Entertaining: Using Kid Parties to Teach Event Plannin

Most people that are intimidated by entertaining or hosting dinner parties simply haven't had the pre-event planning practice. That is one reason I throw a variety of kid parties in the summer. (Yes, it is also so the kids can have fun memories, but being a type A personality, I'm all about teaching some practical skills simultaneously.) We are tackling one of our most labor-intensive summer parties early on this summer. 
Our 'Kid-Cafe' involves serving lunch one afternoon to the neighbors in our backyard with the price being food donations for the local food bank. We usually end up serving 20-30 people and since it is styled after a restaurant, we've got to have lots of food on-hand. I think it is important for my kids to learn how to plan an event, how to cook for one, and also, what it is like working in a food service situation. By the end, they are pooped and have tasted a bit of the stress of that kind of job. So I also talk to them about the importance of higher education so they don't have to be fry-cooks the rest of their lives. (A bit of irony there since part of my RD degree qualifies me to work in food service. *hee hee*)
Teaching a 8 or 9 year old how to plan for and cook for 25 people is no small task. So the key is to start early. Here is how I'm trying to teach my kids the art of event planning:

•   3-4 weeks prior: Set the date. I try to talk my kids through the family schedule so they can see what days/weeks are more open for preparing and throwing a party. 
•   7 days prior: Plan out menu and print invitations. In this case we also printed our menus and order forms for our wait-staff.  
• 3-5 days prior: Start any early cooking prep (cookie dough, lasagnes that can be made and frozen, frozen desserts, beverage syrups etc.) 
• 1 day prior: Prep hardware (dishes, utensils, tables, decorations). Prep any other make-ahead food and wash and refrigerate garnishes. 
• 2-3 hours before: Heat food, last minute decorations (flowers on tables etc), set-up food serving area. 

I have my kids actually write down the schedule and plan so they can really see how to plan it out and carry it through.  And after all is said and done - the leftovers are frozen and they can use them for their weekly dinners for the next little while, giving them a little break.  Hopefully that also teaches a bit about batch cooking and freezer meals as well.   The kids really enjoy all the compliments they receive and it bolsters their confidence as they see that these skills are truly valuable.