I enjoy having folks around to my house for dinner.
We've gone through periods and seasons in our lives where we've held parties almost non-stop, as well as periods and seasons where our get-togethers were considerably more limited.
1. Decide on the type of party you want to have
Having a guiding concept will make all of your subsequent decisions simple and straightforward. Are you throwing a themed dinner party or a big bash with all of your friends? If so, what are you planning? Do you want something small and intimate or something big and memorable that everyone will remember?
2. Simply invite friends and family over
It's possible that your home isn't flawless. It's possible that you won't have enough chairs for everyone. Your bathroom may be aesthetically displeasing or monotonous, or it may include a toilet that must be jiggled in order to function properly. I guarantee you that 99 percent of people appreciate being invited to anything with people they like, and they don't care how your house looks or if they have to sit in a kitchen chair or on the floor (and if they do care, why wants to invite them over in the first place?
3. Food
Food is something that almost everyone enjoys. No matter what kind of celebration you're throwing (unless it's a hunger strike, of course), make sure to include some food. Even if it's only a bag of chips in a bowl, anything is better than nothing. Alternatively, in a bag. Chips in a bag are one of my favorite snacks.
4. Make use of paper-based products
It makes me cringe, and Pinterest users everywhere are undoubtedly gasping in horror as well, but what if everything is cleaned up and put away in less than 5 minutes after the last visitor has left? I'm glad that we made the decision to throw a party. In addition, there are numerous attractive paper items available.
5. A Couple of Minor Points
When you're hosting a party at your house, small details can make a big difference. A few cute paper straws, a bouquet of flowers, or a few balloons can go a long way and are relatively inexpensive (hello, Kroger's clearance floral), plus they give the impression that you put forth some effort to be a gracious party host.
6. Enlist the assistance of others when you are hosting a party
If individuals offer to bring a side dish or to appear with a large stack of paper plates, accept their offer without hesitation. It's possible that you feel like you're failing. When you have three minutes till your guests arrive, you'll be grateful for the extra time you have to vacuum rather than hastily chopping tomatoes for a salad. And people enjoy the feeling of being useful.
7. Once everyone has arrived, just sit back and enjoy the party
This is, in my opinion, the most important rule for being a successful party host. Never apologies for the lack of decorations, or say that you MEANT to have three desserts but only had time for two, or point out that your floor could have used a good sweeping or five, or anything else like that. No one likes to feel as if a party, meal, or function is causing them tension and anxiety. Make guests feel welcome and as if you are delighted to have them there.
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