The Day Before
1. Go through the box and choose the paper supplies and candles you'll use.

2. Shop for the nonperishables -- crackers, candy, packaged cookies, etc.

3. Iron the tablecloth for the dining table.

4. Decorate the hurricane lanterns with stickers.

The Day Of
1. In the morning, shop for the perishables -- fruit, vegetables, yogurt, cheese, chicken, and ice.

2. Make the yogurt dip and the ricotta dip.

3. Prepare the chickpea salad, the green beans, the chicken, the sauces, and the bread for the crostini.

4. Prepare tea, pomegranate, and pineapple mixture; don't add the prosecco yet.

A Few Hours Before
1. Ask one friend to come over early to help you set up. (Hint: Pick someone who'll actually pitch in, not just plow through the bag of chips and fiddle with your iPod.)

2. Set the buffet and dining table.

3. Ice the soda and chill the wine. Pour tea mixture into pitchers; add prosecco.