SMART MEAL SYSTEMS

Holiday Party Planning Checklist

Plan the guest experience, food, timing and backup decisions before party day.

4–6 weeks before

□Set guest count range□Choose date, start/end time, and party style□Set a total budget and 3 priority categories□Decide seated meal, buffet, grazing, or drinks + bites□Send invitations / save the date□Note dietary needs as replies arrive

2 weeks before

□Lock menu using the 2–2–1 rule□Label each dish: oven, stovetop, slow cooker, cold, reheat□Check seating, serving platters, glasses and utensils□Buy shelf-stable groceries and drinks□Choose a coat/bag area and trash/recycling spots□Create one emergency substitution for each major menu item

2 days before

□Shop perishables□Make desserts, sauces and make-ahead sides□Chop sturdy vegetables□Set serving dishes out with notes for what goes where□Chill beverages that need it□Clean only guest-visible zones

Party day

□Set the table / food station first□Finish cold dishes early□Start the main dish on schedule□Keep only one live dish for the final 20 minutes□Put water and easy drinks where guests can self-serve□Set a timer for reheating tasks□Stop cooking 10 minutes before guests arrive if possible

30 minutes before guests

□Clear counters□Light / music / temperature check□Put appetizers and drinks out□Move bags, mail and cleaning supplies out of sight□Check bathroom□Change clothes□Do not start a new recipe

Party-Day Run Sheet

Work backward from guest arrival. Only schedule tasks that truly need a time.

Time	Task / finish state	Who	Done

Emergency substitutions

Planned item	Backup that saves the party