Setting up a party

Phrases

set up

get a room ready before an event

Can you come at five to help us set up?

give me a hand

help me with something physical

Mind giving me a hand carrying these tables?

decorations

things that make a room look festive

The decorations are in the blue box in the garage.

blow up (balloons)

fill with air

Tyler's blown up about forty balloons, and he's out of breath.

put up

hang something on a wall or ceiling

Have you put up the banner yet?

pick up (the cake)

collect something you ordered

Mei's picking up the cake on her way over.

a guest list

the names of everyone who is invited

Let me check the guest list. We're at thirty-two people.

RSVP

reply to say whether you'll come

Only half the class has RSVPed, so I'm guessing on the food.

run to the store

make a quick shopping trip

I'm going to run to the store. We need more ice.

paper plates and cups

disposable things for serving

Did anyone remember paper plates and cups?

be all set

be ready

The food's out and the music's on. I think we're all set.

last-minute

happening just before the event

A few last-minute things, and then we're ready.

Say it out loud

Tap a sentence to hear it. Say it after the voice.

1. Have you picked up the cake yet, or should I go?
2. Could you put the drinks on the table by the window?
3. We haven't finished the decorations, and people are arriving at six.
4. Half the guests haven't RSVPed, so let's order a little extra pizza.
5. Thanks for coming early. We couldn't have done this without you.