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| Mico and Buddy all ready for the Halloween party as a dragon and a knight! They were both a little less than impressed with the whole thing. |
For the second year in a row, we hosted a big Halloween party at the house this past weekend, and I just adore throwing a good party - especially a holiday one. I have learned a few things about hosting parties, some that I need to constantly remind myself as I'm running around like a madwoman the day before and my husband is seriously rethinking the idea in the first place. So I thought I'd share my top 10 tips to make hosting a party more enjoyable for you and your guests:
1. Do as much ahead of time as possible. That way when it's party time, you can just put everything out and then mingle with your guests and not worry about it. Cut veggies, make dips, and cook things that can just be reheated well before the party. Baking can be done days ahead of time. This spreads out your workload so you are not completely stressed the night before or day of, and it allows you time with your guests. It is no fun to spend the entire night stuck in the kitchen.
2. More is more. I think it is better to put out a spread and have extra leftover than to run out. I think I'm secretly part Italian. Nothing kills a party faster than running out of food, beer, or ice too soon.
3. Clean up a little bit as you go. But, don't make guests feel like they are messing up your house, or that it's time to go by clearing everything away too soon.
4. Lighting makes a big difference. Think candles and lamps instead of bright overhead lights. Adding twinkly strands of lights are also festive and create a much more inviting atmosphere.
5. Create gathering areas. You don't want everyone sitting in a big circle around the outside of the room, staring at each other like they're at a sixth grade dance. Spread the food out and have plenty of places for guests to perch in smaller groups and set down a drink as they mingle.
6. Everything doesn't have to be spotless. For pre-party cleaning, focus on areas guests are going to be in the most like the bathrooms, kitchen, and main living areas. Don't worry about vacuuming the guest bedroom and cleaning the garage. I promise no one will notice the basket of unfolded laundry in your bedroom closet. Don't wear yourself out.
7. Music matters. - Silence is awkward, but blaring music makes conversation difficult. Create a playlist or Pandora station that fits the mood, and pay attention to the noise level.
8. Provide options at the bar. - I like to set up our side counter in the kitchen as the bar, with some sort of specialty cocktail like a sangria or witch's brew (like this past weekend) already made. Then I usually stick to a dark and light liquor option with mixers and sodas out in a 'serve yourself' fashion. Beer is usually stocked in both the outside and inside fridges. I like to try to make the first couple of guests that arrive their first drink, and then encourage everyone to help themselves after that with ice, glasses, and straws all at the ready. Don't forget non-alcoholic options and water bottles for guests to grab.
9. Be selective about asking guests to bring things. - Generally if I am hosting a party, I don't ask guests to bring anything. I try to let them know up front what the plan is - for example, drinks, appetizers, and dessert will be served. That way nobody feels obligated to bring anything. If you are having a more casual party or want people to help out by bringing something, I would be specific about one thing they can bring and have it kind of fit the theme...for example if you are having a wine and pizza night, ask them to bring their favorite bottle of wine to share, or for a potluck bbq maybe ask them to bring an appetizer to share. But never ask them to bring more than one thing. In my opinion, asking guests to bring an appetizer, a dessert, and whatever they want to drink makes people wonder why you are hosting the party if they have to provide everything for themselves. Remember they are your guests, and hospitality goes a long way.
10. You set the tone. A piece of advice our wedding D.J. gave us before our wedding was to remember that the bride and groom set the tone. If you are out dancing and having a good time, everyone else will be too. The same applies for parties. If you are nervous and uptight or dull and tired, your guests will be too. If you are welcoming and friendly, introducing people and having a good time, your guests will follow suit.
