Let’s get this party started! It is that time of the year where parties become more regular. Come January, and most of us are all partied out but for now we embrace it. If you are planning to host a party, don’t panic. The idea of a party is to have fun so try to have a little fun while planning and preparing it. If there is a friend or two that you get on with, why not enlist their help. You can make it a social occasion while setting the party up.
Many people find the prospect of planning a party a rather daunting task but there is no reason this should be so. Most of us have been to a number of parties, both good and bad. Take some tips from those, do a bit of planning and you are bound to have a successful party. The main thing for you is to not get too stressed out about it, you want to enjoy the company so relax and have fun.
Here are 5 essentials you must have before planning a house party.
1. What Is the Reason for Your Party?
Sometimes we have a party simply for the sake of having a party. These are often the best. Many times, however, there is a specific reason for the special occasion and this needs to be taken into account.
It could be a birthday celebration, an anniversary or engagement party. Others might be for New Year’s Eve, a farewell or a housewarming party. Alternatively, it could just be a get-together of a few friends and more of a casual, informal party.
Whatever the occasion, this factor will influence almost all aspects of the event. The location, food, timing, entertainment and guest list all have to be relevant to the reason behind the party. Certain occasions are particularly important, such as a 21st birthday or a 50th wedding anniversary.
2. Take Age into Account.
It is important to consider the age of the guests that will be at the party. That information will guide your other decisions such as the date and time, the type of food and snacks, the music and entertainment. If the crowd is likely to be older, have the party earlier in the day as many do not want to travel home at night. If it is a children’s party, try not to let the numbers get too high otherwise you may have chaos on your hands.
For great ideas, look at sites such as iThingum.
3. Location, Location, Location.
Ok, so we have already established that it is a home party but how are you going to work it? For a children’s party, outdoors is obviously better as they can have fun and make a bit of noise without leaving too much mess. For other parties, consider the size of the guest list and the space you have available. If you are looking at an outdoor party, check to see what the weather is going to do and have a plan b in place.
If you expect the party to get a bit noisy, just let your neighbours know in advance as a courtesy.
4. Work Out the Guest List.
Again, a lot will depend on the reason for the party. The size of your house is also a factor; you can only accommodate so many people. Think very carefully about the list as you do not want to forget someone and regret it later. Start with your closest friends first and then work from there. Do not forget about partners. If you are not sure, allow people the opportunity to bring a partner otherwise you risk offending them.
5. Food and Drink.
You need to decide if you are providing food and drinks or not and this needs to be clearly communicated to the guests. If you are doing food, make it appropriate for the type of people invited, their age and the setting. You need to decide if it will be a formal, sit-down dinner, finger snacks or perhaps a barbeque. If you are going to provide drinks, will it be just soft drinks or will you include beer and wine. Whatever you decide, make sure there is enough for everyone and guests are clear on what they do or do not need to bring.
Get those basics right, get your invites out there and look forward to a great party. The more preparation you do beforehand, the more you can enjoy the party on the day.
