A successful party requires extensive planning, creativity and an enthusiastic host. However, even the most detailed plan can result in a dull affair if not implemented correctly. To ensure your party does not become a bore, from choosing the right music to providing drinks and snacks, here are some tips on how to make sure your guests have a great time.
Plan Activities to Keep Your Guests Engaged
It’s important to prepare activities to keep your guests both entertained and engaged. Start by thinking about what type of party it is, and whom you’re inviting. If it’s a children’s birthday party, consider games such as ‘pin the tail on the donkey’ or ‘musical chairs’, while card and board games could be fun for adult parties. If you’re inviting a mix of ages, consider activities that can be enjoyed by both young and old alike. For example, karaoke or a treasure hunt.
You can also plan activities that involve the whole group. Charades, trivia, and scavenger hunts are all great options. If you’re hosting an outdoor party, consider setting up a volleyball or badminton net, or a game of horseshoes. If you’re hosting a dinner party, you can plan a game of ‘name that tune’ or ‘guess the movie’. No matter what type of party you’re hosting, there are plenty of activities to keep your guests engaged and having fun.
Choose the Right Music for Your Party
The right music sets the tone for your party, so choose carefully. Consider the type of party you’re throwing and the age range of your guests. For a mixed crowd, a playlist of upbeat pop, rock and jazz tunes is usually a safe bet. If you’re having a kids’ party, opt for age-appropriate songs so as not to cause offense. If you’re having a themed party or would prefer a certain genre, stick to it. Whatever music you choose, make sure it’s loud enough that everyone can enjoy it but not too loud as to drown out conversations.
Consider Utilizing Fun Props or Decorations
Visual props and decorations give your party a bit of life and create a focal point that your guests can interact with. For example, if you’re hosting a ‘70s themed party, you could use stand-up photo boards of classic movie stars or TV show characters to encourage dressing up. Balloons, streamers, banners and hats are all touches that add a sense of frivolity and fun to your party.
Incorporate Games and Contests
Incorporating games and contests into your party is an easy way to keep everyone entertained – young or old. Try having guests complete funny tasks like lip-synching competitions or rounds of charades. If you have an outdoor space, set up mini carnival games like bean bag toss or hoop shoot for some added fun. Simple contests like best-dressed or guessing games will also make sure that your guests stay engaged.
Provide Drinks and Snacks to Keep Guests Entertained
Food and drinks keep your guests happy, hydrated, and their energy levels up. Make sure to provide something for everyone’s taste. If you’re going the buffet-style route, have a mix of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options. Serve drinks like soda or juice for the kids and beer or wine for adults. Keep macaroni and cheese bites on hand for late-night munchies.
Keep Conversation Going with Interesting Topics of Discussion
Keeping conversations interesting throughout the night can be tricky, especially at large parties. Prepare a few topics of discussion beforehand so guests don’t run out of ideas. Think about relevant news stories, current events or fun conversations starters like sharing personal trivia or funny stories.
Hire a Professional DJ or Entertainer
If you want to take your party up a notch, consider hiring a professional DJ or entertainer. A DJ will bring more flair to your event by keeping the music playing and mixing different tracks throughout the night. He or she may also be able to run fun games with the music and bring specific requests from guests. Depending on the budget, you could also bring in an entertainer like a magician or singer.
Be Open to Last-Minute Changes and Ideas
Whether it’s someone suggesting a new game or a last-minute surprise guest arriving, remain open to spontaneous changes to your plan. Planning is great but if you don’t give yourself room to adjust on the day of your party, you risk it becoming overly structured and predictable. An open mind can create new opportunities for fun activities.
Don’t Overplan – Leave Some Room For Spontaneity
While preparing activities and decorations is obviously important when hosting a successful party, it’s equally important to leave some room for spontaneity. This doesn’t mean leaving everything up to chance; rather it means allowing your guests to make some suggestions and be part of the party planning process. Your guests will appreciate having some input – they will feel connected to the outcome of the event.
Creating an amazing party isn’t always easy. The key to success is careful planning and being able to adjust on the fly. You should come into the event with an open mind and be prepared for surprises, both good and bad. Also remember that having the proper ingredients – music, props, activities and food – is essential for making sure no one gets bored.
