How to Host a Memorable Party

Whether you’re planning a party for a special occasion or simply as an excuse to get together and have a good time, you always want it to be memorable. This doesn’t mean that you have to break the bank, but you do need to put at least a little bit of effort into it. Here are some tips to make sure everything runs smoothly.

The Guest List

The most important part of any party is the guest list. Whether you’re hosting a small get-together or a large event, you want the right people there. Depending on how large the party is, you might have to invite people well in advance to make sure that you know who’s coming.

As a word of warning, beware of letting your guests invite who they want without asking you. Think about it, if you invite 6 guests and each of them brings a plus-one, who in turn brings a friend or two each, the party has quickly gotten out of control. Let your guests know that they should at least ask you before inviting anyone else and that they should do so in advance so that you can prepare. 

After all, you’re providing the space for the party, as well as the food and the drinks. An extra few bodies can strain the experience for everyone else and make the party far more stressful for you.

Food and Drinks

Even if you aren’t planning a dinner party, you still want to provide food and drinks that people are going to enjoy. Remember that people eat with their eyes as well as their mouths, so try to serve things that look wonderfully appealing and taste good.

However, don’t overload yourself with lots of complicated, last-minute dishes that will stress you out and create a huge mess. Choose a few signature dishes and, ideally, dishes that you can prepare the day before. That way, all the washing up is already done for you and you have more time to clean and decorate the house.

As for drinks, resist the temptation to just open up the entire drinks cabinet. This can get expensive quickly and doesn’t cater to anyone who doesn’t plan on drinking alcohol. Instead, prepare some cocktails or take out a few sacrificial bottles. As for the non-drinkers, treat them with some delicious mocktails so they don’t feel left out.

Decoration and Activities

If your party has a specific theme or a dress code, then let your guests know in advance so they know what to expect. You don’t have to plan activities, some people just like to sit and chat, but again, give your guests an idea of what you have planned. Don’t just spring a murder mystery on a group who were expecting to relax.

A touch of decoration can also make your party something special. You don’t have to go all-out, but some balloons or bunting can make the difference. This guide has some balloon decorating tips that will help you to impress your guests.