Whatever the occasion, if you are about to host a party there are some top tips I love to follow to ensure a stress-free party that I can actually enjoy, not just my guests!
Creating the right atmosphere, serving a delicious meal (without having to slave over a stove while the party is happening) and keeping those drinks flowing are key parts of a fabulous party.
Here are some simple steps to follow to help you host an enjoyable party for you and your guests:
Prepare!
Being prepared is the MOST important part to an evening that flows. There is nothing worse than a messy kitchen where you cannot find anything & end up feeling flustered & under the pump with guests around. Ensure you know how many guests are coming & if there are any dietary requirements. You don't want to be making a last minute vegetarian omelet!
Prepare the food.
Create a menu ahead of time and buy the ingredients etc a few days before the event. Its best to prepare as much as possible the night before, especially deserts - popping in the oven or pulling it out of the fridge ready to go is the aim. Chopping & preparing ingredients can also save you lots of time. This also helps with the amount of things needing to be cleaned up whilst the party is going on.
If you have more than 6 people, I like to ask everyone to bring something (a side, salad or a desert) and take charge of the main dish. Give guideline on what to bring so it compliments your main dish. For less than 6 people - a nice pasta dish (sauce already made) with a big salad is relatively low maintenance & generally is a winner with guests.
Get your kitchen organised.
First things first, empty the dishwasher - keep it ready to put dirty plates etc away in there during the event. Also empty the bins so that you do not need to nag the hubby to take out the rubbish whilst he is mid conversation with a wine in hand. :)
Set the table.
Make sure this is done before guests arrive. Go all out and get some nice flowers to put in the centre of the table. Making your guests feel more festive improves the mood of the event! Chill some water in water bottles in the fridge ready to go and make sure all drinks are in the fridge that need to be. Get your ice bucket ready and put some ice in the freezer the night before. Candles are also create a lovely mood, if you have kids coming maybe the electric ones would work best!
Background Music.
Music definitely adds to the atmosphere of the party, have this playing in the background before the party starts and when they arrive to help boost the mood of the party as soon as they walk in! This also helps with awkward silences for those who don't know each other when they walk in.
Timeline of the Evening
So your party runs smoothly, it is important to be prepared at all times. When guests arrive, have drinks and appetizers ready for them to break the ice & start the party off with ease. Once your guests are more comfortable in the environment and with each other you can kick off the rest of the meals/festivities.
After eating, maybe bring out some board or card games to keep guests enterntained and laughing. Just sitting and chatting might be fine for the type of party you are having but always good to have these on hand if needed. At the end of the evening make sure your guests have a safe method of getting home.
Feel & look your best!
Who doesn't feel great when they look great? Make sure you put aside some time before the party whether it's a spray tan a few days before or nails done so you can feel your best at your event.
Also do not leave your outfit to the last minute, try it on a few days before so that you are 100% set on what you will be wearing. This is not something you need to be stressing about before guests arrive!
Your guests came to your party for a reason, they must like you haha so make sure you make some time to get to talk to everyone. The parties I have fond memories of is when I get around to speaking to all of my guests.
Even if you have to put down the apron for a few minutes, grab a drink and go have a chat. Trust me you wont regret it!
Have Fun.
Parties are so special and special moments in our lives so enjoy it. Thats what they are there for. :)
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