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Every once in awhile, it’s good to throw a party of some sort. Especially in the summer. It’s good for the soul (and social status). There’s just something special about playing hostess, feeding the five-thousand, soaking up the revelry, eating food that’s worthy of an applause, drinking whatever you can get your hands on and enjoy your little slice of the great outdoors.
The problem is: throwing a part very rarely goes to plan. It doesn’t matter if it’s a small dinner party, your kid’s 10th birthday or just a big-old-party for the sake of having a big-old-party. That’s why we’ve gone and made a list of things that will help you smash your next chance to play hostess with the “mostess.”
Take A Deep Breath
Let’s get one thing straight: you’re throwing a party, not designing a space rocket. Parties are meant to be fun, even the planning part. The trick is to take a deep breath and nail your planning. That could mean delegating almost everything to a bunch of awesome event planners or it might just mean making a list of everything you need to buy and do. Whatever the case, no one will break out in a disease if the party doesn’t kick off exactly on time.
Don’t Overcomplicate Things
For some unknown reason, we humans love to overcomplicate things even though there’s no need. Take the drink-making party of a party. Yes, a couple of cocktails would go down an absolute treat, but you don’t need to go and make The Commonwealth (it has 72 ingredients). You just need to make a bowl of punch, have an alcoholic option and make sure there’s loads of water available. That’s it.
Stick To What’s Easy
If you are incredible at making raspberry and cheese souffle then, by all means, whip this saucy little number out of the bag. If, however, you’ve never attempted one before (or attempted it lots of times but never got it right), now is not the time. Instead, stick to making things you know you are great at (or even just good at). It will save you one giant headache.
Accept All The Help
When you invite people, you will get a few that offer to help you out in some way or another. Don’t refuse this kind offer. Ever. There is a reason they have offered, and it’s not just because they feel obliged. Nope. it’s because they like hanging out with you, they’re good in the kitchen, they know how stressful organizing a party can be or are just darn good friends. So take them up on their offer and give them something to do.
Unexpected Guests Will Arrive
Once again, it doesn’t matter if you’re throwing a dinner party or a massive garden bash, you can guarantee one or two (or more) unexpected guests will show up. It’s always the way. It could be a friend has their nephews staying over, or your brother from out of turn surprises you or any number of things. The point is: cater for these unannounced arrivals because the worst thing that will happen is you have a few more leftovers, which is way better than being short on food and drink.
