Top Tips to Throw a Grown Up Party
If you're struggling to escape the naff clichés of home parties, here are some top tips to inspire your party planning and take your celebration into a brand new realm.
1. Look online for inspiration
Those gorgeous, sumptuous party pics lusted over on Pinterest may not be as out of reach as you expect. A quick Google search will display reams of images of beautiful and inspiring ideas which are set to transform your tired party space into something new, fresh and elegant. Very often, these little touches can cost next to nothing but make a real impact on the space.
2. Don't be afraid to DIY
Party planning poses a great opportunity to get really creative and try your hand at making your own accessories. You don't have to be the next Kirstie Allsopp or Nigella Lawson to turn out some truly spectacular trappings, so don't feel intimidated. Take it slowly – start with perhaps upcycling some simple jam jars with pretty lace, rustic string or glass paints to create pretty tea light holders and make sure you allow yourself plenty of time.
3. Keep it personal
The best parties are designed to celebrate the guest of honour in every way. No matter what the occasion, incorporating little personal touches will keep the party feeling sweet and thoughtful. From funny baby photos to personal messages and their favourite food and drink, there is a multitude of ways to keep a party really close to the heart of the person at the centre of all the attention.
4. Allow your guests to take charge
You don't have to plan every second and millimetre of the event. Unless this is a children's party, it's acceptable for a host to allow the guests to take their initiative sometimes. For instance, creating zones within the party such as a bar area with ingredients and recipes for cocktails, will result in far less stress and fuss than taking over the bartending duties throughout the whole event and will also create a talking point for the guests and an excuse to mingle. Some special guests may also be invaluable for helping out ahead of the party and afterwards, bringing dishes of food perhaps or offering to help clear up and, far from finding it a chore, many people be pleased to be involved in the organisation.
5. Cater to all tastes
It's impossible to please all people, but it's a good idea to cater to your guests as much as possible. Dedicate different areas for music and dancing, as well as quieter zones for guests who prefer to sit and relax. Remember to incorporate some vegetarian friendly options into your catering and soft drinks behind the bar for the drivers and non-drinkers.
These top tips will help to create an elegant party environment that will long be remembered fondly by guests and hosts alike. The party will be a million miles away from the flat pop and sausages on sticks that home parties can often be associated with and, instead, will set the precedent for a truly lovely grown up party.
Gerry Connolly and Louise Boyer are the founders of the personalised party décor supplier, www.HelloParty.com
1. Look online for inspiration
Those gorgeous, sumptuous party pics lusted over on Pinterest may not be as out of reach as you expect. A quick Google search will display reams of images of beautiful and inspiring ideas which are set to transform your tired party space into something new, fresh and elegant. Very often, these little touches can cost next to nothing but make a real impact on the space.
2. Don't be afraid to DIY
Party planning poses a great opportunity to get really creative and try your hand at making your own accessories. You don't have to be the next Kirstie Allsopp or Nigella Lawson to turn out some truly spectacular trappings, so don't feel intimidated. Take it slowly – start with perhaps upcycling some simple jam jars with pretty lace, rustic string or glass paints to create pretty tea light holders and make sure you allow yourself plenty of time.
3. Keep it personal
The best parties are designed to celebrate the guest of honour in every way. No matter what the occasion, incorporating little personal touches will keep the party feeling sweet and thoughtful. From funny baby photos to personal messages and their favourite food and drink, there is a multitude of ways to keep a party really close to the heart of the person at the centre of all the attention.
4. Allow your guests to take charge
You don't have to plan every second and millimetre of the event. Unless this is a children's party, it's acceptable for a host to allow the guests to take their initiative sometimes. For instance, creating zones within the party such as a bar area with ingredients and recipes for cocktails, will result in far less stress and fuss than taking over the bartending duties throughout the whole event and will also create a talking point for the guests and an excuse to mingle. Some special guests may also be invaluable for helping out ahead of the party and afterwards, bringing dishes of food perhaps or offering to help clear up and, far from finding it a chore, many people be pleased to be involved in the organisation.
5. Cater to all tastes
It's impossible to please all people, but it's a good idea to cater to your guests as much as possible. Dedicate different areas for music and dancing, as well as quieter zones for guests who prefer to sit and relax. Remember to incorporate some vegetarian friendly options into your catering and soft drinks behind the bar for the drivers and non-drinkers.
These top tips will help to create an elegant party environment that will long be remembered fondly by guests and hosts alike. The party will be a million miles away from the flat pop and sausages on sticks that home parties can often be associated with and, instead, will set the precedent for a truly lovely grown up party.
Gerry Connolly and Louise Boyer are the founders of the personalised party décor supplier, www.HelloParty.com