Having a Holiday party, Birthday party, Anniversary Bash, Solstice
or Millennium Party Celebration? Here are a few ideas to help
make your party a smashing success!
Plan ahead, it is the attention to detail that makes 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.
Choose your finger snacks carefully. Choose foods that balance
each other. Try setting a theme for the food in each room
or on each table. Allow 4 to 6 hot snack per person.
Don't serve drippy sauces near expensive rugs or furniture.
Keep some carpet cleaner on hand, just in case.
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 would be the dress-code.
If your guests are expected to bring their own booze, let
them know in the invitation. If you are serving alcohol then,
don't forget the ice. 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. Remember,
you are responsible for your guest's safety, so do not encourage
excessive drinking.
If your party is being held in a non-smoking household,
then 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.
Providing a guest book can be 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.
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.
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.
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. Keep the music
upbeat and "mass appeal" for best results as music helps set
mood.
Try to make provisions for parking in advance and let your
guests know of it. Ask your neighbours about parking options
or warn them that guests will be parking on the street.
Consider removing all the chairs from the party area. This
will create more room for people to mingle.
Accidents are part of life so, never let an accident or
spill ruin the party. Have some spot remover on hand just
in case.
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.
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.
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.
Now that the work is done, relax! Let your guests enjoy themselves.
With good food, good cheer and good friends you can't miss!
So, with the proper ingredients in the right place everyone
should have a great time!
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