How to Set Up and Host a Party
57Party Planning
Making it easy and fun setting up and hosting a party.
Throwing a Party
Shouldn’t parties be as fun for the hostess as it is for the guests? Follow these easy effective steps on how to set up and host a smash bashing party.
Step 1:
Create a theme.Choose a theme that will organize all your party elements (setting, occasion, food) into a single cohesive picture. You can have a sushi party, chocolate fondue party, tea party, slumber party, barbecue....the choices are endless. Pick the one that would be most interesting to the type of guests you are having.
Step 2:
Pick a mood, by the count. You can either have an small intimate party or a big bash, either a private sit-down party or a huge buffet. To set the mood of your party, decide on the number of guests you would like to have.
Step 3:
Set the stage. Choosing the setting for your get-together shouldn’t be hard. Basically, you can just choose between indoors or outdoors – whichever feels right and comfortable.
Step 4:
Plan the menu. Planning the menu is easy. All you really have to think about is matching the food with the drinks. Will you have wine, beer, or soda? After you’ve decided on this, then picking the right food to go along will be breezy.
Step 5:
Shop with ease, but with prep in mind. After you’ve confirmed the menu and listed all other things you’ll be needing, then it’s time to shop. The best time for this is in the morning of your party – to make sure that you get the freshest ingredients. Just make sure you have a lot of market options in case the first market you step into doesn’t have what you need. This will save you precious time so you don’t end up late to your own party.
Step 6:
Plot your party. It’s time to make timing a priority. Allot specific times and events you want to happen in your party. For instance, prepare the appetizers and serve them the instant your guests arrive. At the same time, fire up the oven so that after 30 minutes or so, you can serve the entrée hot and fresh. Then, prepare for a toast (make sure the wine has been chilled beforehand) or have some fun games. Then comes the dessert, dancing, and so on. Maintain a smooth flow throughout your party, so things don’t get dull.
Step 7:
Max it out. Be the perfect host by being there for your guests. Your guests might want to hear a certain type of music, want to dance to a tune, or see some pictures or something. Just be there to listen in case there are special requests. Also make sure you’re meeting all of your guests. You can even introduce them. After all, a party is all about friends and having fun.
Step 8:
Finally, if something does go wrong, just do what you can to ease the problem and then, move on. Just smile and relax – it’s a party remember?
