Having a Holiday party, Birthday party, Going away party, Anniversary Bash, Solstice, or New Years Party Celebration? Here are a few party tips and ideas to help make your next party a smashing success!
Party Planning
Plan ahead - it's attention to detail that makes all the difference. Allow plenty of time to prepare for your party, make a list and shop smart. Things are hectic when party-time approaches so stay organized.
Party Hors D'oeuvres
Choose your finger snacks carefully. Choose foods that complement each other. Try setting a theme for the food in each room or on each table. Allow 4 to 6 hot hors d'oeurves per person. Don't serve gooey, drippy sauces near expensive rugs or furniture. Keep some carpet cleaner on hand, just in case.
Party Invitation Ideas
Written invites are a great idea. Try to make them fun and different. Use your personality but don't forget the basics like: hours. Tell your guests when the party starts and when it will end. Specify the hour in advance to avoid confusion. Let your guests know what kind of attire is appropriate. If your anticipating a semi-formal gathering let them know.
Keep it Cool Party Idea!
If you're planning on plenty of ice cold beer or soda, forget about filling your refrigerator or cooler, instead use your washing machine! Put a few bags of ice and in the washer and then fill the tub with beer and soda. You'll save room and the hassle of emptying a cooler when the party is over.
Liquor
If your guests are expected to bring their own booze, let them know in the invitation. If your serving alcohol don't forget the ice. You can never have too much ice at a party. Use quality ice for the best tasting mixed drinks. Add fresh fruit to your shopping list. Limes, lemons and oranges should be sliced in advance. Consider making two punch bowls; one with booze and one without for your non-imbibing guests. Remember, you are responsible for the safety of your guests so do not encourage excessive drinking.
Smoking at your party
If your party is being held in a non-smoking household try to make accommodations for smokers. A room with a fan blowing out is a nice thought. If you do not have a place for smokers let them know in advance that the party is held in a non-smoking household.
Party Guest Books
Providing a guest book can be much fun and help make the party memorable. Don't be afraid to put out a guest book and invite your guests to sign-in as they arrive.
Party Atmosphere
Create a festive party atmosphere with decorations, scents and music. Use scented candles or simmer a pot of water with cinnamon and citrus fruit to fill the house with a delightful aroma. Choose your favorite music and have it playing softly in the background when guests arrive. Consider unplugging or removing your television if it's located in the party area. Nothing spoils the interaction of guests quicker than a group of people huddled around a television set. Kill your TV! (at least for the party)
Party Lighting
Creative lighting will contribute much to the atmosphere. Try replacing some bulbs with colored lamps or low wattage bulbs. Strobe lights and black lamps can add to the fun.
Party Music
Music is an important element of most parties. If pre-recorded music is to be used, consider the musical preferences of your guests. Have a variety of music available. Put your depressing music selections away, keep the music upbeat and "mass appeal" for best results. Music helps set mood, so use with discretion. Find a tremendous assortment of music on sale in the music section of Free World Mall.
Parking
Try to make provisions for parking in advance. If you will be allowing guests to park on the lawn or in the back yard, let them know in your invitation. Ask your neighbors about parking options or warn them that guests will be parking on the street.
Seating
Consider removing all the chairs from the party area. This will create more room for people to mingle.
Extras
A scented candle in the bathroom is a nice touch. Leave an extra roll of toilet tissue in easy view.
Accidents and Spills
Accidents are part of life. Don't let an accident or spill ruin the party. Have some spot remover on hand just in case. You may want to remove extremely valuable items and/or furnishings. Move that rare Persian carpet to a safe place until the party is over.
Gifts
It's always a good idea to bring a small gift to a party even if the host or hostess instructs you not to in the invitation. Bring along a bottle of wine, some flowers, or chocolates to show your appreciation.
Coffee & Party Snacks
You can never have too much food at a party. Be sure to have plenty of hot coffee and snacks on hand for late in the evening.
Now that the work is done, relax! Let your guests enjoy themselves. With the proper ingredients in place everyone should have a great time. With good food, good cheer and good friends you can't miss! Party hearty and have fun. Make room for guests who have had too much to eat or drink. Don't let a guest who over drinks drive, it could save a life and it could save YOU from a lawsuit. As the host, you are responsible for the safety of your guests. Look for specialty foods, unique party snacks, and gourmet teas and coffee.
Party Jokes
If you (or one of your guests) are skilled at joke telling, try some tasteful jokes and invite your guests to participate. This exercise can often "break the ice" and get your guests sharing jokes and humorous stories.
The Law
Sometimes even the quietest of parties will precipitate a visit from the local law enforcement agency. If the police arrive be courteous. They may have been called to your party by an irate or concerned neighbor (who may not have been invited!). Try to answer the concerns of the police officer outside your front door. Stay calm and respond to reasonable requests ("keep the noise down, move vehicles that may be blocking the roadway, etc.") If you are intoxicated, don't attempt to negotiate with the police, send your spouse or trusted friend to the door, an intoxicated host gives the police a valid reason for concern (and possibly further action). Lesson #1 never get out of control, especially at your own party!
