How to host the best party

Turning 40? Or worse, hitting the big 5-0? Trying to throw the ultimate party but feel like you're drowning in confetti? Let this blog be your life raft to party-planning success. Hosting just got a tad less daunting!

Party planning tips

Know your limits

When throwing a dinner party, remember: less is more unless your goal is to reenact a circus. No need to outdo the Joneses and end up in a tizzy. A home party should be fun, not a masterclass in chaos management. Invite a guest list as long as your arm, and you're signing up for a stress marathon. More guests mean more organizing food, drinks, and entertainment. For a party that doesn’t double as a stress test, keep it simple. More people = more stress!

Hire in Help

For a successful party, consider hiring in a professional help to take the weight of making drinks, rustling up the best chili and serving off your shoulders, allowing you to engage with friends and not miss out on the entire party. Whether it's a casual get together or a formal event, the professionals can put you in the right frame of mind to play the good party host

Cocktail makers, private chefs and entertainers can make hosting a party stress-free whilst also providing your dinner party with some wonderful talking points for the rest of the evening.

Catering for all

Knowing your guest list is crucial here - offering non alcoholic options plus vegetarian dishes, a mix of music can help your guests feel appreciated. Don't be caught out with someone unable to eat or drink anything on your menu. Have a variety of options so everyone can enjoy their night.

A few surprises

The perfect party has booze, cake and a few aces up your sleeve. Hiring a close-up magician to wow your guests or an acoustic guitarist to play background music can help keep the energy high whilst you greet old friends and make new ones!

Party Games

The beginning of a party can sometimes feel awkward, so consider having a few icebreaker games to dispel any chilly vibes. We're not suggesting a three-hour Monopoly marathon, but rather modern, social games that bring people together and kick off the fun!

Some of our favourites are:

One Night Ultimate Werewolf
Scrawl
Wits and Wagers
Secret Hitler

When you play games, it takes the pressure off making small talk, which is never easy. Pop a few of these games by the coffee table and you'll be all set for a good party!

Fancy Dress

Not everyone is thrilled about fancy dress, but let's face it, it's a surefire way to kickstart the party. Forget stuffy dress codes—let your friends channel their inner drama queens. Whether sticking to a theme or just an excuse to dust off those sequins, fancy dress cranks up the fun dial at any party.

For those not keen on the fantasy dress code, let them make up for it by washing up. All. Night!

Pockets of fun

If you're having a party at home or a venue, consider having "pockets of fun" to let your guests be involved at your party. This could be a karaoke machine in the living room, a party magician in the other room. If you have multiple rooms in your house, consider the amazing Room of Mystery format by Close-Up Chris. Whatever the activity, parties are always better when your guests can get involved instead of standing there in a group.

Conclusion

In conclusion, crafting the perfect party doesn't have to turn into an impossible task, even when dealing with a large group. By knowing your limits, hiring in help, catering to all, throwing in a few surprises, and encouraging participation through games and entertainment, you create a memorable experience for both you and your guests. The key is to balance enjoyment with preparation, ensuring that every moment is filled with laughter, connection, and a touch of unexpected magic. So go ahead, embrace these tips and throw a party that leaves everyone eagerly anticipating your next big bash.