At-home get-togethers became a norm amid the pandemic when party venues were closed due to the fear of the virus. The trend is here to stay because such parties are exciting and easy on the wallet. You have endless occasions to celebrate, from holiday celebrations to spring welcome events and summer barbecues. But you require a lot of practice, strategic thinking, and flawless planning to make such events memorable. While no master checklist works for all, you can give your best as a host by following a few common-sense tactics. Let us share some surefire tips to be a perfect host for at-home parties.
Get extra time for planning
Party planning is a daunting task, and you may end up missing out on something or the other. Setting aside extra time for last-moment tasks puts you in a good place. Moreover, it saves you from the stress of unrealistic expectations in the long run. Aim to keep at least 25% cushion time for unexpected needs. For example, give yourself 15 minutes extra for every hour of event planning to be on the safe side.
Choose your guest-list wisely
Besides mastering time management for at-home events, you must choose your guest list wisely. Consider factors like space and budget, and trim your list instead of inviting random people to the event. You may even segregate parties for family, friends, and colleagues if you have the budget and bandwidth. Also, remember to prepare for a few random guests showing up right on the dot.
Go the extra mile with entertainment
You may have the best food, wine, and décor for the event, but entertainment is a factor you cannot miss out on. Think beyond music and dance, and explore the exciting Rubbish Options card games to keep your guests happy throughout the party. Besides group games, you can even entertain them with three-card games by dividing a large group into smaller segments. Switching players from time to time takes the entertainment a notch higher.
Set boundaries clearly
Party hosts often go wrong by not defining the boundaries for guests. Imagine people staying in until early morning when you have a crucial work meeting the next day. Likewise, you may not want them to bring kids if everyone wants to drink and smoke at the event. Inform the invitees about the ground rules without hesitation. You may need some courage to be open about the boundaries, but they definitely make sense.
Ask for help
You may feel hesitant to seek help with the event, but it is one thing you must do without second thoughts. Hosting a get-together alone is not a mean feat, and you may end up dealing with anxiety and last-minute hassles. Asking for help is a great idea because almost everyone will be keen to lend a hand. Say yes when people offer to plan a potluck, help with décor, or stay back and wash dishes. Appreciate their concern and accept assistance graciously.
Being a perfect host requires a little effort, but the right approach gets you there. You can follow these tips to throw the most incredible get-togethers this holiday season and beyond.
