Make-Ahead Magic Party Timeline

By Rebecca Bull Reed
November 10, 2008
It's easy to put together an open house party when you use our simple timeline.
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1 of 7

1 Week Ahead

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas / Styling Scott Martin / Food Styling Rebecca Kracke Gordon, Pam Lolley

Make and freeze cupcakes.

Recipe Links:
• Basic White Cupcake
• Moist Chocolate Cupcakes
• Vanilla Buttercream

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2 of 7

2 Days Ahead

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas / Styling Scott Martin / Food Styling Rebecca Kracke Gordon, Pam Lolley

Prepare Frozen Sangría, Mock Tea Sangría, and Caribbean Cashews.

Prepare all dips, place in serving dishes, and chill. (All the dips will easily double if you only want to make a few but still serve a crowd.)

Recipe Links:
• Frozen Sangria
• Mock Tea Sangria
• Caribbean Cashews
• Bacon-Cheese Dip
• Sun-dried Tomato Aïoli
• Fresh Herb Sauce
• Fresh Lemon Basil Dip With Blanched Green Beans

3 of 7

1 Day Ahead

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas / Styling Scott Martin / Food Styling Rebecca Kracke Gordon, Pam Lolley

Prepare soup, and chill.

Mix and form crab cakes. Cover and chill.

Prep and chill vegetables for dip station.

Label and arrange serving pieces.

Recipe Links:
• Butternut Squash-Parsnip Soup
• Maryland Crabcakes

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4 of 7

4 Hours Ahead

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas / Styling Scott Martin / Food Styling Rebecca Kracke Gordon, Pam Lolley

Ice down beer and wine.

Thaw cupcakes, and prepare frosting.

Set out cupcake decorations.

5 of 7

2 Hours Ahead

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas / Styling Scott Martin / Food Styling Rebecca Kracke Gordon, Pam Lolley

Place soup in slow cooker set on LOW to reheat.

6 of 7

1 Hour Ahead

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas / Styling Scott Martin / Food Styling Rebecca Kracke Gordon, Pam Lolley

Thaw Frozen Sangría.

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7 of 7

30 Minutes Ahead

Credit: Beth Dreiling Hontzas / Styling Scott Martin / Food Styling Rebecca Kracke Gordon, Pam Lolley

Set out dips and vegetables.

Enjoy!

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