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Party Planning
 Plan
ahead, it's 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.
Party
Hors D'oeuvres
Choose your finger snacks carefully. Choose
foods that complement each other. Try
setting a theme for the food in each room or
on each table. Allow 4 to 6 hot hors
d'oeurves per person. Don't serve gooey,
drippy sauces near expensive rugs or
furniture. Keep some carpet cleaner on hand,
just in case.
Party
Invitations
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 kind of attire is
appropriate. If your anticipating a
semi-formal gathering let them know.
Liquor
If your guests are expected to bring their
own booze, let them know in the invitation.
If your serving alcohol don't forget the
ice. You can never have too much ice at a
party. 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. Consider making
two punch bowls; one with booze and one
without for your non-imbibing guests.
Remember, you are responsible for the safety
of your guests so do not encourage excessive
drinking.
Smoking
If your party is being held in a non-smoking
household 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.
Guest
Books
Providing a guest book can be much 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.
Atmosphere
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. Consider unplugging
or removing your television if it's located
in the party area. Nothing spoils the
interaction of guests quicker than a group
of people huddled around a television set.
Kill your TV! (at least for the party).
Lighting
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, we include this in our show!
Music
Music is an important element of most
parties. We have a wide variety of music
available. We will keep the music upbeat and
fun, remember music helps set mood!
Parking
Try to make provisions for parking in
advance. If you will be allowing guests to
park on the lawn or in the back yard, let
them know in your invitation. Ask your
neighbors about parking options or warn them
that guests will be parking on the street.
Seating
Consider removing all the chairs from the
party area. This will create more room for
people to mingle.
Extras
A scented candle in the bathroom is a nice
touch. Leave an extra roll of toilet tissue
in easy view.
Accidents and Spills
Accidents are part of life. Don't let an
accident or spill ruin the party. Have some
spot remover on hand just in case. You may
want to remove extremely valuable items
and/or furnishings. Move that rare Persian
carpet to a safe place until the party is
over.
Gifts
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.
Coffee
& Snacks
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.
Now that the
work is done, relax! Let your guests enjoy
themselves. With the proper ingredients in
place everyone should have a great time.
With good food, good cheer and good friends
you can't miss! Party hearty and have fun.
Make room for guests who have had too much
to eat or drink. Don't let a guest who over
drinks drive, it could save a life and it
could save YOU from a lawsuit. As the host,
you are responsible for the safety of your
guests.
The Law
Sometimes even the quietest of parties will
precipitate a visit from the local law
enforcement agency. If the police arrive be
courteous. They may have been called to your
party by an irate or concerned neighbor (who
may not have been invited!). Try to answer
the concerns of the police officer outside
your front door. Stay calm and respond to
reasonable requests ("keep the noise down,
move vehicles that may be blocking the
roadway, etc.") If you are intoxicated,
don't attempt to negotiate with the police,
send your spouse or trusted friend to the
door, an intoxicated host gives the police a
valid reason for concern (and possibly
further action). Lesson #1 never get out of
control, especially at your own party! |
