Party Planning

Plan ahead, it's attention to detail that makes the difference. Allow plenty of time to prepare for your party. Cleaning and repairing the garden or the road that leads to your house should be done atleast one month before the Party (Because the rain can make everything muddy and messy). You should look cheerful at the day of the party. If you start polishing the floor or painting the house just the day before You will look exhausted and tired. So Plan in advance(You don't want the guests to see you polishing the floor or sweeping the garden when The guests arrive). Things are hectic when party-time approaches so stay organized.

Party Invitations

Written invitations are a great idea. Try to make them fun and different. Use your personality but don't forget the basics like: hours. Tell your guests when the party starts and when it will end. Specify the hour in advance to avoid confusion. Let your guests know what kind of attire is appropriate. If your anticipating a semiformal gathering let them know.

The Buffet Table

To avoid large queue at buffet Tables Invite 20 guests at a time at approximately 5 minute Intervals. After being intoxicated by alcohol, Some people tends to serve more food than they can eat. So a lot of food is wasted since you can't prevent this have plenty of food available.

Liquor

If your serving alcohol don't forget the ice. You can never have too much ice at a party. Use quality ice for the best tasting mixed drinks. For every 100 guests you approximately need about 17 bottles of arack (if it is a lunch about 10 bottles should suffice), and you need around 40 bottles of soft drinks to go with it. You cannot estimate the amount of beer that is required (approximately 40 bottles of beer should be enough for about 100 people, the beer should be properly chilled).Remember, you are responsible for the safety of your guests so do not encourage excessive drinking.

Party Snacks

Choose your finger snacks carefully. Choose foods that complement each other. Allow 4 to 6 hot hors d'oeurves per person .Specially when serving Liquor Home made snacks alone isn't enough, you cant be running to the nearest shop to get more sausages when you run out of snacks (Remember More adults than you expect consume liquor,so be prepared). Don't serve gooey, drippy sauces near expensive rugs or furniture. Keep some carpet cleaner on hand, just in case. You can never have too much food at a party. Be sure to have plenty of hot coffee and snacks on hand for late in the evening.

Chilling the drinks

When you are cooling drinks (specially beer) Do not mix sawdust In to the ice It Only Slows down the melting of ice and it takes a longer time for the bottles to cool. Ice alone will cool the bottles within 2 hours. And it stays cool for more than 5 hours.

Smoking

If your party is being held in a nonsmoking household try to make accommodations for smokers. A room with a fan blowing out is a nice thought. If you do not have a place for smokers let them know in advance that the party is held in a nonsmoking household.

Guest Books

Providing a guest book can be much fun and help make the party memorable. Don't be afraid to put out a guest book and invite your guests to sign-in as they arrive.

Atmosphere

Create a festive party atmosphere with decorations, scents and music. Use scented candles or simmer a pot of water with cinnamon and citrus fruit to fill the house with a delightful aroma. Choose your favourite music and have it playing softly in the background when guests arrive. Consider unplugging or removing your television if it's located in the party area. Nothing spoils the interaction of guests quicker than a group of people huddled around a television set. Kill your TV! (at least for the party).

Lighting

Creative lighting will contribute much to the atmosphere. Try replacing some bulbs with colored lamps or low wattage bulbs. Strobe lights and black lamps can add to the fun.

Music

Music is an important element of most parties. If prerecorded music is to be used, consider the musical preferences of your guests. Have a variety of music available. Put your depressing music selections away, keep the music upbeat and "mass appeal" for best results. Music helps set mood, so use with discretion.

Parking

Try to make provisions for parking in advance. If you will be allowing guests to park on the lawn or in the back yard, let them know in your invitation. Ask your neighbors about parking options or warn them that guests will be parking on the street. Make sure that there is a person looking after the Cars.

Accidents and Spills

Accidents are part of life. Don't let an accident or spill ruin the party. Have some spot remover on hand just in case. You may want to remove extremely valuable items and/or furnishings. Move that rare Persian carpet to a safe place until the party is over.

Extras

Don't Forget Minor things you have to do (Having a generator standing by in case of a power failure).In case of rain make sure there are Sheds to provide shelter to your guests. Make sure all the other members of your family Knows how to contact the photographers and Musicians you have hired for the party.

Party Jokes

If you (or one of your guests) are skilled at joke telling, try some tasteful jokes and invite your guests to participate. This exercise can often "break the ice" and get your guests sharing jokes and humorous stories.

Now that the work is done, relax! Let your guests enjoy themselves. With the proper ingredients in place everyone should have a great time. With good food, good cheer and good friends you can't miss! Party hearty and have fun. Make room for guests who have had too much to eat or drink. Don't let a guest who over drinks drive, it could save a life and . As the host, you are responsible for the safety of your guests.

Have a Nice Time........