As the Christmas season comes into full swing, it is inevitable that you will host a house party or two during the month. It may be a large gathering including extended family, or a small get-together with your closest friends. The size of the crowd does not matter so much as how you plan and organize it. Here are some tips on how to be a great host and party planner in order to have a successful event.
Food And Drink
First thing you’ll want to have ironed out is the menu for the occasion. If you are unsure about your guests’ dietary preferences you could always ask them. It’s important to know if they have allergies to specific foods or if they are vegan or vegetarian and such. You want your guests to eat well and enjoy the dining experience.
When it comes to drinks it's important to have choices for your guests. Some may prefer alcohol while others may not. It’s best to have a small but well-curated selection for them to choose from. Regardless of what drink they choose, you should serve drinks as the guests arrive. This will help them settle and get comfortable. If you are going to serve cocktails or wine, make sure it pairs well with the food you are going to serve so everything is cohesive. It’s also best to get most of the cooking out of the way before the guests arrive so you never leave them for too long. The food should also be served shortly after the guestlist is complete. You don’t want to keep your guests hungry for long. If however the wait time is a little longer than you hoped, it's best to prepare some small nibbles that the guests can snack on while waiting.
Set The Scene
After you’ve figured out your menu for the occasion you can now move on to setting the scene. Of course, you’ll want a clean and organized home for your party. However, you can also add some decorations if necessary to the event. Small home decors here and there can make a big difference to the ambiance of the room. You’ll also want to pick out some music or a playlist that is appropriate for the occasion. There’s nothing worse than awkward complete silence.
Also, think about the scent as they walk in. If you’ve been cooking all day, sometimes the scent of certain foods will linger. Maybe spray some neutral-scented air freshener an hour or so before the guests arrive, or maybe even light up some candles in the receiving area as well as the living room. The scent also plays into the overall ambiance of the room.
Lastly, think about temperature. You don’t want your guests to feel warm and sweaty especially if drinking and maybe a little dancing is involved. Keep your guests comfortable by making sure the air conditioner is at the right temperature or ensuring that there are fans ready (especially if you are indoors) to be used if it starts to get a little warm after the food and drinks. Your guests have made the effort to dress well for the occasion, you do not want them to feel uncomfortable due to the heat.
Details
Great hosting is all in the details. If you know your guests very well, then you can cater these smaller details to them. Whether it's someone's favorite dessert that you’ve decided to whip up, or maybe a framed photo of you and your invited friends on display somewhere in the living room. The little things do matter. If children are involved then you could put out some activities or games for them to also feel comfortable and entertained during the occasion.
Details can also be seen in the way you set your table. From the glassware and the choice of placemats. Guests will surely appreciate and are more likely to enjoy their food if the table setting looks great. Even a small change of using themed or patterned paper napkins instead of just plain white ones will have an impact on the overall look of the table.
Lastly, let guests know where things are and make it simple for them. If you have a no-shoes policy as is common in Asian households, show them where they can keep their shoes and offer them indoor slippers. Show them where they may place their bag or jacket, preferably somewhere that is easy to access for them. If you have a drinks cart by the living room, make sure to inform them that they can help themselves to whatever they would like. Stock it well and make sure there are choices.
It’s also important to point out where the bathroom is so they don’t feel shy to ask later. Of course, you should make sure that the guest bathroom is clean and well-stocked. You may also place a candle or air freshener in there for good measure. Refill your soap dispenser and make sure there’s enough tissue and other types of toiletries you see fit.
Good hospitality starts at home and the Christmas season is the perfect time to practice your hosting skills. Don’t worry, it’s not about being perfect. A great host thinks ahead and of course, keeps the guests in mind when planning. The more prepared you are, the less stressed you’ll be on the day of the occasion. You too should be able to sit back and enjoy the company of your friends and family and take in the ambience you’ve curated!
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