Why bother throwing a party if you’re not going to go all out? That’s the question I sometimes ask myself quietly inside my head when I’m underwhelmed by entertaining efforts by those who simply shouldn’t. That sounds pretty snobby, but that’s also coming from someone who isn’t really much of a chef, but who can still throw a decent shindig. It’s all in the effort.
Yes, it is about the people, but throwing a party is also about giving part of yourself – sacrificing your time and money to treat your friends which sends the message that you appreciate them and that they’re worth it. I’ve written about dinner parties before on this blog.
But why do some people end up in a party pitfall?
A girl I know threw a Halloween housewarming party this year but failed to provide any food, any drink or even any furniture! To be fair, she had just moved into her new rental property – but I couldn’t help but think her excitement had gotten the better of her. And as a result, got the better of her party too.
So how do you avoid the party pitfalls so many seem to stumble into? Here’s your 4 point quick checklist:
1. Do you have a reason to throw a party?
You don’t need to be getting married or turning a year older to have a party, but deep down within you, something must be telling you to celebrate. Maybe you haven’t seen your friends in forever, or you’d like to show off your new home. Whatever the case, a party with a purpose will have much greater life than a party that’s come about for no particular reason at all. Maybe it needs to be themed or held at a specific location – whatever the case, giving people a reason to come and spend time with you will be far more meaningful if, well, it has meaning!
2. Are your friends or family willing to help?
No one can do it alone. Not you. Not me. Not Martha Stewart, Jamie Oliver or Shayna Blaze. Setting a scene, preparing food, shopping, mingling, chatting and cooking takes a huge amount of effort and energy. It doesn’t just happen on the day or night, it’s needed days before, sometimes even weeks, and on occasion, can last for days after. Everyone’s most dreaded part of hosting a party, cleaning, is also made a lot easier with the help of a few industrious friends or family members. Don’t go into it alone because it won’t be fun!
3. Have you got your wow factor?
Christmas time, Easter, public holidays and end of year soirees can make any time of the year seem like it’s the busiest. That’s why it’s important to stand out. Great conversation, food and drink are standards, but nowadays it’s even more fun to really spoil your guests with your wow factor. It can be anything from bespoke decorations, ingenious food, entertainment or, one of my favourites, a photo booth. Photo booths are an activity within themselves, but also a great talking point and print a lasting memory for you and your guests. Photo booth hire in Sydney can be easily arranged and take your party from fun to fantastic in a…flash!
4. Have you set the correct expectations?
Lastly, and most importantly, you’ve got to be realistic about your expectations. If you’re having a few friends around for tea and biscuits don’t go all out Gatsby on them. Similarly, like that girl and the Halloween party, if you’re committing to throwing a party, don’t simply provide four walls and a roof. Set your expectations in line with the size of your party, and with the help of your friends and your wow factor push the bar just that tiny bit higher. Then, let your guests come through and they’ll be blown away that you managed to avoid the trickiest party pitfalls.
This post was written with support from The Party Starters.
