The ULTIMATE Party Guide

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Juliana Powell
5 years ago
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1 So, You re Having A Party... 1 The ULTIMATE Party Guide

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Table of contents 4 6 7 8 9 11 13 15 Getting Started

3 Table of contents Getting Started Invitations Serving Size Guide Catering to Food Allergies Don t Let Rain, Rain on Your Parade Throwing a Party Last Minute Dips & Tips Questions? Ask Serena Recipes

4 getting started So, you re having a party. Getting started can be the most difficult part who should I invite, what food or drinks will I need, how much should I bring, will there be kids there, is anyone allergic to a certain food, should I have a theme, what the heck will I wear? Party is our first name and we are here to help you create the best party for your guests, with little hassle to you. First things first. A checklist. 4 Having a checklist will help you keep track of everything you need and what needs to be done to guarantee your party is a success. We have the perfect template to help you organize your event!

5 party potatoes checklist Two to Three Months Before: Determine budget and number of guests If you need extra chairs or tables, be sure to find a rental, ask friends or purchase Choose a date, time and place Reserve location Six Weeks to One Month Before Choose a theme or color palette Send invitations *If you re asking guests to RSVP, include a date one week before the party Plan the food offerings, create a shopping list or choose a caterer Take inventory of supplies you have and what you will need to pick up Two Weeks Before Line up any additional help you may need If you need cake, order a cake! One Week Before Follow up with any guest who hasn t RSVP d this way you can get a head count If you are serving alcohol, be sure to stock the bar (refer to serving size guide on page 7) Two to Three Days Before: Finish your grocery shopping If you are choosing to have the party at home, it may be a nice gesture to inform your non-invited neighbors. That way they can account for the extra cars and traffic that day. Day Before Assemble any party favors Decorate Finish cooking treats that can be done ahead of time Empty the trash and stock the bathrooms Party Day Finish any last minute cooking Buy ice and chill your beverages Set out your appetizers, plates, napkins, cups etc. Greet guests as they arrive Be sure to enjoy the party! Plan your entertainment Begin making any custom items *decorations, party favors, etc. 5

6 invitations You ve selected your party date, you ve selected your theme and you ve crushed that guest list; now what? To send an invite or to not. That is the question. Invitations can serve as the first point of contact with you and your guests. They can set the tone for what your party will bring and inform guests what to expect. Let s be clear, sending an invitation is not necessary for all parties. A simple Facebook event, e-vite or phone call may do; however, formal invitations offer a unique flair and physical reminder for your upcoming party. 6 If you are sending invitations, be sure to include an RSVP. This will allow you to determine your food and drink quantities.

7 serving size guide MAIN COURSE Side Dish Bread Dessert Wine Dinner 1.5 servings 2 cups 2 pieces 1.5 cups 2 glasses Bottle Serving Size = = = per guest No one likes to waste but no one likes to underserve your guests. We ve got the perfect serving-size guide to help you determine how much food and drink you need for your party! passed apps stationary apps dessert non-alcoholic beverage alcoholic beverage Party 6 pieces 6 pieces 2 pieces 1.5 glasses 2.5 glasses per guest 7

8 catering to food allergies While food and parties go hand-in-hand, you don t want to isolate any guest based on their dietary restrictions or preferences. Be sure to have something everyone can enjoy. It is possible to create a delicious spread using everyday ingredients that are free from allergens and your guests will be none the wiser. Party Potatoes are gluten-, cholesteroland fat-free and can be dressed up to cater to almost any diet. INSIDE TIP: Want to be sure of any allergies? Ask on the invitation if there are any food allergies, better yet; make clear and legible labels of each food offering. Nut Free Gluten Free Sesame Free Vegetarian Dairy Free Egg Free 8 Seafood Free Soy Free

9 don t let rain, rain on your parade Tips for an Outdoor Party So, You Chose an Outdoor Party. An outdoor party is an easy way to cater to larger groups, organize activities and a time to enjoy the warm weather. If you choose to be outside, it is best to be prepared for any and all potential setbacks. The weather can be unpredictable so having a backup in place will allow you to prepare for any outcome. Here are a few tips to keep your party and guests dry and entertained! Prepare for Cover One way to protect your party from the elements is to have a couple options to shield your guests. Tents, garages, umbrellas and even an indoor space are all great backups to have accessible. 9

10 10 Game Time Standbys Not all outdoor games can be played inside. Be sure to have a few indoor games and activities ready for a rain delay. Scrabble anyone? Keep an Eye on the Weather Keeping an eye on the weather never hurts. It will give you a better idea of what to expect the day of your event. Although rain might be forecasted, don t let it ruin your party because you are prepared and between us, how accurate is the weather forecast?

11 throwing a party last minute Life can get busy and it is easy to have an event pop up on your schedule. Don t worry; we ve got you covered with quick and inexpensive tips for throwing a party last minute! Easy Decorations Do not waste valuable time on décor simple white lights can help brighten and change any venue. Bright cups, plates and napkins can help add a pop of color to your party environment Small potted plants and herbs make easy centerpieces. Jars or cups with greens or blossoms from your own garden can easily be arranged on your dinning/buffet table. 11

12 12 Keep Easy Food Choices on Hand Party Potatoes Cheese Veggies Chips Pickles Dip Salsa Crackers Meat tray Olives Popcorn Small candies Make Sure You Have Music! Whether it s Dan s road trip jamz from 2001 or a playlist from your favorite music site, give your party a comfortable ambiance.

13 dips & tips No Double Dipping The golden rule when it comes to dipping never, we repeat never, double dip. One dip per chip is an easy rule to follow at any gathering. What about the dip and flip? We hate to break it to you, but the dip and flip is out. Although it s technically not a double dip (saliva side down), the only thing guests will see is you dipping twice. Plate and Spoon This will be your best avenue for all things dip and dipper related. Use a spoon to add dip to your plate. Not only will this prevent you from coming back and forth between the dip and chips, but you can double dip on your own plate as much as you d like. Home alone on a couch? Treat yourself. Double dip your heart out. 13

14 Rescue Mission If your chip or dipping item breaks off in the dip, do not: Keep your hands clean This should be a given. When dipping, keep the hands clean. Don t lick your fingers and then dive back in the chip bowl for more. Keep it classy. Reach for it in the dip Use another chip or dipping item to serve as rescue Leave it in the dip Do: 14 Use a spoon or utensil (that has not been used) to scoop out the fallen item.

15 Questions? Ask Serena Dear Serena, My neighbor is always having parties - summer block parties, football parties, Kentucky Derby parties, and so on. What s the etiquette for bringing the host of the party a gift? Do I have to give a gift every time she has a party? What should I be spending on a gift? Any gift ideas? Signed, Clueless Gifter in Georgia Hi Clueless Gifter, This is a very popular question. Being a gracious guest is always appreciated by the host/hostess, but it does not need to be a reoccurring event. Here s a simple tip to help you with your gifting. If it is your first time attending an event with a particular host/hostess, it is the perfect time to bring a gift. These gifts can really be anything from a bottle of wine, to flavored olive oils or even a small plant. If it is your second or third (plus) time attending a party with that particular host, you are in the clear! Good luck! Happy parties, Serena 15

16 Dear Serena, I m terrible at remembering people s names! And I feel awful when someone remembers my name but I can t remember theirs. Any tips for me? Signed, Nameless in New York You are not alone, Nameless in New York. I too struggle with remembering names. I have a few tricks that have helped over the years. As soon as an individual is introduced, say it again. So nice to meet you Try to associate or create a memory with the information exchanged during conversation or something about their appearance. Things like their clothes, hair, tone of voice, presence, job, relationship etc. Repeat. Repeat. Repeat. When you see this person around the party, keep saying their name whether it is to them or silently to yourself. Repeating helps. 16 Let technology help. We all know you take your phone to a party. After you meet someone, take some private time to write his or her name down. I hope this helps. Happy parties, Serena

17 Dear Serena, I love hosting parties at my home for friends and family, but I just cringe when people walk in my house and leave their shoes on. What are your thoughts on this matter? How can I politely ask guests to remove their shoes? Signed, Shoe-less in Sacramento Shoeless, we talk the same language. I don t know where the bottom of everyone s shoes have been and I don t want my toddler crawling on the floor with all of that. I ve noticed a few simple tricks have worked for getting those pesky shoes to stay by the door. Add a small sign next to your front door or shoe mat that simply asks people to take off their shoes. Feeling crafty? Hand paint your sign and add a little flair! Example: Leave your worries and your shoes at the door. Add your own shoes to your shoe mat. Once people see you without shoes and a few pairs by the door, most guest will instinctively take off their own. Never be afraid to ask. It is your house and you have every right to have things the way you d like them. Thanks for the great question. Happy parties, Serena 17

18 recipes Preparing your Party Potatoes in 3 simple steps! 1. Wash potatoes and cut in either halves or quarters lengthwise. 2. Toss Party Potatoes with olive oil and seasonings of choice (salt & pepper or other). 3. Roast or grill at 425-degrees for 25 minutes*. 18 *For extra crispy skin, broil for 3-5 minutes after potatoes are cooked through.

Street Taco Party Potatoes Ingredients: 1 bag Old Oak Farms Party Potatoes ¼ c. olive oil 1 tsp. cumin 1 tbsp. chili powder 1 tsp. salt Directions: ½ tsp.

19 Street Taco Party Potatoes Ingredients: 1 bag Old Oak Farms Party Potatoes ¼ c. olive oil 1 tsp. cumin 1 tbsp. chili powder 1 tsp. salt Directions: ½ tsp. pepper 1 avocado, peeled, seeded and diced 1 c. crumbled cotija cheese 1 small yellow onion, diced 1 c. finely chopped fresh cilantro Wash potatoes and cut in either halves or quarters lengthwise. Preheat oven to 425-degrees. Toss Party Potatoes with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, salt and pepper. Arrange Party Potatoes on a baking sheet and roast in oven for 25 minutes. Arrange cooked Party Potatoes on a platter and top with avocado, cotija cheese, diced onions and chopped cilantro. Serve with lime wedges. 19

20 Cajun-Style Party Potatoes 20 Ingredients: 1 bag Old Oak Farms Party Potatoes 1 tsp. salt ¼ c. olive oil ½ tsp. paprika 2 shallots, chopped ½ tsp. cayenne pepper (more if you like) 1 garlic clove, minced ½ tsp. pepper Directions: 2 tbsp. fresh minced parsley Wash potatoes and cut in either halves or quarters lengthwise. Preheat oven to 425-degrees. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, shallots, garlic, salt, paprika, cayenne pepper and pepper; add Party Potatoes and toss to coat. Arrange Party Potatoes on a baking sheet and roast in oven for 25 minutes. Arrange cooked Party Potatoes on a serving dish and sprinkle with parsley. Optional: Serve alongside a dish of sour cream topped with a sprinkling of parsley.

21 Oktoberfest Party Potatoes Ingredients: 1 bag Old Oak Farms Party Potatoes ¼ c. olive oil 1 tsp. salt ½ tsp. pepper Directions: Wash potatoes and cut in either halves or quarters lengthwise. Preheat oven to 425-degrees. Toss Party Potatoes with olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast or grill at 425-degrees for 25 minutes. Serve with Oktoberfest Beer Cheese Dip, see page

22 Nacho Party Potatoes Ingredients: 1 bag Old Oak Farms Party Potatoes ¼ c. olive oil 2 tbsp. taco seasoning 1 c. shredded Monterey Jack or cheddar cheese 2 scallions, thinly sliced 8 slices bacon, cooked and crumbled 22 Directions: Wash potatoes and cut in either halves or quarters lengthwise. Preheat oven to 425-degrees. Toss Party Potatoes with olive oil and taco seasoning. Arrange Party Potatoes in an ovenproof skillet and bake for 25 minutes. Remove Party Potatoes from oven and sprinkle with cheese, scallions and bacon; return to oven for 5 minutes, or until cheese is melted. Serve with sour cream, salsa and avocado, if desired.

23 Oktoberfest Beer Cheese Dip Ingredients: 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar 4 oz. cream cheese 4 oz. good beer Directions: ¼ tsp. salt 1 tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. crushed red pepper ¼ tsp.

23 23 Oktoberfest Beer Cheese Dip Ingredients: 8 oz. shredded sharp cheddar 4 oz. cream cheese 4 oz. good beer Directions: ¼ tsp. salt 1 tsp. garlic powder ½ tsp. crushed red pepper ¼ tsp. liquid smoke ½ tsp. pepper Place cheddar cheese, cream cheese and beer in saucepan. Cook and stir over low heat until the cheese is melted and blended. Stir in salt, garlic powder, red pepper, liquid smoke and pepper. Cook and stir over low heat for 5 minutes, until mixture is completely smooth. Serve warm alongside cooked Party Potatoes.

24 Southwest Dipping Sauce Ingredients: 1 c. mayonnaise 1 tbsp. chili sauce 4 tbsp. BBQ sauce or ketchup 2 tsp. seasoning salt 1 tsp. brown sugar 24 Directions: In a small bowl, combine all ingredients and mix until smooth. Chill for at least one hour. Serve with roasted potatoes.

25 Avocado Ranch Dip Ingredients: 1 large avocado, mashed 1 package (1 oz.) dry ranch dressing mix 16 oz. sour cream 2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped 1 tsp.

25 25 Avocado Ranch Dip Ingredients: 1 large avocado, mashed 1 package (1 oz.) dry ranch dressing mix 16 oz. sour cream 2 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped 1 tsp. black pepper Directions: Combine all ingredients and chill for at least one hour. You can vary the taste of the dip by adding a splash of fresh lime and/or substituting Greek yogurt for the sour cream.

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28 28 OldOakFarms.com/Party Potatoes

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