Hosting a party can be a stressful activity. You are worrying if everyone is having a good time if their glasses are full, and if they have eaten, and you’re worried if they are bored or not.
However, there are a few steps you can take that will not only make the experience easier for you but also ensure that your guests have an unforgettable time.
Have a Plan
The first thing you should do is plan your party. It would be best to decide what you will eat, drink and the entertainment you will provide. This doesn’t need to be a detailed plan but should outline the essentials.
Don’t forget, there is no need to plan for everything, and this is also a time to think of what your guests will want. If they smoke and your house is non-smoking, allow disposable vapes; if they have a favorite drink, let them bring it along. The goal isn’t to plan for everyone but rather to ensure everyone can bring what makes them happy or comfortable.
Pick a Theme
The next thing you need to do is decide on a theme. While your party doesn’t need one, deciding early gives you enough time to get all the necessary props. Some themes will require much more time to get right, so the sooner you start, the better.
Send Invitations Early
Sending out your invitations early is essential for planning, especially if you are intending to have a theme. In this day and age, do away with paper invitations, too; electronic ones are far more reliable.
Pick a Simple but Delicious Menu
When it comes to food, this is often a sticking point for most hosts. Many tend to choose dishes that are exciting and unusual but underestimate how much time and work they need. This can lead to a less-than-stellar meal; however, this is avoidable.
Instead of choosing extravagant dishes, pick simple ones that you can make fancy. Bruschetta, pasta dishes, salads, finger foods, etc., are all simple things that don’t require much time but can be very tasty.
Start Cooking Early
If you are planning on cooking, try and do as much preparation and cooking in advance as you can. The last thing you want to do is spend hours in the kitchen when your guests are there, and you miss out on all the fun.
Also, remember, there is no need to cook everything. You can easily purchase a ready-made sauce or two or a pre-made salad. Buying a few things that are already cooked or prepared can help you save time, and focus on the aspects of the meal that matter.
Drinks
Drinks are fairly easy to get right, although it is often more about quantity. You should have a few bottles of both red and white wine, a case or two of beer, and something for your guests who don’t drink.
If you want this part of your party to be even easier, you can let your guests bring their own drinks. This ensures that everyone will have exactly what they want.
Entertainment
Entertainment can be anything you want, but at the very least, you should have some music playing that sets the mood for the evening. Using Spotify, you can create an extensive playlist that will keep the mood up throughout the party.
If you can afford it, a live band or DJ can be an amazing musical experience, especially if you are going for more of a club feel.
Bring in Extra Help
If you are planning a large party with a lot of guests, it may be worth the money to bring in extra help. There are a lot of services that allow you to hire waitstaff for a few hours that can help you serve snacks and meals, or make and serve drinks.
This will take a lot of pressure off of you, as you won’t need to worry about looking after everyone and making sure they have everything they need.
Keep it Simple
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking you need to host a party that is super-extravagant and something that your guests have never seen before. Quality will always beat quantity; nobody wants a lamb shank for dinner if it’s served cold, and no one will be upset if you haven’t turned your house into a nightclub.
Don’t Plan Fun
While games can be fun, planned fun doesn’t always go down well. Unless you have a theme like a Murder Mystery Party, don’t force your guests to join in on something that you enjoy.
Instead, have games that can be played at any time and ones that don’t force your guests to join when they rather want to do something else.
Remember the Small Things
Once you have all of the big things out of the way, don’t forget to pay attention to all of the small details. Things like lighting, seating, having enough plates, bowls, cutlery, etc., these are all important touches that make a huge difference to the overall experience.