Stock your own personal party box and get-togethers of the impromptu or planned variety will come together easier than the guest list. Even better, many of the goods are now on clearance. How to after the jump:
How to: Always Be Party Ready
The idea: Pack all the basics in one box, put it away until you need it, unpack on site and voila. You're organized and ready.
Post-party: Wash, repack, store. Repeat.
The fun part is gathering supplies. Buy or choose dedicated pieces, according to taste and budget. Silver to spork, cloth or paper, it's up to you. Then start packing:
Step 1: Put critical beverage serving goodies into an ice bucket, such as tongs and an all-in-one opener.
Step 2: Put napkins, liners, and a party-only set of flatware into serving caddies.
Step 3: Pack desired dinnerware, stackable small and large glassware (even if it's plastic), dipping bowls, a pitcher, perhaps even a platter or other accessories as desired. Add ice bucket and serving caddies.
Additional items that are great to have: tea towels, a platter or two, cheese servers—whatever suits your most-likely list.
Product details:
Vintage ice bucket
CB2 party forks (set of 6; other party flatware and serving also sold as dedicated sets)
Cynthia Rowley for Target Serving Set (on sale!)
Target Vallauris cloth napkins
Target Plastic Luna Pitcher & Polycarbonate Iced Tea Glass
Ikea Diod small glasses
(glass but virtually indestructible)
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I do this already, and it truly is a great system to keep in the back of the pantry if you have the space.
Though it's less than "green" to do so, I do use "chinette" paper products for gatherings larger than four.
Ikea had some great plastic picnic wear and I have a service for four for everyday patio use (I don't want to worry about broken glass or earthenware underfoot).
Love the plates suggested above -- may have to get some!!
view kimg924's profile
ugh . . . the font on the "party box" is killing me
view a_badg's profile
I have a party closet! It's the magical party closet to be precise.
Actually I have dedicated one shelf in the hall closet to party supply storage. BBQ Skewers, Tablecloths, weighted tablecloth clips, beverage tub and paper plates that accumulate from well-meaning guests (I use real plates to entertain) - and booze.
The great thing about a magical party closet is... it's there is always more to put away... AFTER the party. Someone always brings more alcohol! I once started a party with a 3/4 full 1.75 liter bottle of Bacardi Rum - and when the party ended, I had a full bottle with no broken seal!
The magic was discovered after the introduction to my neighbor's magic cooler. You bring a half full beverage cooler to a softball game and you usually leave with a full cooler. Probably because no one else brings a cooler!
Party Magic!
view clickchick's profile