There are many factors which comprise a successful party – there’s the venue, but there’s also the guest list, décor, food and drinks, theme, entertainment, and so on. All these factors form pieces of a puzzle, so if you’re planning a party, you should make sure all the pieces fit right. It simply wouldn’t do to forget or neglect one aspect, as you won’t be able to form a cohesive whole. But planning a party can be a downright challenge, especially if you are dealing with an extensive or complex list of guests. And while some factors are important, there are those that are more important than most: and this includes the décor, the food, and the drinks. Here’s what you should think about when planning food, drink, décor, and more.
Planning your party’s food
Food is crucial at any party; this is already a given. Even if you are having a cocktail party and not a sit-down dinner, food is still important – you still need your canapés and hors-d’oeuvres. But there’s something about putting too much effort into the menu as well. For instance, try not to go for food that is too strange, unique, or spectacular. In most parties, it’s best to stick with tried and tested dishes and familiar food that your guests will appreciate. You are not hosting a ‘Bizarre Foods’ show, after all. Think of familiar party classics, but if you want to wow your guests, perhaps you can include an unusual or spectacular dish on the menu but keep it to just one or two. Some people make the error of getting too creative with the party food – don’t make this mistake. Focus instead on becoming creative with the other aspects of the party, such as the décor and entertainment.
But here’s one more piece of advice: guests can be hungry when they arrive at your party (and you don’t want hungry guests as they can quickly transform into irritable guests), so even if it’s a dinner party, it’s always good to provide a few pre-supper nibbles.
Planning your party’s drinks
Drinks are also critical, as any party planning expert such as the party planning Oxfordshire professionals from Oasis Events will tell you. They serve to break the ice and make people feel relaxed. If you have a theme for your party, why not go for a signature cocktail as well? But you should also make sure to have a good, flowing stock of bitters, cordials, tonic, soda, and cucumbers and lemons for mixed drinks.
Planning your party’s décor
Décor also plays a significant role, especially if it’s a big event. Centre-pieces are a standard, but you don’t have to limit these to the centres of tables – you can spread them around the venue as well. It’s also a good idea to take advantage of fillers, such as dried fruits, lights, votive candles, and so on. Pay particular attention to the lighting – you want your guests to be in the mood with great ambience. It’s best to go dim, but make sure your guests can still see their food. Good luck, and may your party be a resounding success!
Image attributed to Pixabay.com