I actually love hosting parties. For me, nothing is more important as making sure everyone has a good time. That’s the goal of a party, right? So that should be your number one goal. But we all know that isn’t always easy. So let’s see if we can up with a little method of making sure that your party is the one that everyone will be talking about in the new year.
So what makes a good party? I believe it’s the people. You should find out as much as you can about your guests. If they’re your friends, it should be easy. What foods, wine, smells, other people, music and locations can you combine to make the ultimate gathering.
1. Food
Make sure the food that you serve is paired correctly with the wine. I see so many people that fail at this. There’s so much information out there that you can tap into if you put some time into it. Here is a great source
The food should be a nice variety of things that are relatively easy to eat in a mingling situation. Also, consider taking into consideration any specific dietary needs of your guests. This would include vegetarians and people with allergies.
Things that usually work great are small plates such as cheese, fruit, and charcuterie. Small sandwiches and wraps are also easy. Anyone else hungry right now?
Think about getting some chafers if you plan on having hot food that needs to STAY hot on your buffet or table. You could even invest a few commercial style chafers if you see yourself doing a lot of parties or events. Otherwise, the oven works great for small batches. Here is a good source.
2. Wine
You can really go overboard pretty easily in this category, so really think about what you need. Some people choose a theme (Reds, Merlots, etc). I personally like to mix it up and going with white, rose, sweet, sparkling, and obviously a good red. Red wine is great, but it isn’t the only thing out there. Here is a nice fall list to get you going.
You don’t want to come off as boring. People like trying new things. When buying wine, think about how many people you need to buy for, how much they’ll want to drink, and how long your party will last.
One aspect that people tend to overlook is the accessories. Make sure you have the right tools. This means having decanters, wine aerators, and measured pourers. AmeriPour is an excellent resource for this. The products are constructed of quality materials and made 100% in the USA. You can count on them to enhance the flavor of your wine with their wine aerator and pour the exact amount of alcohol with their measured liquor pourers. You’ll look like a pro!
3. Scents
Growing up, I remember Christmas by the smell of cardamom bread baking in the oven. Other times when my parents entertained, there was always a fresh pot of coffee brewing. Our brains heavily associate memories thanks to our body’s olfactory system or sense of smell.
There’s nothing better to get a great party rolling then good ambiance. Flowers can make a nice addition to the entryway as your guests enter. They smell great and can be very pleasing to the eye as well. Whether you are just having the girls over for wine night or you are hosting a work event, flowers are a great addition.
Other ways to incorporate scents into your party is by having a barbecue outside or perhaps baking some fresh bread right before your guests start showing up.
4. Music
Once you have the wine taken care of, the next thing up is preparing to get down. Because where there’s booze, there’s music.
Do you have a friend that is an aspiring musician? Maybe he/she would like to get some more exposure by performing a set at your party. Have an idea in your head beforehand if you are going to need speakers or not. Pianos music is just fine on its own.
The type of music you choose highly depends on the tastes of your guests. Remember, it’s not just about what you like, but about what your guests like. Make sure you choose something that’s enjoyable to all.
5. Time
What time are you planning on entertaining? I like to start a get together around 5 pm and end around 10 pm. Obviously, the best days are Friday and Saturday.
If you’re planning a holiday party, remember to give people enough time to plan. You don’t want to throw a great party on a whim and have nobody show up because they already have plans.
6. Location
Not all locations are created equal. Should you go small or large? Inside or out? Every location has its advantages and disadvantages. The best way to choose is to look back at the categories we just discussed and tailor something around your choices. Small locations are great for wine tastings. It creates an intimate atmosphere where people can focus on the intricacies of the wine without too many distractions. A hobby farm is an excellent example of a small location that would be perfect for a wine tasting.
Consider renting out a hall or activity center from your city or township if you are planning a larger event. This way, you'll know if you need any permits or extra insurance since they deal with that type of thing all the time. It’s like one-stop shopping.
When you’re the host, make sure you give them the most. Nobody likes a boring party. The key is focusing on the details and executing. If you don’t necessarily succeed on your first time, learn from your mistakes and get better for the next time. They’ll be calling you ‘Gatsby’ in no time.
Cheers!
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