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Terri Ganem, a professional chef and party planner, offer the following tips for planning a party:
- Pick a theme for the party. A theme gives a basis for food, decorations and activities (figure A).
- Create a chart for tables and supplies. You'll know where everything goes (so will your helpers), and a list of supplies will make sure nothing is forgotten.
- Spread out the tables. This will help avoid bumps and spills and gives the guests room to mingle.
- Have separate beverage setups for adults and children. For adults, always provide liters of colas, diet colas and clear drinks. Never serve anything red.
- Children's tables should have healthy snacks to nibble on, and drinks should be served in disposable cups from liter bottles rather than cans to prevent waste (figure B). Cans are often opened and sipped from, then get hot and are abandoned or misplaced during a party.
On the food tables, serve finger foods for sampling tastes and to cut down on waste. Finger foods are easier to handle, reducing spills. Paper plates are available in a range of colors and designs, but high-end plastic is a safer option, since it allows guests to manage a plate without its buckling (figure C). Plastic is also easy for kids to handle, and it can act as serving plates.Heavy-duty disposable plastic utensils cut down on cleanup time.Have matching or complementary napkins handy to coordinate with the tablecloths (figure D). If a spill happens, blot the stain and cover with a napkin.A table brush should be kept handy to brush away crumbs. Enlist someone to help keep food areas clean.Have trash cans and recycling containers handy for easy cleanup.Designate a cleanup person.
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