Added: 04/13/2007 |
Self Catering Accommodations For Your New Year's CelebrationCelebrating New Year's with those closest of you is important. Cost should not put a damper on the festivities. Consider making a self catering accommodation to your party instead of paying big bucks for a catering service. Being organized and planning things out well can save lots of money, despite the size of the party and number of guests. Planning the party yourself also eliminates surprises by the caterer when it comes to the food. Enlist the help of a few other people if you are planning a large party. Doing your research before purchasing the food can save lots, as can waiting to prepare foods at the right time for freshness.
When trying to figure out your party's needs, it is important to know how many guests will be there. Consider sending out official invitations to those you want at your gathering at least four or five weeks ahead of time, and require that an answer be given on the number of guests no later than ten days prior to party time. This allows for food, beverages, and supply requirements. Keep in mind when inviting guests that about half to two thirds respond with a yes most of the time, but do not over-invite unless you are willing to accommodate a number that large in the instance that everyone says yes. Some things can be taken care of way in advance but not everything can. Buying supplies such as cups, plates, decorations, and serving utensils can be purchased anytime and it is a good idea to do it well in advance if possible. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy the items on sale and store them for a while. Waiting until the last minute might mean that you are at the mercy of the local grocery store, who has nothing but empty shelves. Self catering accommodation can be easy if planned out well and done in small pieces so as to not be overwhelming to the host.
To start your process when making self catering accommodation, begin with a basic checklist: invitations (mailed), location, non-food related supplies and decorations, alcoholic beverages and non-alcoholic beverages, entertainment, party favors (if desired), and food. The last item, food, is the most difficult of all to arrange. And without anyone helping, it can seem like a gargantuan task for one.
Food should be decided upon in a manner that will be agreeable to all guests. Keep in mind dietary restictions when inviting and after receiving replies. No one should be forgotten and everyone should have something to eat, even if you have to prepare something just for one person.You do not want your guests to think it was an inconvenience to host them. Cost is relevant to what your guests will be eating, and the number of guests is relevant to your cost. You could host a small dinner party of eight or ten people with gourmet food or a party of thirty with finger foods and appetizers. Since you are going to be doing the self catering accommodation instead of having food professionally prepared, keep in mind how much time you will have to prepare the food and how long you want to be in the kitchen. The task is easier and more enjoyable if you have someone to help in the kitchen. Consider enlisting the help of a few friends or relatives when doing the cooking and preparing with decorations. Make sure you praise them for their help at the party too: a gracious host is one who can recognize those who helped make the party possible.
When figuring out what kind of food to serve, and after you have determined the number in attendance at your gathering, start looking at local supermarket advertisements for their specials. Comparing prices before leaving to shop can save a lot of money. If necessary, call the store and ask them to check the price and availability of an item you will be needing. If a decision is made to prepare the more complicated items for the party and order appetizers or party trays, make sure the place you are ordering from receives your order several days in advance. If the item is something as simple as a vegetable tray, usually it is more cost-effective to make and does not take much time at all to construct, so just plan on making it yourself. If hosting a large party where the amount of food will be for about a dozen people or more, consider shopping at a place that sells to restaurants and buying your items in large quantities. This can be a cheaper alternative to buying many smaller quantities at a local grocery. Again, check for product availability. Try to purchase things that will not spoil and does not require refrigeration as soon as possible. Try to buy perishable items no sooner than two days before the party, because freshness counts.
When preparing the layout of the party, everything should look presentable but comfortable. Do not over-stress about spills or shortages. Just enjoy the party, worry about cleaning up after the fact, thank those who helped you, and smile...while you think about how much money you saved by catering the party yourself! A self catering accommodation can work, if you plan properly.
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