Party Tips

Having a holiday party, birthday party, going away party, anniversary party or New Years party celebration? Here are a few party tips and party ideas to help make your party a smashing success!

Party Planning

Plan ahead, its attention to detail that makes the difference. Allow plenty of time to prepare for your party, make a list and shop smart. Things are hectic when party-time approaches so stay organized.

Party Hors D'oeuvres

Choose your finger snacks carefully. Choose foods that complement each other. Try setting a theme for the food in each room or on each table. Allow 4 to 6 hot hors d'oeurves per person. Don't serve gooey, drippy sauces near expensive rugs or furniture. Keep some carpet cleaner on hand, just in case.

Party Invitation Ideas

Written invites are a great idea. Try to make them fun and different. Use your personality but don't forget the basics like: hours. Tell your guests when the party starts and when it will end. Specify the hour in advance to avoid confusion. Let your guests know what kind of attire is appropriate. If you’re anticipating a semi-formal gathering let them know.

Alcohol

If your guests are expected to bring their own drinks, let them know in the invitation. If you’re serving alcohol don't forget the ice. You can never have too much ice at a party. Use quality ice for the best tasting mixed drinks. Add fresh fruit to your shopping list. Limes, lemons and oranges should be sliced in advance. Consider making two punch bowls; one with booze and one without for your no drinking guests. Remember, you are responsible for the safety of your guests so do not encourage excessive drinking.

Smoking

If your party is being held in a non-smoking household try to make accommodations for smokers. A room with a fan blowing out is a nice thought. If you do not have a place for smokers let them know in advance that the party is held in a non-smoking household.

Guest Books

Providing a guest book can be much fun and help make the party memorable. Don't be afraid to put out a guest book and invite your partiers to sign-in as they arrive.

Party Atmosphere

Create a festive party atmosphere with decorations, scents and music. Use scented candles or simmer a pot of water with cinnamon and citrus fruit to fill the house with a delightful aroma. Choose your favourite music and have it playing softly in the background when guests arrive. Consider unplugging or removing your television if it's located in the party area. Nothing spoils the interaction of guests quicker than a group of people huddled around a television set. Kill your TV! (At least for the party).

Party Lighting

Creative lighting will contribute much to the atmosphere. Try replacing some bulbs with coloured lamps or low wattage bulbs. Strobe lights and black lamps can add to the fun.

Party Music

Music is an important element of most parties. If pre-recorded music is to be used, consider the musical preferences of your guests. Have a variety of music available. Put your depressing music selections away, keep the music upbeat and "mass appeal" for best results. Music helps set mood, so use with discretion.

Party Parking

Try to make provisions for parking in advance. If you will be allowing guests to park on the lawn, let them know in your invitation. Ask your neighbours about parking options or warn them that guests will be parking on the street

Seating

Consider removing all the chairs from the party area. This will create more room for people to mingle.

Party Extras

A scented candle in the bathroom is a nice touch. Leave an extra roll of toilet tissue in easy view.

Accidents and Spills

Accidents are part of life. Don't let an accident or spill ruin the party. Have some spot remover on hand just in case. You may want to remove extremely valuable items and/or furnishings. Move that rare Persian carpet to a safe place until the party is over.

Party Gifts

It's always a good idea to bring a small gift to a party even if the host or hostess instructs you not to in the invitation. Bring along a bottle of wine, some flowers, or chocolates to show your appreciation. 

Coffee & Party Snacks

You can never have too much food at a party. Be sure to have plenty of hot coffee and snacks on hand for late in the evening.

Now that the work is done, relax! Let your guests enjoy themselves. With the proper ingredients in place everyone should have a great time. With good food, good cheer and good friends you can't miss! Party hearty and have fun. Make room for guests who have had too much to eat or drink. Don't let a guest who drinks drive, it could save a life and it could save YOU from a lawsuit. As the host, you are responsible for the safety of your guests.

Party Jokes

If you (or one of your guests) are skilled at joke telling, try some tasteful jokes and invite your guests to participate. This exercise can often "break the ice" and get your guests sharing jokes and humorous stories.

The Law

Sometimes even the quietest of parties will precipitate a visit from the local police. If they arrive be courteous. They may have been called to your party by an irate or concerned neighbour (who may not have been invited!). Try to answer the concerns of the police officer outside your front door. Stay calm and respond to reasonable requests ("keep the noise down, move vehicles that may be blocking the roadway, etc.") If you are intoxicated, don't attempt to negotiate with the police, send your spouse or trusted friend to the door, an intoxicated host gives the police a valid reason for concern (and possibly further action). Lesson number 1 never get out of control, especially at your own party!