Confirm Guest list. Check. Send invitations. Check. Now the main part: Food. Remember: The key to a great party is first and foremost a relaxed host. So plan the menu wisely with an equal balance of dishes that can be made ahead of time; cooked in a jiffy; and are easy to assemble on party day. Having dishes that can be made ahead of time is key, Angela insists. “This way, they can sit at room temperature before the party and you have more time to spend with your guests instead of the kitchen.

Prioritise based on items that need marinating, freezing or thawing, and chilling. When it comes to wine, think more is more – the general rule is three bottles to every four guests. And chill them to the right temperature before guests arrive, says Angela. She also suggests tagging the bottles your guests bring – write their name and the occasion they brought it over for, so if it gets unopened that night, you can remember to open it together with them the next time.

READ MORE: How To Look Like A Wine Expert At Your Next Party And Impress All Your Friends

Prep, cook, freeze, even start decorating. Think aroma candles, to set the tone of warmth as people walk through the door, says Angela. Also, take your party outfit for a test run to “make sure you’re 100 per cent comfortable in it”. 

There’s sure to be a flurry of activity, but amidst the excitement, remember your flowers – and always buy fresh flowers. Angela says to also keep some extra vases handy in case the guests bring flowers, so you are not scrambling around at the last minute.

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Text: Sandhya Mahadevan
Photo: Pexels