Some people have a natural flair for effortlessly playing the perfect host. On the flip side, there are some who create long, elaborate checklists to ensure that nothing falls out of plan.
Both categories of people, however, share a commonality – they want to host a memorable party!
Let’s face it; we want people to rave about our parties even years down the line. At the same time, we want everyone to look forward to the next party! So if you love having people over and gift them unforgettable memories, then hosting a party may seem like an obvious choice.
However, it takes a huge amount of planning and guesswork to slip into the role of a graceful host.
5 important things to keep in mind before you decide to host a party:
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1. Pick an Appropriate Party Theme
Party-lovers and teenagers do not need a reason to party. However, parties are mostly a celebration of a special occasion or an excuse to socialize. Naturally, the standard “rules of partying” don’t apply to every type of party. For instance, getting drunk and wasted translates to success in a house party with friends, but can get you a memo at an office gathering.
Thus, the first step is to decide the kind of party that you wish to host. For simplicity, we can largely categorize them as formal or informal parties.
Is it a surprise birthday party? A wedding reception? Or a farewell party for a colleague? Will there be a dress code? Is the party at night or in the day time? The answer to such questions will help you decide the party type and select a corresponding theme for it.
2. Make a Guest List
Now that you have the party type and theme in order, it is time to choose your guests. Remember, an amazing guest list would result in an amazing party. So, make it a point to invest your thought and effort into selecting your guests.
While it may be tempting to invite everyone in your contact list, it is not feasible. Nobody wants a Karen to spoil the fun for others! Thus, you have to ensure that your guests are comfortable at the party, and the conversations keep flowing naturally.
The following are a few tips that may help you create a killer guest list without all the stress:
- Settle on the number of guests that you can comfortably entertain, depending on the venue and budget.
- Avoid over-inviting guests, but at the same time, plan for a 20% decline rate.
- Select guests who will get along with each other and may share a common interest. You do not have to stick to your set of close friends, keep the guest list open for new and interesting invitees.
- If possible, invite an even number of men and women. One odd male guest in an all-girls party could be awkward (and vice versa)!
- For wedding parties and receptions, you can have an A list and B list to avoid ruffling any feathers.
- Extend your invitation to your charismatic friends who not only get along well with everyone but will have new and interesting anecdotes to share. They are the life of any party, and forgetting them would be a crime!
3. Choose the Venue
Once you have narrowed down on the type of party and the number of guests who will be invited, it is time to move on to the next part – the event venue.
Choosing an oversized venue will make your party appear under-attended, and you will end up spending excessively on the space that you don’t require. On the other hand, tight spaces will make your guests uncomfortable and more likely to leave. Thus, you have to pick a venue that strikes the right balance and is conveniently located for your guests.
If your house can accommodate your guest list, then it is the best place to get started. You have complete and absolute control over your home, plus, you can save up on renting a space. However, do factor in the clean-up that follows. At the same time, hiring a venue may cost you but takes off the pressure of managing everything on your own!
4. Nail the Invitations
Do you want your guests to be excited about your party? Then sending out an eye-catching invitation is the best way to start a buzz!
Fortunately, you can refer to the party invitation template available online, and you may draw inspiration from them. Ensure that your party invitations contain the date, time, venue, and dress code (if any).
If you feel that paper invites are an unnecessary expense, you can switch to electronic invites (Evites). You do not have to be tech-savvy to create a digital invitation. Get a free invitation maker software with a pleasing, user-friendly interface to let your creative juices flow!
5. Food is Everything
Parties are all about the food. While deciding on the logistics of your party, take the time to create a menu as well. Try to incorporate everyone’s food preferences and dietary requirements.
Depending on the type of party and the number of guests, you can choose to have a potluck, home cook your food, or hire a caterer. If you plan on ordering food from a restaurant, make sure that you place the order in advance.
Have the food and beverages readily available right from the start so that your guests can be at ease.
Conclusion
Hosting a party can be easy-breezy or highly stressful, depending on how you see it. The best way to stay on top of your game would be to create lists and breaking down your tasks into smaller activities. Try to keep things simple to protect yourself from burnout, lest you never host a party again!
Finally, cut yourself some slack and remember to unwind and have fun. After all, it is an occasion where you are a part of the celebration!
With the above five factors in mind, you can host a splendid party that will be the talk of the town.