Top 10 Tips for Planning a Party

May 26th, 2011 by savvyclub

Dear friends of The SaVVy Club©
Whether you are a seasoned party thrower or a complete novice, the tips below could help your party go with a swing.

The guests come first
The guests you are inviting should be first and foremost in your mind when planning your party. A gathering of close friends calls for an informal affair; for distant relations or colleagues a more formal approach should be adopted, and there are fine grades in between.

Give some thought as to how well people will get on, and remember that some guests may have special dietary requirements. Don’t be afraid to ask about these when inviting.

Preparation
Make sure you do your shopping in advance so there is no last-minute panic. Prepare everything before your guests arrive so you can relax and spend more time with them.

Think simple
Go for dishes that you have served before and that you know are well received. Plan courses that complement each other – balance and simplicity is the key. This is not the time to have a go at some marvellous new creation you have seen done on TV!

Don’t go over the top
Elton John is well known for his extravagant parties – you do not need to emulate him! It is much better for your guests – and your pocket – if you keep things simple and comfortable. The idea is that they have come to enjoy your company, not to be stunned by your Nigella-like prowess.

Select the right tone
A candle-lit dining room will create an intimate atmosphere for close friends – wining and dining your boss the same way won’t be quite so appropriate. Give some thought to things your visitors will notice – garnish, centre pieces, music etc.

Music
The marriage of music and occasion should be a reciprocal one – so if you must have it at all, keep the volume down! No one likes to have to shout at their neighbour to be heard.

Wine
Unless you have your personal sommelier, this can be a tricky one. Research your wines to ensure they are going to complement your dishes. Ask your local wine merchant if you are unsure, perhaps when hiring glasses. Remember the soft drinks too – often these can prove more popular than alcohol, especially on a warm day, and there are some pleasingly unusual offerings available in the better supermarkets.

Dress to impress
Without being too directive, your invitations should give some guidance as to what the dress code is to be. It is as embarrassing to come overdressed as it is to look over-casual.

Make sure you do have guests
Even if you state RSVP by a certain date, it doesn’t mean that everyone will reply. Invitees are increasingly lazy about this particular part of etiquette. If you haven’t heard from them by the specified day, a quick phone call or email could save a lot of embarrassment later. Give them clear guidelines when to arrive – and leave. There are certain ‘free spirits’ who will fail to appear, then drop in on you (perhaps from another party) just as everyone else is leaving – and then stay till your own ‘free spirits’ are exhausted.

Be a gracious host
Be swan like – no matter how frantically your legs are kicking below the surface, always remain graceful and elegant. If you are stressed your guests will pick up on it. It helps greatly if you can manage to enjoy the occasion yourself!