Whether you are an old-hand and experienced party host/hostess or taking on the role for the first time, you will read useful tips and reminders to throw amazing parties. We only have a few minutes, so we should stay focused. Are you ready to take notes?
Choose A Party Theme As Soon As You Can
This choice will help you narrow other decisions in your planning and save time. An example is; how deep down the rabbit hole of Luau planning do you want to go? Are we talking about a pig on a spit, poi, ukelele group, and fire dancers? Maybe tiki torches, tropical cocktails in cool plastic glasses, grass skirts, and coconuts will grasp the theme enough.
How Many Will Attend?
The next most important factor regarding planning is how many will attend? Your guest list and response for attendance are important. Sending invitations with calendar appointments is simple with technology. Handwritten invitations carry a charm and intimacy that digital ones often lack. They’re perfect for special events like weddings, milestone birthdays, or anniversary celebrations. Plus, receiving a physical invitation in the mail can make guests feel honored and valued, adding to the excitement of the occasion.
Plan a Party Menu
If you do not know guests’ dietary restrictions or allergies, ask. Also, ask about their +1. I recommend a menu for most of your guests. Do not force people into diets they didn’t choose.
Choose a Theme-Fitting Cocktail
With research, you can find simple, excellent cocktails to learn online. What is better than one signature beverage for your party? Three. Prepare any fruit by cutting it and placing it in containers that fit in your fridge. If you plan multiple fruits on a pick, assemble them early.
Remaining in the preparation mindset, let us look at what else we can do before guests arrive.
- Plan your prep time and allow time to relax and get ready. Your guests should arrive to find a chill, settled host, unflappable, and ready to focus on guests. Greet guests at the door.
- Accept the things you could not change in your preparations. I get frustrated after spending time on a recipe, and a simple error ruins it. The relationships of the party are more important. Order something and let it go. Inform your close friends of the fail (it happens) and ask for a dish, if they can. Good parties are where everyone is involved anyway.
- Now is not the time for menu experiments. Stick to dishes you nail every time with variations on presentation and finishing. You will be more relaxed knowing the food is on point. What are your favourite party dishes?
- Keeping within a budget is important. The richness of a gathering of family and friends is found in the relationships. A good host doesn’t need to compensate with extravagant distractions. They are gracious and interactive, guiding the party into the sunrise.
- Set the table or buffet to match the theme. Include flowers, fruit, and accents within your theme. For that Luau feel, place banana leaves as placemats or under your buffet. Think of unique, simple styling highlights for conversation or accent.
- Prepare your bathroom(s) by removing unneeded personal care items, adding fresh towels, extra bog roll, and a good cleaning.
Did you catch the theme? Focus on the people. An epic party has hiccups and no one cares. Plan on not apologizing for anything.
