Hello Again, Friends!
Throwing a party or get-together in your home is not an easy task. First, finding time to just HOST a party is hard. We all lead such busy lives! On top of that, prep work for food, entertainment space....making sure that entertaining space is CLEAN....invite lists, and other parties going on at the same time makes it incredibly difficult.
So, you're still gonna throw that party? Good! But make sure, that if you are going to throw that party, you are going to make sure that it stands out from all the rest. If you are going to go through all that work, you want people to leave impressed and talking about it the next day. If you are not going for that, why bother? You don't want your party to be tossed in the heap of lack-luster parties like most of the rest. So, if you want your party to stand out, here are a few simple ideas that will help you get there!
1. It's All In The Details. Yup, you heard me. We've heard it our whole lives but nothing is more true. The little details that you think may be looked over will definitely will NOT be. Put labels with the food, put some extra love in the bathroom for people to freshen up in privacy, personalize little areas that make this party YOURS. I promise, the small amount of extra time it takes is going to be worth it.
Lets elaborate on this for a moment.
- Name Your Party and Theme. Put your party name here and there around your entertaining space. Start with putting it on your invitation, group text, whatever. That alone makes your party start to stand out. Then, find a few spaces to put your party name so others can see it. That just engrains it into people that THIS is the party to be at.
- A 'Freshen Up' Station in the Bathroom. Ever been to a party and not felt so fresh after a few glasses of wine? You want to check to make sure you're looking good without having to track down your purse? A freshening station in your bathroom including breath mints, deoterant, hair spray, and any extras will go miles with your guests since they can make sure they are looking their best in the privacy of the bathroom.
- Labeling Food and Drinks. The extra thought put in to labeling food (especially food with allergic components in it) will be greatly appreciated for those that do suffer from food allergies. Also, why not give the sides and main dish cute names while you're at it. Trust me, people eat this stuff up since no one ever takes the time to do it!
2. Make Sure Your Space Is Clean. Seriously. Clean your space. Have you ever shown up to a get together only to find it an unorganized, chaotic mess? Or worse yet, dirty bathrooms or counters? I know having a spot-free, perfect house is dilusional, but please don't let people leave your party wondering whether or not they should have eaten the food! Even if you have to fake it to you make it. The rest of your house can be a mess, but not your entertaining space!
3. Decorate. Decorate, Decorate, Decorate. Make it special! Let your guests be absorbed in your party theme as they walk through your door. Better yet? Bring a little of the party outside as they make their way inside. I personally like to decorate (even just a tad) in every room I know my guests will be in. It doesn't have to be crazy, but just a small reminder that 'Hey! You're still involved! The party is everywhere, not just the kitchen!' kind of detail. Sometimes that can feel like a little much when your are in the throws of party planning, but I guarantee that people will notice and enjoy it.
4. You, My Love, Should Not Drink. Do not stop reading.....If alcohol is being served, YOU, the hostess, should not partake in festivities. I know that sounds awful. Didn't you just scrub your house, make tons of food, come up with that darling cocktail everyone was going to drink all night? Yes you did. And you can drink after they all go home. Sure, have a cocktail right before they come. Ease those nerves. Drink a non-alcoholic drink while the guests are there. Nobody can tell. That way YOU are in control and can be there in a inebriated, uncontrolled situation if that happens to arise. Fingers crossed it doesn't and everyone can be respectable adults, right?
4. Enjoy Yourself! Haha, easy right? Nope. This is something I try to focus on at each party and sometimes I just can't pull it off. BUT, everyone wants to see the host and hostess enjoy themselves. Mingling, checking to make sure food and drinks are plenty, SMILING. Not some sweaty, hot-mess, running frantically through the kitchen making sure everything is fine. Please, you worked hard, nothing more can be done. ENJOY your party that you worked so hard for!
Hopefully some of these tips have come in handy. There is nothing quite as wonderful as having your guests leave happy and fulfilled for the night. It is a job-well-done!
If you ever have entertaining or party questions, I am always be happy to help!