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A good party is event you and your guest will cherish for a lifetime. If you enjoy having your friends and family around, you already have one of the most important components of a good party. If you approach hosting your party with the right attitude, you are more likely to succeed. You can have a great party with limited funds, and you don't need to get in debt to create a memorable experience.
The most important task is to set your budget. The second most important task you have, and it is more difficult than the first task, is to stick with your budget. Don't try to set your budget as you walk into the super market. Shopping without a budget is sure to result in impulse buying. Trying to figure what to buy and how much to spend at the store is recipe for disaster. Have a plan and stick with it.
If you shop smart, it doesn't take a fortune to throw a party that will make you the envy of your social circle. If you have limited funds, consider a potluck. It gives each of your guests an opportunity to bring their favorite dish or appetizer. Potluck parties can be a lot of fun and an opportunity to try new foods.
Your decoration is going to have a lot to do with setting the mood, so be sure to make an effort to properly decorate the location of your party. Again, decorations can be very inexpensive. Try shopping at your local dollar store or discount store to purchase some inexpensive party items, candles, and decorative items. It will help to brighten up a boring room, and encourage conversation. If you can, go for a theme such as Hawaiian, or an 80's theme. There are too many possibilities to mention, just use your imagination.
If you have limited budget, you can host an alcohol free party. Or, a wine tasting party could be a possible solution to a small budget party. All you need to do is ask your guests to bring a bottle of their favorite wine.
A creative invitation will help communicate the theme of your party, and instruct the guests on any food or items that they need to bring to the event. You can create inexpensive, one-of-a-kind invitations, by using supplies available at a local craft supply store. You can also use e-mail for invitation for your friends with an e-mail address.
Personal chefs are now helping couples and families to present fabulous home cooked dinners to their guests. And it's not as expensive as you think!
Why hire a personal chef?
A personal chef will bring the food, create a nutritious and balanced meal, figure out the servings needed (so you don't need to deal with leftovers) and most of all give you the freedom to focus on other aspects of entertaining while still providing the best food for your guests.
Are you hosting a business lunch? An intimate wedding reception? Or even an intimate dinner for two that just HAS to be the best? A personal chef can handle any order. You can usually choose from a selection of courses they provide or arrange for a customized menu.
How much does it cost?
Prices will vary but you can expect a weeks worth of meals (containers, food and cooking included) to be about $350 for a family of 4 (20 meals of entrees and side dishes) or $175 for a couple (10 meals of entrees and side dishes).
Some services will prepare all the meals at once while others will deliver or prepare the meal in your home throughout the week.
How do I find a personal chef?
Finding a chef is easy by using the USPCA (United States Personal Chef Association - ) or the CPCA (Canadian Personal Chef Alliance - ). Here you will find information on personal chefs as well as a directory of members in your area.
Will they do meals just for my family?
Personal chefs are more than just a catering service. For busy professionals who are looking for quality meals and more time with their family, a personal chef will prepare several entrees and side dishes, store them and clean the kitchen. For the rest of the week all you have to do is take them out of the fridge or freezer and reheat to enjoy gourmet meals all week. For families who turn to fast foods and restaurants the cost may actually be less than what they are currently paying.
Some personal chefs also can be booked for private or group cooking lessons. Invite a group of your friends to learn the art of creating delectable pasties or sumptuous seafood from an expert!
While not everyone needs the daily services of a personal chef you may wish to treat yourself to the luxury of a fabulous dinner at home - no cooking, cleaning or experience necessary!