Delicious snacks are a must when throwing a party.
Everyone loves going to a good party, and successfully throwing your own party can often be even more exciting and rewarding. Bringing people together for a special event can create new friendships as well as strengthen old ones, and the pleasant memories can last a lifetime. A little bit of preparation combined with creativity and spontaneity is usually all it takes to make sure your big day is an event that you and your guests will enjoy. Does this Spark an idea?
Party Planning
You don't need to hire a professional party planner to throw a good party. Consider what sort of food and drinks you'd like to serve your guests. When planning a menu, keep in mind the different dietary restrictions that different party goers may have, and be sure to have items to accommodate people's needs. Have a few meatless options available for vegetarian guests, and sparkling cider or other non-alcoholic drinks for guests who don't drink alcohol.
Write down a list of menu choices ahead of time, then show the list to a few of your party invitees for advice. Remember that variety is key, and the more options you have, the happier you'll be able to make your different guests.
Whether you choose to keep things simple with a few elegant candles and decorative napkins, or you want to go all out and have streamers, balloons and disco balls, decorations let guests know you've made an effort. Decorations also help put people in a party mood, and depending on what sort of decorations you choose, you can set the mood of your party.
Guests
Inviting a variety of different guests adds fun and spontaneity to a party. Groups of people who generally may not socialize together often find mixed parties an exciting opportunity to step out of their comfort zones and have fun. Invite the young and the old, the married and the single, and the shy and the outgoing. You might be surprised by the new friendships that are formed.
Also, accommodate your guests as best as possible. Introduce guests who may not know each other, and talk to your guests about common interests. As the host of the party, it's up to you to make sure everyone is having a good time. If you see a guest who looks less than thrilled, engage him in conversation. Don't let anyone feel left out, though you should also watch out for guests who may take advantage of the good-time atmosphere. Be on the lookout for anyone who may have had too much to drink, and offer assistance when needed.
More Tips
Add some music to your party atmosphere. Many smart party throwers find out ahead of time what kind of music their guests like. If any of your guests have favorite songs, try to include them in your party-music mix.
Shop for all your food, beverages, and decorations ahead of time. You don't want to be caught unprepared at the last minute because you ignored important details.
Don't be afraid to try something unusual, like blindfolded taste tests or having your guests switch seats halfway through the meal. Unexpected moments can often add excitement to a standard party, and keep guests talking about the experience well after the party's over.
Tags: your guests, your party, ahead time, different guests, good party, guests know, make sure