‘Tis the season for lots of parties! Whether it’s with friends, family, or co-workers there’s a lot to celebrate in the coming weeks. Here are some tips if you find yourself hosting any parties this holiday season.
Communicate
Make sure you’re clear on the Who, What, When, Where, Why and How! No one likes ambiguity when it comes to a party, unless it’s a surprise party and they’re the guest of honor. Make sure your guests know who is invited. Is it just them, or can they bring a plus one? What are they coming for, and do they have to bring anything? When should they arrive? Better yet, when should they leave? Setting an end-time is a great way to wind down activities and make sure no one overstays their welcome. Where is the party and are there any special instructions on getting there? For everything you tell your guests give them the why and how. Leaving out details can lead to confusion.
Stick to the Plan
Once a plan is solidified, stick to it! If you have to change details of the party do it as early as possible and communicate it thoroughly. I would recommend reaching out to each guest to ensure they know of the change. Keep in mind, if you invite someone to an event they’ve now scheduled their time around you. A last minute change or cancellation can throw a wrench in your guests’ day. Be respectful of their time.
Plan Accordingly
If the party starts at 6:00PM, don’t head to the grocery store to pick up food/drinks at 5:00PM. Plan ahead and make sure your venue is clean and ready well before the start time. All food and drinks should be planned out as well. There should always be something available. If you’re having a larger meal, some light snacks are good. If not, continuous food is a good idea. Don’t put everything out at once. Make sure it comes in waves so it’s always fresh. Also, know how long it takes to prep and cook a dish. If you’re guests are arriving at 6:00PM and expecting to eat around 7:00PM, you’re going to have a problem if you start cooking a turkey at 5:00PM.
Consider Diets and Preferences
All parties should have some form of refreshment. Always make sure your guests have water at a minimum! Any other drinks are your discretion. Did you invite someone with lactose intolerance or a vegan diet to the party? You better have more than just pizza to eat. Also, make sure you have enough cups, plates, bowls, cutlery and napkins as appropriate.
Stay Engaged
Make sure to greet your guests when they come and go. Also ensure everyone is having a good time. Don’t seclude yourself or only talk to a few people.
There’s a lot more to consider when hosting a party, but I highlighted these because I’ve been to parties where the host made some of these offenses. Can you think of anything else? Put it in the comments below!