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<\/figure>\n\n\n\nTips for planning, throwing, and enjoying a great party <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
With just a little effort and some outside-the-box thinking, your party will be a success from start to finish and leave your guests wondering when the next one will be. Here\u2019s some advice to make your party a smash: <\/p>\n\n\n\n
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- Pick a date early \u2014 <\/strong>The best way to ensure high attendance at your party is by choosing a date and time well in advance. Share the details with your guest list at least a week or two before the party, but no more than a month out. You don\u2019t want to leave too little or too much time between your invitation and the event itself. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Consider a theme \u2014 <\/strong>Introduce a unique aspect to your party that will get people excited to attend. It can be as simple as preparing a signature cocktail, or as involved as hosting a Greek Gods & Goddesses costume party. The possibilities are endless! Your theme can be expressed in food and drink, decorations, activities, music, attire, and more. Think less about choosing the right <\/em>theme and just do anything that sounds fun. It won\u2019t make or break the party on its own. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Remember music and lighting matter \u2014 <\/strong>Have you ever walked into a party, a bar, or a restaurant and felt something was just a little bit off? That little something that\u2019s hard to put your finger on is usually the ambiance<\/em>. It\u2019s the mood, the atmosphere, the vibe. You can influence these intangible characteristics with a little forethought about music and lighting. Make a playlist beforehand, listen to it, and imagine you\u2019re at the party. Does it feel right? As for lighting, it shouldn\u2019t be too bright or pitch black. Some cheap string lights will go a long way! <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Remember too much is better than too little \u2014 <\/strong>When it comes to refreshments, it\u2019s better to over-prepare. It\u2019s a party, so embrace the excess! Running out of food or drink may be the number one cause of a party losing its momentum. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Give people something to do \u2014 <\/strong>People like to contribute. Before the party, you could ask invitees to bring food, drink, games, or even items of decor. If a few guests arrive early, make them feel involved by giving them simple tasks to help you set up. During the party itself, you can plan for specific activities that align with your theme, whether it\u2019s a blind wine tasting, a dance-off, a talent show, or anything else suitable for your group. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Take an active role in introductions \u2014 <\/strong>As the host, you are the bridge connecting different friend groups who may not know each other well, if at all. To get all of these people having a great time together under one roof, you should facilitate introductions, especially if you notice little side groups not interacting with others. People aren\u2019t generally standoffish, they\u2019re probably just a little shy. You can act as a positive social model and help them circulate. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
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- Be careful not to micromanage \u2014 <\/strong>There\u2019s a subtle difference between good hosting and being overbearing. Once you\u2019ve done your planning for the party and it gets underway, get ready to expect the unexpected and be okay with it<\/em>. Parties are a living, breathing thing. They rarely go exactly how you think they will. So don\u2019t force anything\u2014if you notice people are really into dancing, don\u2019t kill the momentum with a new activity just because it\u2019s on the docket. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
Ways to practice your party hosting skills <\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Be a party researcher and attend some parties! Check out different kinds of events and see what works. Cast a wide net and attend things like this Bollywood Dance Party on the beach in Chicago<\/a>, a vintage trolley party through the streets of Dallas<\/a>, or a Denver stoplight party<\/a> (where the color of your clothes matches your relationship status). <\/p>\n\n\n\n
When you begin hosting parties yourself, start small. Your first event doesn\u2019t have to be a blowout. Dip a toe in with a small get together, then slowly increase the size of the event by asking guests to bring a friend or two next time. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
- Be careful not to micromanage \u2014 <\/strong>There\u2019s a subtle difference between good hosting and being overbearing. Once you\u2019ve done your planning for the party and it gets underway, get ready to expect the unexpected and be okay with it<\/em>. Parties are a living, breathing thing. They rarely go exactly how you think they will. So don\u2019t force anything\u2014if you notice people are really into dancing, don\u2019t kill the momentum with a new activity just because it\u2019s on the docket. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Take an active role in introductions \u2014 <\/strong>As the host, you are the bridge connecting different friend groups who may not know each other well, if at all. To get all of these people having a great time together under one roof, you should facilitate introductions, especially if you notice little side groups not interacting with others. People aren\u2019t generally standoffish, they\u2019re probably just a little shy. You can act as a positive social model and help them circulate. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Give people something to do \u2014 <\/strong>People like to contribute. Before the party, you could ask invitees to bring food, drink, games, or even items of decor. If a few guests arrive early, make them feel involved by giving them simple tasks to help you set up. During the party itself, you can plan for specific activities that align with your theme, whether it\u2019s a blind wine tasting, a dance-off, a talent show, or anything else suitable for your group. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Remember too much is better than too little \u2014 <\/strong>When it comes to refreshments, it\u2019s better to over-prepare. It\u2019s a party, so embrace the excess! Running out of food or drink may be the number one cause of a party losing its momentum. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Remember music and lighting matter \u2014 <\/strong>Have you ever walked into a party, a bar, or a restaurant and felt something was just a little bit off? That little something that\u2019s hard to put your finger on is usually the ambiance<\/em>. It\u2019s the mood, the atmosphere, the vibe. You can influence these intangible characteristics with a little forethought about music and lighting. Make a playlist beforehand, listen to it, and imagine you\u2019re at the party. Does it feel right? As for lighting, it shouldn\u2019t be too bright or pitch black. Some cheap string lights will go a long way! <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n
- Consider a theme \u2014 <\/strong>Introduce a unique aspect to your party that will get people excited to attend. It can be as simple as preparing a signature cocktail, or as involved as hosting a Greek Gods & Goddesses costume party. The possibilities are endless! Your theme can be expressed in food and drink, decorations, activities, music, attire, and more. Think less about choosing the right <\/em>theme and just do anything that sounds fun. It won\u2019t make or break the party on its own. <\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n