- party type/event/celebration
- venue and decor
- food and drinks (oven-to-table serving ware to maximise warmth and minimise clean-up)
- pre-relaxation
- post-relaxation
- activities (DIY cocktails, cake decorating, secret Santa, bonbons, tree decorating, karaoke)
- board games (taboo, scrabble, rummy cub)
- outdoor activities (pin the tail, finska)
- take photos throughout the party for memories!
- tips: make a list, pre-set the table so you know everything fits, have a place for activities away from the dining space, have enough hands on deck to run smoothly, stock up on nibbles and prepare food that makes for good leftovers just in case, offer coffee and tea)
- tips: for a buffet, centre the table so that four sides are available to avoid lines and blockages. arrange the food in an order that makes sense, group salads, meats, bread, sides and sauces together so that people see what they want immediately
- have music, but mood music that isn’t too loud, let conversation dominate – save the lyrics for after the meal
- if your guest list is too long, keep it open house and be available from 12-7, that way people can drop by when possible for them and you won’t be overwhelmed with too many people at a single time (keep the buffet fresh and avoid planned meals if you’re going to do it this way, or have people bring a dish of their own – potluck party)
- make it a fundraiser or an exchange for a good cause (charity or family-fund)
- make take-home gift bags as thank you – fill with a decoration (a personalised bauble) or baked goods
- make it themed – costume, competition (ugly sweater/apron)
- the people that come to your party are coming because of YOU and they enjoy YOU, so don’t be stressed and ensure you enjoy it and have fun too!
- casual party – email, Facebook or call; professional party – mail invitations and RSVP
- tip: streamline the bar. if your guest list is all adults, we know that after greetings we generally go straight to the bar. so make it accessible, easy to find, and streamline (same with the bathroom!)
- have enough glassware, but mix and match for a more homely, cozy feel perfect for the holiday season
- if there’s a lot of people, use fake candles. real flames means real disasters, so put safety before ambiance in this respect
- diversify your playlist (depending on the occasion) jazzy, bluesy, lyrical, seasonal, orchestral, poppy, rocky, whatever you and your guests like. maybe ask for a song request per person for everyone who RSVPs (esp if you’re doing karaoke)
- make sure the windows are open! fresh air = circulation in busy, hot, or crowded rooms, plus you’ll waft the smell of food around and be the talk of the neighbourhood
- encourage mingling, and ensure you invite people who are funny and charismatic. people remember people moreso than food and decor
- have a drink in hand when you’re inviting guests in. that way you appear relaxed, organised and ready to spread good vibes. it instantly puts people at ease because they know its immediately acceptable to do the same. also have music paying and something in the oven (even if it’s just warming)
- festive decor ideas
- vases
- low-lying plants
- branches
- baubles
- bonbons
- berries and nuts (cranberries, gum nuts)
- eucalyptus, wattle (watch out for allergies), grevillea or bottlebrush, banksia
- if you have carpet, avoid confetti and sprinkles. unless you’re throwing a kids birthday, this tends to just get messy and get in foot and on clothing
- set up a photobooth in the corner, with props and some fun backdrops
- if it’s sit-down, make fun place cards
- if the gathering is small, allow people to invite a +1, then you’re getting to know more people and celebrating with the more the merrier, and that one person has someone to talk to
- comfort is KEY
- have an instagram #hashtag so that your guests can all share their memories and photos online in one place. this is great for special occasions like work parties, engagement parties, weddings, birthdays, fundraisers, housewarmings and other events that you want to share and have organic memories of. no one will miss out on any action if everything is share! (only do this if you’re comfortable with the online world, obviously – also makes for good business marketing)
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