Top Tips For Impressing Your Party Guests
Planning the perfect party can sometimes feel like an uphill struggle. Having so many different aspects to manage can be overwhelming, and it’s easy to dwell on the fact that you can’t please everyone. However, you can follow a few simple tricks and tips to ensure your party is the talk of the town. Whether you’re organising a suave dinner party or a wild shindig, you can be the host with the most.
Invite Wisely
When curating your guest list, ensuring your gathering will be harmonious is vital. Inviting guests likely to clash will only cause awkwardness and create an uncomfortable atmosphere. Nevertheless, particular get-togethers inevitably result in encounters between friends and family members who may not see eye-to-eye - how you, as the host, prevent and deal with potential clashes is the crux of the matter.
Choose Your Theme
A strong theme is a surefire way to get everybody in the mood for a good time. If you’re planning on a costume party, ensure everybody is aware well in advance to give them ample time to get their outfits together.
Once you’ve chosen a theme, stick to it. For example, if you’ve organised a casino theme, provide playing cards and mini roulette machines, which can be purchased from costume suppliers and department stores. Suppose your theme is reminiscent of Hollywood movies - you could lay out a red carpet and hand out bags of popcorn upon your guests’ arrival.
Set Your Menu
Whether you’re hiring professional catering, getting busy in the kitchen or even just ordering a takeaway, nobody wants their guests going hungry. Plan your menu in advance to ensure plenty of time to gather ingredients and even practice with a few trial runs.
Match your menu to your theme or overall desired atmosphere. If you want a luxurious, sophisticated affair, opt for dishes that reflect opulence, such as oysters, filet mignon, truffled potato gratin and black forest gateaux. For light-hearted, casual gatherings, a buffet or selection of pizzas would be much more suitable.
Keep The Drinks Flowing
Avoid leaving your guests with empty glasses - some people may feel uncomfortable asking for a top-up or helping themselves. Chill your drinks in advance to avoid lukewarm beverages, and keep your freezer stocked with ice. You could even set up a rudimentary cocktail bar!
If you really want to impress your guests, consider pairing your food with a selection of fine wines. Wine pairing is more of an art than a science and much more straightforward than you might think. If you feel out of your depth, seek the advice of your local wine merchant; however, a general rule of thumb is to balance the wine’s intensity with the richness of your food. For example, for a menu featuring rich, bold flavours typically found in Mexican, Cajun or Chinese cuisine, an aromatic, perfumey Riesling would pair perfectly.
Make Room
If you’re lucky enough to have a spacious property, fantastic. If your living space is somewhat more bijoux, it may be worth creating a bit more room by temporarily rearranging furniture and removing unnecessary obstacles. Crowded spaces may seem cosy but can become claustrophobic and unpleasant as the evening wears on. Your primary concern should be the comfort of your guests, so it may be wise to borrow extra chairs to ensure there is plenty of seating available.
Be Hospitable
Greeting your party members with a glass of bubbly and a selection of canapés is guaranteed to earn you brownie points. Be mindful of individual needs and dietary requirements - guests who feel valued and looked after will be invariably thankful.
Don’t be tempted to persuade your guests to stay longer than that with which they may be comfortable. Some may enjoy wild nights that go on until the wee hours of the morning; others prefer to retire to their beds in a timely manner. Even so, avoid ushering party members out of your door before the night has come to a natural conclusion.
Don’t Forget To Have Fun
It’s easy to become swept up in the intense whirlwind that is hosting, only to forget to relax and let your hair down. Remember - energy is infectious, and if you’re having a fantastic time, it is likely your guests are too.