While the traditional party times of Christmas and the New Year might be behind us, there’s still plenty of opportunity to entertain friends and family at home with a number of public holidays in the coming months.
Entertaining guests can be both exciting and stressful at the same time. Whether it’s a small gathering or a big party, it’s important to create a warm and welcoming environment for your guests to enjoy.
Perhaps you’re stressing over food, decorations, or even just cleaning the house before their arrival. But don’t worry, we’ve got you covered! Here are some entertaining tips for all occasions.
Plan ahead
Start planning your party well in advance. Make a checklist of everything you need to do, including setting a date and time, inviting your guests, deciding on a menu, choosing decorations, and preparing your home. This will help you stay organised and reduce stress on the day of the party.
Preparing your home
Ensure your home is well-prepared before your guests arrive so that you’re not racing against time to straighten up at the last minute. Clean your space, making sure it’s spotless. Set up the party space as per the number of guests coming over to make sure that everyone has enough room to move around. Also, ensure that there is a separate space allocated for coats and bags. Arrange some extra seating, tables, and chairs to ensure everyone has a place to sit comfortably.
Create a welcoming atmosphere
When your guests arrive, make sure they feel welcome and comfortable. Set out appetisers and drinks, and decorate with flowers, candles, and other decorative touches. If you’re hosting a dinner party, set the table and make sure everything is clean and tidy.
Serve a variety of food and drinks
Offering a range of food and drinks will ensure that everyone has something they like. Consider serving a mix of appetisers and entrees, and have a variety of alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Don’t forget to provide plenty of water and other non-alcoholic options as well.
Serve easy-to-eat finger foods
When it comes to food, serving easy-to-eat finger foods is always a crowd-pleaser. This type of food allows guests to mingle and eat at the same time. Serving appetisers such as sliders, bite-sized desserts, and cheese and crackers are always popular choices. If you want to avoid a large mess, opt for foods that don’t require utensils.
Designate a separate area for drinks
One area that can quickly become cluttered during a party is the area where guests can get their drinks. To avoid this, designate a separate area for drinks. This could be a bar cart, a table, or even a small bar area in the corner of the living room. Having a separate area for drinks will not only help keep things organised, but it also allows guests to feel independent and take care of themselves.
Encourage conversation
One of the best parts of a party is the opportunity to socialise with friends and family. Encourage conversation by setting up comfortable seating areas and playing music that isn’t too loud. You might even consider setting up a game or an activity to get people talking and having fun.
Create a playlist
Music is a crucial component of any event. Prepare a playlist ahead of time to set the mood and create a fun atmosphere. Keep in mind the occasion and the guests you’ll be entertaining. Make sure the volume is loud enough for guests to listen to, but not overpowering. You want your guests to be able to enjoy one another’s company, not just their ears.
Have fun
Finally, remember that hosting a party should be enjoyable for you as well as your guests. Don’t stress too much about everything being perfect. If something goes wrong, it’s okay – just laugh it off and enjoy the moment.
Clean up like a pro
Cleaning up is never a fun part of hosting a party, but it’s essential to make sure that your area is spotless after your guests have left. While your guests are having a great time, start to prepare for the clean-up process. Keep some extra garbage bags ready in case you need to change them during the party, and stock up on some cleaning supplies. Don’t forget to focus on the details while cleaning up, like taking out the rubbish, and wiping down surfaces.
Entertaining can be stressful, but it is also a great opportunity to spend quality time with your friends and family. By using these tips, hosting a successful event won’t be a problem for you and you’ll be impressing people in no time. Remember to plan ahead, serve easy-to-eat foods, set the mood with music, designate a separate drink station, and don’t forget about the small touches that give a party that wow factor.
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