Holidays & Entertaining

Company’s coming? The basics of entertaining, from how much to serve to stress-free party ideas.

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Holiday Open-House Party Checklist

Send the invitations.
Plan a stress-free menu.

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Thanksgiving Potluck Checklist

It’s your party, so feel free to ask some of your guests to bring specific dishes.
Let guests know at what temperature you will be roasting the turkey.

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26 Steps to Planning the Ultimate Party

Make an invitation list.
Decide on a theme, if you want one.

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Christmas Countdown Checklist

Make a family plan.
Buy plane tickets.

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Dessert Party Checklist

Make an invitation list.
Send invitations.

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42 Home Bar Essentials

Bourbon
Cointreau or triple sec (some people swear Cointreau is worth the money even if you mix it)

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Baby Shower Planning Checklist

Determine who hosts.
Set a budget.

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Holiday Baking Essentials Checklist

All-purpose flour.
Baking powder.

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Christmas Decorating Essentials Checklist

Christmas tree
Ornaments

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Holiday Cookie Exchange Checklist

Invite friends.
Determine how much everyone will make.

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24 Ways to Prepare for a Dinner Party

Choose a theme, if you want one.
Extend invitations.

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Picnic-Packing Checklist

Casual foods, preferably sandwiches or other things you can eat without utensils.
Ice pack or bags of ice.

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Holiday Organizing Checklist

1. Create a holiday planning binder to stay on track over the holidays.
2. About a month before the holidays, write a list of the people for whom you will be buying gifts,

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Cheese Party Checklist

3/4 pound blue cheese
3/4 pound semifirm cheese

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11 Super Bowl Party Must-Haves

Super Bowl decorations.
Coolers, buckets, or small tubs for drinks.

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Holiday Card Checklist

Update your address list.
Write a list of the people to whom you will be sending cards,

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Halloween Party Checklist

Candy and loot bags.
Punch bowl.

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Gifts wrapped in blue paper with jingle bells and tiny handmade paper fan

Child’s Away-From-Home Birthday Party Checklist

Discuss with your child what kind of party he or she wants and whom to invite.
Pick a date.

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Child’s At-Home Birthday Party Checklist

Discuss with your child what kind of party he or she wants.
Decide whom to invite.

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19 Steps to a Successful Bake Sale

If you don’t already have one in mind, select a charity to donate your earnings to.
Solicit volunteers by posting sign-up sheets, sending e-mails, or making phone calls.

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7 Steps to Starting a Book Club

Decide on the tone and theme of the club.
Spread the word.

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9 Things to Do Pre-Slumber Party

Make a guest list.

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8 People to Tip this Holiday Season

Building superintendent:
Doorman:

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Step-by-Step Make-Ahead Thanksgiving Checklist

Make the cider glaze for the Cider-Glazed Turkey; refrigerate.
Make the gravy base for the Bourbon Gravy; refrigerate. (Alternatively, make and freeze up to 1 month in advance.)

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Your Ultimate Thanksgiving Timeline

Decide which recipes you want to make, keeping in mind that there’s only so much one person―and one kitchen―can do. If you really do need 10 side dishes, look for recipes that use the same oven temperature, so they can cook at the same time, says Bluysen.After you narrow down your menu, reread the recipes that remain. Most can be broken into steps that you can do ahead of time. Then make a list of what you want to get done on each of the days leading up to Thanksgiving, says Bluysen. “I really think if you go through it enough times, you will be more relaxed,” she says.

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