Planning for Aiman's Birthday Party

I'm following the step by step instruction given in planning a dinner party for 50...

1. Step One
Choose a date for your event. If you plan to honor any special guests - or there are guests on your list whose presence you particularly desire - make sure the date is convenient for them.
Aiman's birthday is on 12th February 2002..but this year we are going to hold a party on 14th of February...because it is easier for our guest to come since the next day is a holiday here. After all my hubby and me also can have a rest the next day..or else we have to take our annual leave. I don't think we have a particularly desired guest...all our guest are desired.


2. Step Two
Evaluate your space. Be sure you have enough table space and chairs in your home or reserve a space for the party elsewhere. If you have the party somewhere else, decide how you will provide the food (catered, picnic-style, using a rented hall's kitchen, and so on).
We are going to have it at home..specifically at the car porch but the guest are free to choose whether to sit outside or inside the house..About the table and chairs...we already have it(because the last Hari Raya we had an open house done and the the owner of those tables and chairs has not taken it back yet..LOL so we are going to use it for the 2nd time..

3. Step Three
Decide on your budget. Large dinner parties needn't be expensive: with a little ingenuity you can make a meal for very little money. Make your own decorations instead of ordering expensive flowers. Consider a potluck, a picnic, or other alternatives to a sit-down dinner.
This time it is not going to be a large party..total guest is around 50..last raya open house almost 200 guest!

4 . Step Four
Choose a theme or plan table centerpieces and a color scheme.
We have no specific theme..


5 . Step Five
Make sure you have enough place settings, serving bowls and platters, serving utensils and other needed items. Borrow or rent these items if necessary.
We are going to buy paper plates only...


6. Step Six
Extend invitations, either by phone or written invitation. Give clear RSVP instructions.
Up till now I've invited few people already, Aiman's friends and their family will be invited by invitation card which I haven't buy yet...hehheehh


7 . Step Seven
Finalize your guest list by following up on guests who do not RSVP
I cannot do this until I've invited all of them...


8 .Step Eight
Make all the arrangements for any space rental, entertainment (such as a band or DJ), catering, other hired help (such as cleanup staff), photographer, flowers, or other large expenses and commitments at least two weeks before the event.
I think this step ..catering is the only thing applicable...anyway I'm going to settle it by Tuesday coz a few dish I need somebody to help me in the cooking process..not really a caterer.


9. Step Nine
Prepare a timetable for all other tasks, leaving as little as possible for the day of the event. Include space in your timetable for things that might go wrong.
I have my own timetable and I hope everything will be following that smoothly.


10. Step Ten
If you're cooking, plan each dish and make an appropriate shopping list.
This is the most important step I guess because I'm going to cook 95% of the dish...and I'm going for a shopping on Tuesday at Tesco.

After I did this, I realise that a few things need urgent attention...like finding an invitation cards and meeting with my caterer (helper actually)..ok I'll try my best to do it tomorrow..and settle everything according to timetable...like what David Tutera said...To organise a party..95% of the time should be spent on planning and only 5% on the day itself....Hmmmmmm