”After I finish painting the living room I’ll send out the invitations.” “Before I can have everyone over I have to clean up.” “I can’t let everyone see this mess.” “I don’t have a weekend open.” ”It takes too much time to plan.” “I’m not sure where the supplies are.” “The event won’t turn out like I plan.” And the list goes on and on… Here’s the thing- I believe you just have to jump in! Knowing you have a deadline of the party will cause you to complete the projects, and even if you don’t it’s ok, at least you won’t let another summer slip away. So this week’s Clutter Challenge is to pick a date and start planning an event, a picnic, BBQ or something else, it’s your choice. You can call it the First Annual whatever and make this a tradition. Here are some simple steps to get you started and a few ideas for saving time the day of your event. Step 1: Grab a file folder or 3 ring binder as a single place to collect all your ideas Step 2: Pull out your calendar and pick a date- block the date out on your calendar and work backwards to figure out the date you need to send the invitations (and yes email invitations from a place like www.evite.com are acceptable and preferred by many) you might opt to write “regrets only” Step 3: Choose a theme, this makes planning a lot easier Step 4: Collect party ware items as you come across them and store them in a single box or container. (Citronella candles, BBQ lighter, sunscreen, matches, plasticware, disposable camera, decorations and other items.) Step 5: Make a list of those you want to invite Step 6: Start collecting recipes and menu ideas (consider a pot luck event where everyone gets to pitch in, guests like to be involved and if you don’t let them bring a dish they are going to bring you more clutter) SEE BELOW FOR A PORTION ESTIMATOR Step 7: Send the invitations and track the regrets Step 8: Speed clean Step 9: Prepare in advance (put out the serving platters, check the batteries in your camera etc.) Step 10: Enjoy the day! NOTE: Be sure to keep your file or binder so you have a template to follow for your next event. Estimating how much food you’ll need per person
Hors D'oeuvres
· 6 bites when preceding a meal.
· 4 - 6 bites per hour when hors d'oeuvres are the meal.
· The longer your party and the larger your guest list, the greater the number of selections you should offer.
The Main Meal
· Poultry, meat or fish - 6 ounces when you have one main dish, 8 ounces when you offer two or more main courses.
· Rice, grains - 1.5 ounces as a side dish, 2 ounces in a main dish such as risotto.
· Potatoes - 5 ounces
· Vegetables - 4 ounces
· Beans - 2 ounces as a side dish
· Pasta - 2 ounces for a side dish, 3 ounces for a first course, 4 ounces for a main dish
· Green Salad - 1 ounce undressed weight
Desserts
· 1 slice cake, tart or pastry
· 4 ounces creamy dessert such as pudding or mousse
· 5 ounces ice cream
· When serving two of the above, reduce each by a little less than half. OTHER GREAT IDEAS Label the food on the table, for example, toothpicks in the cheese wedge with a label telling the type of cheese Photocopy the recipes and place them out for those who want them For a BBQ place condiments in a muffin pan, no need for all those messy bottles With these simple steps, a plan in place, a selected date and all your supplies in one place you can't help but have a stress-free and successful event! I hope you will send me a short note letting me know what your plans are or a photo of everyone enjoying themselves at the party. Here's to a fun day with many lasting memories! That's it for this week's challenge, see you next week. Fondly, Jamie PS I'm sure you have friends and family who would like to see these steps or learn party planning portion sizes, please forward this email to them now.
Jamie on HGTV's Mission Organization
Set a tape or your tivo now for April 16, 2007 2:00 PM ET/PT FEATURED PRODUCT OR SERVICE OF THE MONTH This month’s featured item is Operation Paperback. Operation Paperback is a non-profit, grassroots program founded in 1999. They collect gently used books and send them to American troops deployed overseas. This is a great solution for those of us who own too many books but refuse to throw them away! Operation Paperback
|
