Few things are more stressful than hosting a party. Figuring out what food to serve, who to invite, and who to leave off the guest list can be overwhelming.
There are some occasions on which it is easier to host a party than others. It is easy to find decorations for major holidays and birthdays—but not so easy for occasions that are just special to you and your tribe.
According to Eva Marie Berry, simplicity is the key to hosting a great party. The food and decor should be a bit out of the ordinary but easy to prepare. Activities, if there are any, should be easy and inclusive.
Send Invitations Through the Internet
You might see invitations in a card shop or a grocery store, think they are pretty, and decide to use them for your next party. This is seldom a good idea. You will have to handwrite those invitations, and if you mess up on one, you may end up having to go back to the store for another box. Plus, invitations get lost in the mail all the time, and that can lead to hurt feelings and even anger.
Prioritize Your Cleaning
Getting the house clean before a party can be stressful. You might spend a full day or two cleaning just to make sure everything is spotless for your guests, even though most of them won’t even notice.
You want to focus your cleaning on things people will actually look at. Scrub your kitchen down and clean the bathroom thoroughly. Vacuum the living room and make the bed that people will put their coats on. No one will notice or care if you polish the candlestick holders or dust your sconces.
Make the Perfect Party Food
Sit-down dinners require a lot of preparation, and they can be awkward. One person may dominate the conversation or you may have several side conversations going on at one time.
Hors d’oeuvres make great party food. Instead of using tons of pots and pans, you can simply put out a few trays. You can buy pre-made hors d’oeuvres at the grocery store or a deli. This will allow you to have a wide variety of food.
If you have guests who are vegetarians or stick to a gluten-free diet, hors d’oeuvres are the perfect option because you will not have to prepare a separate meal. Remember to buy enough food for everyone. It is better to have too much than too little.
Choose Guests Carefully
Not everyone you know will get along with everyone else that you know. It is a good idea to consider how well people will get along when you’re planning your guest list. Parties are more fun when they consist of a small group of people who have something in common.
If you can keep everything simple, you and all your guests can relax and have fun—and you will have a remarkable party.
