This is the second of the two-parts ‘Star Assistance’ article. Part one was published on 16 January 2009.
Prepare
Firstly, you will need to establish: What type of party it will be – will it be an intimate cocktail party, sit-down dinner or informal bash? Knowing what type of party you are planning will give you an idea as to how to plan and prepare.
How many people will be attending – remember to also check any special dietary requirements and find out if children will be attending, as you will have to make special provision for the little people
What time the party will be starting – you will need to prepare well in advance and be ready with all the drinks and snacks well before the guests arrive
Any special arrangements that need to be made – for example do you have to pre-book a DJ or invite a press photographer – these usually have to be booked weeks in advance
Plan the Menu
By having a menu you will be able to create a shopping list. If you are making the food yourself:If you are doing the snacks and meals yourself, then it is a good idea to employ the services of an assistant. This could be someone on your employer’s staff. You will need help with everything, and it’s best to source reliable help well in advance. Make sure that you have everything you need to prepare the food and make sure that you have ample time to prepare the food. Make a shopping list and ensure that seasonal foods are ... well ... in season – if not, then substitute If you are ordering from a caterer:Arrange that the food is delivered or collected timeouslyMake use of beautiful serving dishes – hire these if necessary (many catering companies also hire out gorgeous serving dishes)
Serving
If you need to serve snacks, make use of a beautiful serving plate. If you serve guests individual plates, make use of a tray. Do not over-dress the tray with frilly cloths, unless you are at a high-tea. Always offer a napkin.
Serve drinks on a tray and include a coaster or saucer. Coffee and Tea should be served on a tray, and guests should be able to spoon their own sugar - never simply assume that they take sugar. You may set the tray down, then ask guests if you may add their sugar and milk. Sugar lumps add a lovely touch (do not touch the lumps with your fingers - provide a little lifter or teaspoon). Keep both white and brown sugar handy as well as honey and sugar-free pellets. For tea, have sliced lemon at hand and remember to serve a spoon or toothpick with the lemon slices, as guests cannot be expected to lift the lemon slices with their fingers. You may opt to make use of pre-packed lemon juice, but fresh ingredients add a nice touch. Always ask guests if they prefer hot or cold milk, and remember to ask guests before you add it to the beverage.
Bar & Drinks
Discuss with your employer beforehand what drinks they would like you to purchase and keep the bar well stocked. Don’t forget about any extra’s such as cherries, limes, lemons and soda water.
Keep in Mind
Ensure that food is kept heated/cold according to necessityEnsure that food is served to guests at the correct temperature – there is nothing worse that eating warm sushi or cold mini-quiche!Presentation is paramount – display the food and drinks in a gorgeous manner. Impress guests with your eye for detail and presentation perfectionSpecially catered-for Kosher and Halaal foods will have to be served on Kosher and Halaal crockery. Make provision for this – it shows respect and will certainly be appreciatedHygiene is important – keep your hair tied and out of your face, make use of an apron, use disposable gloves when preparing salads and other ready-to-eat food and wash your hands regularly
Work within Budget
Remember to establish a budget and to work within that budget. Discuss the budget with your employer beforehand. Factor in tipping for service providers and breakage costs. Discuss payment with the service providers (i.e. caterers, hiring companies, DJ) and establish whether they expect to be paid immediately after the function or if they will invoice. Make arrangements as necessary.
The cutlery should be polished, glasses should be clear as crystal, napkins should preferably be cloth (not paper) and table cloths should be ironed and free of creases (yes –people notice the little things!)Ensure that there is enough crockery, cutlery and glasses to go around. I once attended a swanky dinner party where there was a shortage of glasses – not a good impression!
Make the most of the space
Pretty the place up by adding fresh flowers and by re-arranging furniture if necessary. Candles add a gorgeous touch if you are having an evening function. Make sure that there is matching, delicious-smelling hand wash and hand cream at the basins and that there is extra loo paper (do not display the loo paper at the top of the cistern – make use of a more discreet spot) and ensure that the loos are impeccably clean. Light a few scented candles in the bathroom as this always add a nice touch.
Communication
Keep in touch with your employer; let them know what is happening and assure them that everything is going according to plan. Keep in touch with service providers and ensure that all appointments are confirmed, payment arrangements have been made and that they are providing exactly what you require.
Impress 'em
You want to be perceived as incredibly capable and efficient so check the details and ensure that all goes as smoothly as possible on the day of the event. If your employer is a woman, she might want you to book her a massage or beauty therapy session before the event. If you employer is man, he might require a hair cut appointment. Check on this, and make the arrangements timeously. Also check if your employer needs items dry cleaned or pressed before the party.
After the party
Send hired items back to the suppliers or arrange for it to be collected; send items for dry cleaning; neaten the space and arrange furniture back to it’s original positions; inform the cleaning staff that their services will be required after the party. Sort out any outstanding accounts and make payments as necessary. Oh, and have a refreshing hangover tonic waiting for your employer – they might need it after the awesome party! :-)
Don't forget about yourself
You will be meeting your employer’s acquaintances and friends so you need to look presentable. If you have been running around in shorts and sneakers all day, then take some time out to change your clothes and freshen up. Select appropriate clothing, do your hair and make-up and remember your most important accessories: your smile, charm and professionalism.
Good Luck!
Prepare
Firstly, you will need to establish: What type of party it will be – will it be an intimate cocktail party, sit-down dinner or informal bash? Knowing what type of party you are planning will give you an idea as to how to plan and prepare.
How many people will be attending – remember to also check any special dietary requirements and find out if children will be attending, as you will have to make special provision for the little people
What time the party will be starting – you will need to prepare well in advance and be ready with all the drinks and snacks well before the guests arrive
Any special arrangements that need to be made – for example do you have to pre-book a DJ or invite a press photographer – these usually have to be booked weeks in advance
Plan the Menu
By having a menu you will be able to create a shopping list. If you are making the food yourself:If you are doing the snacks and meals yourself, then it is a good idea to employ the services of an assistant. This could be someone on your employer’s staff. You will need help with everything, and it’s best to source reliable help well in advance. Make sure that you have everything you need to prepare the food and make sure that you have ample time to prepare the food. Make a shopping list and ensure that seasonal foods are ... well ... in season – if not, then substitute If you are ordering from a caterer:Arrange that the food is delivered or collected timeouslyMake use of beautiful serving dishes – hire these if necessary (many catering companies also hire out gorgeous serving dishes)
Serving
If you need to serve snacks, make use of a beautiful serving plate. If you serve guests individual plates, make use of a tray. Do not over-dress the tray with frilly cloths, unless you are at a high-tea. Always offer a napkin.
Serve drinks on a tray and include a coaster or saucer. Coffee and Tea should be served on a tray, and guests should be able to spoon their own sugar - never simply assume that they take sugar. You may set the tray down, then ask guests if you may add their sugar and milk. Sugar lumps add a lovely touch (do not touch the lumps with your fingers - provide a little lifter or teaspoon). Keep both white and brown sugar handy as well as honey and sugar-free pellets. For tea, have sliced lemon at hand and remember to serve a spoon or toothpick with the lemon slices, as guests cannot be expected to lift the lemon slices with their fingers. You may opt to make use of pre-packed lemon juice, but fresh ingredients add a nice touch. Always ask guests if they prefer hot or cold milk, and remember to ask guests before you add it to the beverage.
Bar & Drinks
Discuss with your employer beforehand what drinks they would like you to purchase and keep the bar well stocked. Don’t forget about any extra’s such as cherries, limes, lemons and soda water.
Keep in Mind
Ensure that food is kept heated/cold according to necessityEnsure that food is served to guests at the correct temperature – there is nothing worse that eating warm sushi or cold mini-quiche!Presentation is paramount – display the food and drinks in a gorgeous manner. Impress guests with your eye for detail and presentation perfectionSpecially catered-for Kosher and Halaal foods will have to be served on Kosher and Halaal crockery. Make provision for this – it shows respect and will certainly be appreciatedHygiene is important – keep your hair tied and out of your face, make use of an apron, use disposable gloves when preparing salads and other ready-to-eat food and wash your hands regularly
Work within Budget
Remember to establish a budget and to work within that budget. Discuss the budget with your employer beforehand. Factor in tipping for service providers and breakage costs. Discuss payment with the service providers (i.e. caterers, hiring companies, DJ) and establish whether they expect to be paid immediately after the function or if they will invoice. Make arrangements as necessary.
The cutlery should be polished, glasses should be clear as crystal, napkins should preferably be cloth (not paper) and table cloths should be ironed and free of creases (yes –people notice the little things!)Ensure that there is enough crockery, cutlery and glasses to go around. I once attended a swanky dinner party where there was a shortage of glasses – not a good impression!
Make the most of the space
Pretty the place up by adding fresh flowers and by re-arranging furniture if necessary. Candles add a gorgeous touch if you are having an evening function. Make sure that there is matching, delicious-smelling hand wash and hand cream at the basins and that there is extra loo paper (do not display the loo paper at the top of the cistern – make use of a more discreet spot) and ensure that the loos are impeccably clean. Light a few scented candles in the bathroom as this always add a nice touch.
Communication
Keep in touch with your employer; let them know what is happening and assure them that everything is going according to plan. Keep in touch with service providers and ensure that all appointments are confirmed, payment arrangements have been made and that they are providing exactly what you require.
Impress 'em
You want to be perceived as incredibly capable and efficient so check the details and ensure that all goes as smoothly as possible on the day of the event. If your employer is a woman, she might want you to book her a massage or beauty therapy session before the event. If you employer is man, he might require a hair cut appointment. Check on this, and make the arrangements timeously. Also check if your employer needs items dry cleaned or pressed before the party.
After the party
Send hired items back to the suppliers or arrange for it to be collected; send items for dry cleaning; neaten the space and arrange furniture back to it’s original positions; inform the cleaning staff that their services will be required after the party. Sort out any outstanding accounts and make payments as necessary. Oh, and have a refreshing hangover tonic waiting for your employer – they might need it after the awesome party! :-)
Don't forget about yourself
You will be meeting your employer’s acquaintances and friends so you need to look presentable. If you have been running around in shorts and sneakers all day, then take some time out to change your clothes and freshen up. Select appropriate clothing, do your hair and make-up and remember your most important accessories: your smile, charm and professionalism.
Good Luck!
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