September 22, 2023 by jlowe495

People celebrating at the table

This is a busy year of event planning for me! With my wedding this spring, my niece’s first birthday party this summer, and preparing to host holiday meals at my house for the first time this winter, I have been learning a lot about the “dos and don’ts” of successful party planning. Are you preparing to host an event of your own? Here are a few of the best practices I have learned throughout the past year:

Food

Food can be a big part of social get togethers! Whether you are planning to serve a full meal or offer light snacks and refreshments, it is important to always be food safe and follow the Core Four Practices:

  • Clean – Wash your hands, utensils, and kitchen surfaces before and after handling food.
  • Separate – Be careful not to cross-contaminate, especially if you are handing raw meat, seafood, or eggs at your event. Keep ready-to-eat food away from these raw meats.
  • Cook – All hot foods should be cooked to a safe internal temperature. Use a food thermometer to ensure your food is fully cooked.
  • Chill – Keep cold foods cold! Refrigerated foods should be kept at 40 degrees Fahrenheit or below. Frozen foods should be kept at zero degrees Fahrenheit or below.

Location

Events can be held indoors or outdoors (and sometimes even both at once!). It’s important to make sure your venue is free of fall hazards for both older and younger guests.

  • For indoor locations, be sure to keep walkways clear and well-lit. Carpet should be fixed firmly to the floor and throw rugs should be removed, as they are common slipping hazards. If any spills are made in the house, be sure to clean up quickly to avoid this fall risk. Lastly, if you have pets in your home, consider keeping them in a separate room during your event, so that they don’t trip your guests.
  • For outdoor locations, be sure steps are in good condition and that a handrail is nearby to help guests maintain balance. Turn on porch lights or offer flashlights if your event will be during the evening. For winter events, be cautious of ice on walkways and use salt or sand to make them less slippery.

Relationships

Parties and other events are a great way to connect with old friends and to meet new acquaintances as well. When hosting a party, take time to ask people questions about themselves as well as share a little about your life in return. When I talk with someone I don’t know, I’m always amazed at the new things I learn from them. This sharing can help build trust and helps the person know that you care and are actively listening.

I hope these tips help you in planning the best event ever for your loved ones! Be sure to let us know in a comment below if you have any additional advice to share!

Written by:  Jessica Lowe, Family and Consumer Sciences Educator, Pickaway County, Ohio State University Extension, [email protected]

Reviewed by:  Dan Remley, Field Specialist, Food, Nutrition and Wellness, OSU Extension

Resources:

Axner, M. (n.d.). Section 7. building and sustaining relationships. Community Tool Box. https://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/leadership/leadership-functions/build-sustain-relationships/main

The core four practices of Food Safety: Fightbac. Partnership for Food Safety Education. (2022, February 15). https://www.fightbac.org/food-safety-basics/the-core-four-practices/

U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.). Preventing falls at home: Room by room. National Institute on Aging. https://www.nia.nih.gov/health/preventing-falls-home-room-room