Hostessing 101
This week we continue working through our plans for the perfect party!
As a reminder, the six essential questions to ask yourself:
What is the occasion?
Who is hosting?
What is the time and date of the event?
Where is the event taking place?
Who is on the guest list?
What is the budget?
This week we are on to question 2: Who is hosting?
Hosting a party can be a big undertaking, especially depending on the kind and size if party you'll be having. Do you want to tag-team with someone or go it solo? I always find it easier to host a party with someone. It's a cost savings if you can split the expenses, easier on you if you can delegate duties (especially the ones you don't like to do) and it gives you a break during the actual party so that you can enjoy it, also.
For the barbecue that we're going to have this summer I'll be co-hosting the event with my daughter. This works out perfectly for both of us - help for me in the kitchen before the event begins, but then I can leave her to enjoy the party with her friends once it gets underway.
Regardless of whether you go it alone or have help, HGTV has the following tips for hosting a party:
Rule #1: Be Prepared
Don't leave the last minute details until the very end. When I plan a party I like to work backward from the day of the event and put it all on a calendar or whiteboard. That way I can keep on track and am not trying to tackle something 5 minutes before the guests are due to arrive. This includes making sure the house is sparkling!
Rule #2: Keep it Simple
Any dinner party that involves finger food and appetizers is the way to go. When I held my daughter's graduation party it was all finger food and it was fabulous! Giving your guests a chance to walk around and mingle with each other always seems to be more fun than sitting around the diner table. Hopefully weather will cooperate and we'll be able to have the barbecue outside - I picture sliders and tons of apps to go along with them!
Rule #3: Get Guests Talking
Having a theme and incorporating music, decorations will get the action moving. Also be ready and willing to take advantage of any guest who offers their help. Someone wants to set out more plates and napkins? Right on! Someone wants to fill the ice buckets? Yes, please! Crowd participation is always the way to go!
Above all else, don't forget to have fun! It's a foregone conclusion that something along the way will go awry -- roll with the punches and keep a smile on your face. A glass of wine in hand couldn't hurt, either.
