Hosting a party can be both exciting and overwhelming. From planning the menu to setting the perfect ambiance, there are many details to consider. While it’s important to make sure your guests have a great time, it’s just as important to enjoy the event yourself! To help make your next gathering a breeze, here are some key dos and don’ts to keep in mind as you plan the perfect celebration.

 

DO THIS:

#1 Save the Date
Give your guests enough notice of when the party is taking place so they haven’t made other plans! This is especially important during the holiday season, since there are so many parties happening around town.

#2 Music
Make sure you have some music playing. It doesn’t have to be loud or live music, but no one wants to have that awkward silence at their party. Having some background music will make your guests feel more comfortable and create a welcoming atmosphere.

#3 Enticing Food
It’s a great idea to have a variety of options for guests to choose from when it comes to the menu. Whether you’re having a more formal meal with entrees and sides or a variety of heavy Hors D’oeuvres and sweets – you want to account fora wide variety of palates. You might have someone there that likes to branch out and try unique items, but you might also have someone there that has the taste preferences of a 5-year-old! 

#4 Provide a Welcoming Atmosphere
This goes along with the music but having enough seating for everyone and just having an overall warm and welcoming atmosphere will go a long way when it comes to hosting a great party! Light a mild but delicious smelling candle and have plenty of lighting.

 

DON’T DO THIS:

#1 Stress Over Dietary Restrictions
Guests who have an allergy or preference will usually plan accordingly and eat a snack beforehand or ask what the menu might be before they arrive. You can really add a lot of stress to yourself if you start asking everyone to tell you their dietary preferences and restrictions.

#2 Procrastinate Getting Ready
Make sure you prioritize getting yourself ready so that you’re not scrambling to throw on makeup, party clothes and run a brush through your hair as guests are arriving. Follow your checklist and timeline as closely as possible to avoid added stress!

#3 Blow Your Budget
Start with the things that are most important to you when you think about what you want the party to look like, so you know what part of the budget is allocated for that and then add in the other things in order of importance. Your guests will appreciate a few niceties but won’t care if you used all glassware or monogrammed their napkins.

#4 Be Disappointed If Things Don’t Go as Planned
There’s no set formula for how a party will go and if something goes off-script, don’t stress about it! Usually, the guests don’t even know that it didn’t happen the way you planned it. Just enjoy the party and all the guests that you have there!

 

And for a truly stress-free experience, consider partnering with a local catering company like Happy Catering, so you can focus on the fun while they take care of the food!

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Cover Photo by Scott Warman