How to Throw the Perfect House Party

Throwing a party is always a stressful event but when that party is taking place in your own home there is added pressure to ensure that everything goes off without a hitch. Whether it’s a birthday party, baby shower, Halloween bash or New Years ball, here are some simple tips on how to throw the perfect house party with the minimum amount of stress.

1. The key to a successful house party is to NEVER dive straight in with your shopping until you have a clear cut and orderly plan for your event. Who, Where, Why and When? Firstly decide on the theme of your event. Is it a child’s party, fancy dress, masquerade? Once you have made a final choice on your theme, the rest of party ideas, games and decorations can be centred on your chosen idea. Next step is details and guests. Is this a small and intimate event or a huge party for friends and family? If your numbers are tight then only invite necessary guests (not people you don’t even know!) or for larger parties it is always a good idea to invite each guest with a plus one to allow them to bring a friend or partner for company. Once your guest list, event date and time is set then send out the relevant invitations that match your chosen theme. Always allow at least 3 weeks for guests to reply and make a list of all your RSVPs.

2. The next step is to plan your food and drink options. If you are doing your own food then make a list of exactly how much you will need depending on the amount of guests. Then split your list into non perishable and perishable foods as you can purchase any crisps, sweets and frozen food weeks prior to the party so you only have to buy fresh food nearer to the date. If you are using a caterer and/or cake maker for your party then ensure that you give them your exact requirements in plenty of time to avoid any last minute errors. Purchase wines in a range of white, rose and red to ensure all your guests are happy and purchase spirits, mixers and beers in large amounts from local wholesalers as this will save you a few extra pennies. For children’s parties purchase fun coloured soda, bottled drinks and flavoured milk.

3. Decorations are key items in making any party a success as they form the backdrop of the event and provide visual detail and fun to your chosen space. Purchase a range of banners, balloons, bunting and general party items in your chosen theme and colour scheme. Gold and black look great for a masquerade ball while bright and vibrant colours or pastel tones look amazing for birthdays and anniversary events. Party bags are always a great touch and can be handed out to guests at the end of the party as a thank you for their company. If you’re going for a specific theme such as 1980s, cowboys or pirates then select fun and quirky decor that will amuse your guests and create a topic of conversation for the evening. Go Wild! It’s your party and as the host you can decorate your space exactly how you like. Always remember to purchase plates, cups, cutlery and napkins for your chosen theme as these can be thrown away at the end of the night and won’t leave you with a mountain of washing up the next morning.

4. Plan the activities for the night. No one wants to spend the evening stood around with nothing to do, so make sure that you have games and features throughout the day/night that will keep your guests amused and create some fun that everyone can enjoy. Don’t forget that your games should be age appropriate. If this is a party where both children and adults are present then always ensure that there are activities suitable for both. Charades is always a great fun game for all the family as well as ‘guess who I am’, ‘Twister’ , Karaoke and dancing games such as musical chairs or a strictly come dancing style dance off. Themed quizzes and trivia are great at creating chat among your guests and team games will help any unfamiliar guests mix with others. Set up a craft table full of colouring pens, paper, felt, glue and paint where the children can play in their own little space. Another fun idea is to set up your own Photo Booth with a timed digital camera on a tripod. Create a fun backdrop that matches your chosen theme, such as theatre curtains, glittery disco balls or circus imagery and place a bowl of fun masks, glasses, moustaches and hats so your guests can get some fun photo memories of the event.

5. Plan your music so that the night/day is never silent to avoid the atmosphere dropping during your event. Always ensure that the music is appropriate to your theme and also to your guests (grandma and grandpa are probably not going to enjoy rave music). Black tie events will suit classical and period style music while decade parties can be easily catered for with a choice of 20s, 70s or 80s music. Children’s parties can be livened up with their favourite Disney songs, movie theme tunes and classic party tunes. Ensure all of your speakers, MP3s and disc players are set up in plenty of time and checked or if you have hired a DJ then make sure you book them to arrive at least an hour before the start of your event to allow them to set up.

6. When the day arrives, it’s time to put your plan into place. For a daytime event you can set up as many things as possible the night before or if the event takes place in the evening you can spend the day ensuring that everything is in place and ready to go. Set up the seating arrangements, dance floor and decorations and then create a buffet style table for all of your food and a separate bar style area with cool boxes for beers and ice buckets for wine. Alternatively create an arrangement of cocktail shakers and accessories so you guest can create their own mixes. Always ensure you set up a drinks area for the children away from the adults table and set up their cups, drinks and some bowls of sweets to keep them happy and hydrated. Half an hour before your guests arrive, turn on the music, lay out the refreshments and enjoy a successful and fun event. Oh and don’t forget to mingle!

For more ideas on creating a successful and fun house party, take a look at our latest Pinterest board - Pinterest - House Party Ideas