Southern Events Extras

• Decide on a theme 
• Make a guest list 
• Make and send invitations 

(Paper or Electronic) 

•  Plan the menu (Cook or Cater) 
• Check with vendor to see if insured if hiring a caterer
• Recruit or Hire Help to assist
• Delegate what you can to trusted help
• Purchase disposable linens or rent them
• Purchase or Make Decorations 

(Plenty in Advance) 

• Make a Music Playlist 
• Decide Your Table and Chair Layout 
• Shop for Food or Place Order for Food & Drinks
• Follow Up with Guests in advance
• Make a Check off list so you don’t forget anything
• Rest Up & Follow up on any helpers, orders etc…
• Send one last reminder to everyone the day before the event

• Decorate & Set Up Food
• Create an area for personal items to be kept safe at party
• If receiving gifts, establish an area for the gifts
• If receiving gifts, put someone in charge of them
• If receiving gifts, ask someone to document who gave what 
• Greet your guests - let them know where bathrooms are
• Mingle at event with everyone - thank them for coming
• Announce basic house rules at the event to keep everyone safe
• Enjoy yourself and take lots of pictures
• Establish a clean up crew
• Announce the closing time about 30 minutes before wrapping it up
• Clean Up the Event Center & take all trash out to dumpster
• Do one last walk through, turn off all of the lights 

Cocktail Party Gift Etiquette Do: 

• Bring a gift that they can use at a future party.
• Give something that they can use at this party. 
• Wrap up a gag gift if it's your personality to do so, but don't be offensive.

Don't Give a gift that requires a lot of attention.

Dinner Party Gift Etiquette Do:

• Give a gift that will be useful for the meal or that can can help them prepare future meals.
• Give them something fun to keep guests busy. 
• Ask the host if she needs anything for the evening. 

Don't give scented items that need to be used that night or items that must be consumed right away 

Important Manners to Practice

Here are some really important table manners.

1. Come to the table with freshly washed hands.
2. Keep your napkin in your lap and use it to wipe your face and hands when needed.
3. Stay in your seat (with your bottom on the seat) and sitting straight up.
4. Wait to start eating until everyone is served (unless your parents tell you it’s okay to start before everyone else).
5. Ask nicely for food to be passed to you instead of reaching over people.
6. Say “please” and “thank you.”
7. Don’t chew loudly, burp, or make other rude noises.
8. Never make rude comments about the food.
9. Chew with your mouth closed.
10. Don’t talk with your mouth full.
11. When you’re finished eating, ask to be excused.
12. When you are excused from the table, thank the person who made the meal. You can also compliment them on anything you particularly liked about the meal..