Throwing a party in your home

[Anonymous]

So many great tips here and one of the themes is it really does go better if you think ahead about things like: where will people sit, if someone was sitting here where would they put their drink? Where will I put the drinks, where will I put the appetizers, how will I clean up quickly between transitions? Where will people put their coats and bags? If you think of these things ahead of time, it is much easier in the moment. And the more you prep, the more you can enjoy your party and people really like that. When the host is running around it makes people stressed out. So plan things that you can have prepped as much as possible. And think about flow - how you want people to flow between rooms etc. You can control this a little bit (not always) by where you put drinks and food. And remember that folks will always want to congregate in the kitchen if you're inside so just factor that in.

[Anonymous]

My #1 party planning tip is to have everything done in advance. Nothing worse than throwing or arriving at a party when the host is scrambling. The best parties are not the fancy ones (although those can be great) but the ones where everyone can just relax and enjoy being together.

So, don't feel like you need to go all out, but aim for something achievable and enjoyable.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:So many great tips here and one of the themes is it really does go better if you think ahead about things like: where will people sit, if someone was sitting here where would they put their drink? Where will I put the drinks, where will I put the appetizers, how will I clean up quickly between transitions? Where will people put their coats and bags? If you think of these things ahead of time, it is much easier in the moment. And the more you prep, the more you can enjoy your party and people really like that. When the host is running around it makes people stressed out. So plan things that you can have prepped as much as possible. And think about flow - how you want people to flow between rooms etc. You can control this a little bit (not always) by where you put drinks and food. And remember that folks will always want to congregate in the kitchen if you're inside so just factor that in.

But I also agree that most people are just so grateful! and I actually find that while it helps to be prepared, not having things perfect actually makes folks feel comfortable. Your house doesn't have to be PERFECT, but good to have it a little picked up for example. Obviously this depends on your crowd but generally, I find people prefer a relaxed party so the more that you are relaxed, that everything isn't "perfect" but more, make yourself at home. The better.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:My #1 party planning tip is to have everything done in advance. Nothing worse than throwing or arriving at a party when the host is scrambling. The best parties are not the fancy ones (although those can be great) but the ones where everyone can just relax and enjoy being together.

So, don't feel like you need to go all out, but aim for something achievable and enjoyable.

+1

[Anonymous]

Definitely clean bathroom, drinks and especially water easily accessible and enough food and drink.

I don't really notice the lighting at parties because it really depends on your home. But the biggest issue I've seen is not having enough food and beverages.

[Anonymous]

I'll never have another party without having my house cleaner there during and after. I'm a neat freak and this way the floors get cleaned. She also helps with refilling food, managing plates and cups, etc. Usually by the time the last guest leaves, 90% of the dishes and glasses are already clean. I can then clean up the rest of the food while she goes and cleans bathrooms and vacs/mops the floors. An hour later the place is sparkling, and I actually enjoyed the party since she is handling the refills, etc.

[Anonymous]

Clean bathroom, lots of toilet paper and guest towels, alcohol (not just beer) and some food.

[Anonymous]

people always comment they love that I have different little nooks set up for multiple small groups. I have different seating areas around the backyard, all with some sort of table for drinks. We've got a few seating arrangements around the house that would allow 3-5 people to comfortably gather, but still feel part of the big party. I have an open floor plan home.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Definitely clean bathroom, drinks and especially water easily accessible and enough food and drink.

I don't really notice the lighting at parties because it really depends on your home. But the biggest issue I've seen is not having enough food and beverages.

Reminds me of a baby shower I attended for a family member… two hours away from home… the only food was crackers and some packaged cookies. This was during lunch hour…. We were hungry after driving all that way and then had to find a restaurant afterwards (which also was hard to find!) it was a painful event. I’m used to hosts going overboard with the food!