Planning an event can become an arduous and daunting task. Remember, the overall keys to successful planning are diligent preparation and presentation. As guidance, Cruzstar has compiled some helpful tips to ensure that your next event is a memorable success.

Food

	Consider the taste and eating habits of your guests when planning
	the menu.
	Main dishes should compliment and be appropriate to the occasion
	or culture (Example: Pulled pork sparks celebration at company
	picnics, while quiche does not).
	Two meats are always great and very enjoyable.
	Foods with a high content of egg or mayonnaise should be avoided
	for outdoor events. They tend to spoil within 45 minutes.
	Men typically eat about eight ounces of meat and eight ounces of
	sides, while later going light on desserts.
	Women and teenage girls typically eat three to five ounces of meat
	and approx four ounces of sides needing about a three ounce
	desert portion.
	Teenage boys typically eat about eight to ten ounces of meat eight
	to ten ounces in sides, with an insatiable appetite for dessert.

Beverages

	Make a beverage list and get the beverages shopped way before
	the event.
	Make sure you’re equipped with all the coffee needs. Include items
	such as the urns to make and serve, filters, the ground coffee, the
	half & half or milk, the sugar, the substitute sugar, the stirrers, the
	tea and the lemon wedges for tea. (Remember it takes 1 ½
	minutes per cup to heat the coffee, so don’t wait until dessert to
	start it).
	Have pitchers ready for juices or water.
	Purchase enough ice. 1 pound usually serves one person plus
	what you need to chill beverages in your separate coolers.

Facility

	Coordinate convenient and sufficient areas for parking.
	Provide safe accessibility for handicapped or elderly guests.
	Plan transportation services for out-of-town guests.
	Re-check guest list to ensure that the event room can comfortably
	and safely accommodate participants.
	Make sure the event space is attractive and clean - with adequate
	lighting, electric, and facility for delivering restaurant or caterer.
	Equip the bathrooms with enough toilet tissue and hand towels.
	Check it throughout the event to be sure it is clean.

Final To Do

	Print up directions for your guests and send/fax/email them to
	avoid having to repeat yourself.
	Print up guides highlighting recreation or local attractions for
	visiting guests or colleagues.
	Send guests weather and travel conditions expected during the
	event date.
	Gather serving utensils and tools such as plates, platters, large
	bowls, small condiment bowls, cutting boards, serving spoons,
	forks, knives, tongs, cake plates, bread/roll basket, cookie platter,
	cake cutters, carving knives, etc.
	Gather cleaning and storage supplies such as heavy duty garbage
	bags, saran wrap, foil, zip lock bags and containers for leftovers,
	etc.
RELAX AND ENJOY!