As a veteran event planner, my most important tool is the simple concept called a “list.” I am a list maker from way back…and if you want to make life simple when planning a gathering, you should take up this habit too. The first thing on my “list” is a menu. When you start your planning with a menu, everything else follows. This is important because then you know what you will make, what you will solicit from guests, and what extra goodies you will simply pick up at the market.
“De-le-gation…ity-ahty-aition!” (while clapping and chanting over and over)
The next big message, DON’T BE A SLAVE TO YOUR PICNIC! I highly suggest that you don’t make every little morsel yourself because this ties you to your kitchen and makes you resent your party. Here’s a little party planning chant that you should keep flowing in the back of your brain…ready, everyone now…”delegation…ity-ahty- aition!” I am a big proponent of the idea that “many hands make light work.” So, in that spirit, delegate categories of food to your friends like this: “Julie, you make that killer Waldorf Salad, bring it to the picnic tomorrow.” Simple, right? Do that with 5 more people and you have a lot of your work done for you. Then, only make a few signature items and pick-up already created food goods, because who wants to work that hard at creating a casual affair, like a picnic. Don’t resent your party.