Spring Gathering for a Crowd

Up to 2 Weeks Before

• Plan serving dishes; label with intended use and store.
• Bake and cool Parmesan Puffs; wrap tightly and freeze.
• Bake and cool Pistachio Fudge Cups; freeze unfrosted.

 
Up to 2 Days Before

• Wash and slice fruit for Festive Fruit Platter; cover and refrigerate until serving time. Mix sour cream-brown sugar dip; cover and refrigerate.

The Day Before

• Pick up veggies and dip from the supermarket.
• Prepare Stuffed Baby Portabella Mushrooms up to the baking step.
• Cook potatoes for Party Potatoes.
• Make Havarti and Sun-Dried Tomato Cheesecake; cover and refrigerate.
• Make Pesto Eggs with Shrimp up to the step of topping with pesto. Cover and refrigerate.
• Mix ingredients except for sparkling water for Sparkling Citrus Punch; refrigerate.
• Make Apricot Cheesecake Bars.
  

That Special Someone

• For a special loved one who is moving or for a celebrated individual, place a photo in a 6-inch or wider mat. Have party attendees autograph the mat and send well wishes. After the party, frame the matted photo for a lifetime keepsake.
• Place disposable cameras about the party scene. Guests can capture the moments for you to later compile in a memory book for the star of the party.
• Request guests bring a written memory of the honored individual to be shared with everyone at a planned time. This can replace gifts.

Serve with Style

• Buffet service frees the host. Consider using several small tables for a cozier feel. Group desserts on one table, beverages on another.
• Hire high school or college students to serve appetizers for a special touch, or just have them replenish the tables and
  free yourself to mingle.
  

Decorations

• Choose a color scheme that fits your party. Check out party stores for paper supplies or linen outlets for less-expensive table linens. Buy inexpensive rubber stamps, and stamp linens or paper if you can't find ready-made themed ware.
• Scatter candles throughout the party area, or string fun lights to match the decor.
• Make a flag to hang outside your home to represent the event. Use colored felts and a wooden dowel found at craft stores.