Hosting a party might sound stressful, but there’s no reason why you can’t ensure your guests have a fabulous time while enjoying the festivities yourself.
The perfect party takes planning and careful thought, whether it’s a simple movie night with friends or a much grander affair. Whatever kind of party you’re throwing, this simple guide will help you make it a roaring success.
Get organised
No matter its scale, the perfect party requires plenty of planning. Even the simplest gathering of friends will fall apart if not enough thought has been put into it.
A good rule is to pick a venue, a time and a guestlist a month in advance, so that everyone can be made aware and adjust their schedules accordingly. Then make a checklist of all the things you need to consider – from the food preparation to the post-party clean up – so that everything will run smoothly without you working yourself into a frenzy.
Pick a theme
A theme could mean a literal theme, such as 1920s or movie dress up, or it could just mean a general vibe.
People like to know what kind of party they’re going to attend, so they know how to dress and what to expect. Is it fancy or casual? A large soirée full of strangers or a small gathering of friends and family? Deciding a theme will also make your job easier when it comes to deciding on décor, food, music and lighting.
Lighting
Speaking of lighting, while it may not be your top priority, it’s definitely something you need to consider.
Lighting creates atmosphere, so it can make or break a party. Dim lights work well for a cosy get together, while brighter lights create a more formal ambience.
Food
Depending on the type of party you’re throwing, you’ll either want light appetisers or a full meal. Either way, prepare them and set the table in advance of your first guests arriving, so you won’t be hot and bothered from cooking.
You can also ask guests to bring a dish of their own to save you some work.
Dessert
Dessert deserves its own special mention. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or a graduation, cakes are the centrepiece of many celebrations. You can whip up one yourself if you’re able, or better yet, have a professional do it for you.
Desserts Delivered Bakery delivers fresh-baked cakes straight to your front door within 24 hours. Wow your party guests with a flamboyant rainbow layer cake, or a decadent chocolate truffle cake. You can even claim it as your own, and no one need ever find out.
Make a playlist
Just like lighting, music creates a party’s atmosphere.
Create a playlist in advance with music to suit every taste, or which fits the party’s theme. Guests can take turns being the DJ, or just bob along with the background music as they sip their drinks and laugh with friends. Just make sure the playlist is long enough, so you aren’t forced to repeat the same songs after an hour and a half.
Make drinks beforehand
Even your teetotal guests need somewhere they can go to rehydrate.
Set somewhere aside where guests can go and refill their glasses. If you want to give them a treat, you can prepare cocktails to greet them with as they come through the door, welcoming them in and loosening them up.
Keep it comfortable
The most important job for any party host is to make sure you and your guests are as comfortable as possible.
Make sure the room is not to hot or cold, and that there is enough seating. Keep everyone fed, watered and included, and above all, enjoy yourself. After all, if the host isn’t having a good time, no one is.
6 ways to upgrade your tech on a budget this year
