Cat's out of the Bag

Really don't know what exactly compelled mouse to share the link to this blog.  It's nothing exciting.  

The final push to the big formal party...the nerves are starting to make mouse unable to sleep.  

You want everything done today...but if everything is done too far in advance...well you'l freak out when you have to redo everything.   And ya we're still having a small gathering tonight.  Oh well, there's nothing that can be done about it all now.  

This week's plan: 

Monday is tine to give the house a thorough walk through and making note of things that need to be cleaned like baseboards (which actually aren't too bad) doors, light switches, check silver and polish if needed.  Wipe down kitchen cabinets and appliances.  Check the long lighter making sure it works/purchase new one.  Set up canopy outside in case of rain/snowfall -- check weather for outdoor heater or light firepit?  Might as well look around for chametz too while mouse is at it all.  Cleaning the inside of cabinets with damp cloth -- getting rid of all crumbs.  Put down new clean shelf paper

Tuesday is the running around shopping day.  Making sure we have everything we need for all the food, and ya mouse will be picking up the prime rib roast at the butcher shop.  Make place cards to avoid confusion.  Take Dogs to groomer. 

Wednesday is cleaning and prep day.  All the foods that can be prepped in advance (yes Daddy knows he'll be eating soup and salad for dinner).  

Cooking Prep: 

• Onions, carrots, celery pre chopped and ready to be dumped into the vessel.  
• Romaine for salad washed, bagged up for easy dumping
• Dressing made
• Croutons made
• Pie made and ready for meringue on Thursday morning. 
• Make up a few appetizers to serve with cocktails

Cleaning Prep

• Dust/polish dining room table, bring in extra chairs
• Check the flow around the rooms, moving furniture as needed
• Dust in corners, under and behind sofa...Using a fork to remove or lighten divits in the carpeting
• Set out the silver trays, tea/coffee etc arranging the after dinner table with cups, saucers, plates forks etc.  
• Iron all the linens
• Scrub, scrub scrub all the kitchen countertop surfaces and relocate the toaster 
• Place the linens on the table 
• Set the table
• Dust the TV
• Check the ipod for play list marked party (a smooth jazz mix with 5 hours of music) double check speakers
• Arrange Candles
• Sit in various chairs to make sure views aren't impeded by anything
• Make sure there are a couple ashtrays outside, for smokers/cigar smokers 
• Set up bar area, making certain glasses are cleaned 

Thursday is the big day

• Make Meringue
• Pick up bread, take butter out to soften 
• Drop off baby!!! Ya...
• Rib Roast must be in the oven no later than 3pm. 
• Arrange small trays with appetizer bites 
• Peel, wash potatoes, shred horseradish
• Take shower, fix hair and makeup
• Dress for party
• Open red wine and decant at appropriate time 
• Take out white wine to warm a tiny bit before guests arrive (never serve white wine too cold)
• Last minute tidy of the kitchen and floor areas 
• Last second tidy of the house
• Study mouse's mantra for the evening:  Enjoy the party and know you've planned as much as you could.