When It's Your Turn to Entertain

                                                                                         

If you have never hosted a party before, you may be very nervous the first few times you do it. Here are some party hints to give you the courage to begin.

The first step is to decide what kind of party it will be.

Will it be formal, or informal? Large or small? If you’re not experienced at hosting social events, a small party may seem less intimidating.

Will you hold your party indoors or outdoors? Who do you want to invite – people you already know well? Friends from work? Family? Do you want everyone to know each other, or do you want to mix a lot of people who would normally never encounter each other?

Will you be serving food and liquor? Do you want people to bring their own?
Would you like your party to have a theme? Are you celebrating any special occasion? Do you have a lot of money to spend, or very little? Do you have a lot of room? Do you need to keep the noise down?

These are just some of the decisions you need to explore before you start issuing your invitations.

Once you have decided on these matters, pick a date, time, and location, and draw up a list of people you wish to invite. Depending on the custom in your social circle, you can issue formal written invitations, invite your guests by telephone, or ask them in person. Whatever method you choose, it’s a good idea to issue your party invitations at least two or three weeks in advance.

One of the most important aspects of throwing a party is to make sure that all your guests understand exactly what kind of party it will be, and what is expected of them. Be very clear about the exact time, date, and location of the party. Here is a checklist to help you make sure your guests know what to expect:

- Is the party formal or informal?

- Is it a costume party?

- Does the party have a theme? Is any special dress required?

- Are you supplying food? Will you provide a full meal, or just snacks and
appetizers? At what time will the food be served? Will it be a formal, sit down
meal? Or buffet style?

- Are you supplying alcoholic beverages? Do you want people to bring their own beverages?

- Do you want the guests to bring anything, such as food, appetizers, party favors, or liquor?

- If you have any unique requests, make them very explicit. For example you may not want anyone to consume alcohol or smoke on the premises.

- Do you want people to bring their children, or leave them at home?

- Does the party start exactly at a certain time, or is the starting time approximate?

- Is attendance "come and go"?

It's very important that your guests are very clear on exactly what to expect.

For example, if you will be providing a full course, sit down meal, and you don't tell your guests in advance, they will probably eat at home before they come to your party. If you want everyone to be wearing casual clothing, those guests who decided to get very dressed up will be embarrassed.

Relationships have occasionally been ruined because a party guest did not understand exactly what would be happening at a party, so be very clear in your communications.

A few days before your party, telephone everyone on your list to remind them again about the party, and have them confirm definitely whether or not they will be attending.

If you are very unsure of yourself when it comes to hosting a party, ask one of your more experienced friends to help you.

About the author:
This article is taken from the popular book by Royane Real titled "How You Can Have All the Friends You Want - Your Complete Guide to Finding Friends, Making Friends, and Keeping Friends" To boost your social life, download it today at http://www.royanereal.com


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