Hosting a party in the near future?
Whether it’s being held at your home or at a venue, as the host you have a lot to do to prepare. You need to figure out the menu, plan out the drinks, buy all the supplies and decorations, figure out entertainment, and prepare all the tiny detail stuff.
There are a lot of moving parts! Here are our six fails to avoid and some tips that will help make sure your party is a hit.
Waiting the day of the party to set everything up
This can be really hard. You’re busy! But the more you prepare ahead of time, the easier time you’ll have the day of the party. Set up the decorations the night before, prepare as much food as you can a day or two early, and pick out your outfit beforehand.
Don’t forget to leave yourself extra time, just in case something goes wrong. And, prioritize your tasks. Do the most important stuff first, that way it isn’t as much of a big deal if your least-important stuff doesn’t get done before the guests arrive.
Choosing meals that require silverware
Unless you’re having a fancy dinner party or catering a nice meal, choosing a meal that requires minimal silverware. Finger foods, chips and dips, and small sandwiches are the best option.
If you anticipate the party lasting longer than two to three hours, don’t put all the food out at once, either. Start with some room temperature appetizers, an hour or two in add a couple hot dishes, and then consider the main course. Lastly, put out some dessert.
If you’re a bride, you could always consider a less formal reception. A sit-down meal is not required after all, and many brides (and their guests) are having fun with non-traditional meals, like buffets, hog roasts and barbecues, street food vans, and dessert stations.
Not setting out adequate napkins
If you have picked out lots of finger foods, you’ll want to make sure guests have plenty of napkins to use. And, if you’ve made anything particularly messy, it might even be a good idea to place some wet ones out strategically.
Using plastic cups? Use a sharpie to avoid misplaced drinks!
If you are using plastic cups instead of your nice glassware, place a sharpie by the drink station and have everyone write their name on their cup. You could even make a game of it and have a prize for the best-decorated cup!
This prevents people from stealing other people’s drinks or the dreaded half-full yet unknown whose-it-is-drink.
Prepare for the weather
Keep up with weather predictions. What’s the weather supposed to be on the day of your party? Especially if it’s an outside event, you need to prepare. There is nothing worse than a backyard barbecue turned sorcerer because there is nowhere to get shade. Either put up some sort of tent, clean out the garage, or make sure you have the AC cranked inside to give people some sweet relief from the heat.
Conversely, you might have the opposite problem with an extra chilly day. Make sure to have a backup, potentially indoors, inside of keeping it outside.
Don’t forget to have fun!
Hosting a party means a lot of responsibility is falling on you. You’ve got a lot of stuff to do and if you’re not careful, by the time you’re done with them the party may be over. Don’t get caught up in the “have-to’s” and run around like a mad person. Get the main stuff done–the food, the drinks, and the entertainment–and then make sure you talk to guests and hang out in between doing anything else you want to do.
Need a hand planning your party? We can help you with dessert! At Sara’s Sweets, we specialize in cupcakes, cookies, cakes, and more! Contact our store and see how our team can help you throw the best party ever.