| How do you throw a good party? This may | | | | have 6 or 8 plates or cups. If you invite 30 |
| seem like a simple question until the organizing of | | | | people, you can hardly ask them to share! Paper |
| the party is started, but how do you ensure the | | | | plates, cups and napkins make life considerably |
| guests are entertained? Will you need to run | | | | easier and tidying up much quicker. They're also |
| around all night checking that everyone has plenty | | | | often available with themes printed on them, you |
| to eat? What sort of music will people like? Here | | | | may want to put together a list of items to |
| are some easy step by step hints that make life | | | | purchase. |
| a little bit easier, think of it as a long winded | | | | Try to have a good selection of drinks available, |
| checklist. | | | | some people may not want to drink alcohol and |
| The first step is deciding a theme. Perhaps it's a | | | | may just want some orange or cranberry juice. If |
| birthday party? An anniversary? Or a Halloween | | | | providing drinks for everyone is going to be too |
| party? Maybe there's no special event at all, and | | | | expensive, ask them to bring a bottle...that's what |
| you just want to throw a party. Deciding on a | | | | most people do. |
| theme allows you to focus on finding those all | | | | Next, the music. If you've chosen a Tropical party |
| important items that you may otherwise forget | | | | you might want some Hawaiian music in the |
| about such as music, food, plates, cups, | | | | background, or perhaps a 50's party with some |
| decorations and invitations. The most popular | | | | 50's music. Remember that this may not be |
| themes include Tropical/Luau, Hollywood, Casino, | | | | everyone's cup of tea, so it's good to have some |
| Pirate, Disco, Wild West and Princess, just to | | | | current, upbeat music on standby at any party. |
| name a few. You may find it easier to choose | | | | The entertainment is very important, but don't be |
| depending on who the party is for. For example, | | | | disappointed if people just end up chatting rather |
| is the party for children or adults or both? | | | | than taking part in the karaoke or party games |
| Once you have decided on a theme you'll need to | | | | you've arranged, they're there to relax and have |
| decide how many people to invite, have you got | | | | a good time, not stick to a schedule of events! |
| room for everyone? Will some people want to sit | | | | It's worth having some sort of distraction for |
| down? Will you need to move some furniture to | | | | them, just in case the conversation runs dry. |
| another room? If you're inviting adults and | | | | Popular entertainment includes karaoke and |
| children, will you want the children in a separate | | | | piñatas (for children and adults). |
| adjoining area so someone can keep an eye on | | | | Decorations can make a huge difference to |
| them? Once you know how many people you're | | | | themed parties. From inflatable palm trees at |
| inviting, then you can buy the invitations. | | | | tropical parties, to treasure chest pinatas at pirate |
| Food is best kept simple. If you're a fantastic | | | | parties, there's just so much to choose from. |
| cook and have catered for many people in the | | | | Popular decorations include inflatables, table |
| past, then by all means make something | | | | centrepieces, balloons, banners, bunting, shimmer |
| elaborate. But if you're unsure, it's best to keep | | | | curtains and red carpets (great for Hollywood |
| the food very simple and make sure there's | | | | theme parties). |
| enough of it. Popular choices are Chicken Wings, | | | | Don't forget, if the party is for children, you may |
| Mini Burgers, Cheese and crackers, mini pizza, | | | | want to buy party bags and party bag fillers such |
| brushetta and salad. Don't forget some sweet | | | | as noisemakers, toys and party bubbles to keep |
| snacks. Try to have enough food ready when | | | | them occupied. |
| people arrive so you don't have to rush back to | | | | Lastly, lighting can also make a difference. Candles |
| the kitchen every five minutes to take more | | | | in small groups, lights with dimmer switches turned |
| food out of the oven. You could even choose | | | | down a little, uplights in corners next to walls, a |
| food by the theme of the party, for example, for | | | | string of Christmas lights across the ceiling and if |
| a Mexican party you may want to cook some | | | | you have a fire place...light it! |
| chilli? | | | | And remember...enjoy the party yourself! |
| Most people never consider that they may only | | | | |