Party Planning: The Big Day
Should I greet my guests as they arrive?
Greeting your guest at the door is one of my biggest tips. I always feel that when that door opens and you're there to greet somebody with a warm handshake and a good hug changes them instantly. Smiles appear on their face. I cannot emphasize this enough. Doctor Abraham Maslow talks about his hierarchy of needs: right smack in the middle is the sense of belonging. When you welcome someone into your event, you've welcomed them into your home.
How can I get my guests involved with the party?
Getting your guests involved in the party is key. There are a number of activities that can be done with games. That always makes the party good. Don't be afraid, as the host and hostess, to go around and introduce people's commonalities to one another. This always gets the party moving.
What are 'party games'?
Party games are a way to keep your guests interested in the party. Also, it's a way to keep the party interactive. It also opens up conversation among guests. And keep one thing in mind- when some guests are actively involved in the game, other guests are rooting them on, so it creates and continues the energy of the party.
Should I have party games at my party?
Depending on the type of party you're having, party games are highly recommended. If it's an informal party, absolutely. Party games get that energy going and keep the energy going.
What party games should I have at my party?
Some examples of party games - one of my favorite is as guests walk into the party, you'll put on their back a celebrity, and then as they walk into the party the guests have to give them some clues as who the celebrity is without mentioning the name.
Should I ask for volunteers to help at my party?
Volunteers is a great way to keep your cost down at a party. But remember, folks, they are volunteers so don't expect them to put in an 8-hour day.
What is the best way to deal with an unruly guest at my party?
One of the best ways to deal with an unruly guest at the party is find out who they came with. Most likely they'll listen to that person.
What is the best way to deal with an intoxicated guest?
When dealing with an overly intoxicated guest, my best recommendation is to find out who that person came with. Go to them, and explain the situation to them. They might say "well, he's driving with me" and so there may not be a problem, but keep one thing in mind. The responsibility is always going to be yours, so find out who that person came with and try to calm that person down.
What is a 'coat check'?
A coat check is an area that's specifically designed to put garments. If the weather's inclement, you want to have an area that's specifically designed for this.
Should I have a coat check at my party?
I always recommend having a coat check at a party if the weather is foul. Keep one thing in mind: you can set up an area in a spare bedroom for coats, or you can rent a coat rack with hangers, and guests can help themselves. If it's a large party, you may want to think about hiring an attendant and having some numbers on the hangers. This way, everybody gets the right coat at the end of the night.
How do I deal with the trash from my party?
When it comes to trash, I have a little saying: "Trash Stinks, but you have to deal with it". Keep in mind, trash builds up on parties and builds up quick. So have a variety of trash cans put out throughout your venue. You can decorate the trash can with themed paper. That's number one. Number two, keep plenty of trash liners on hand, and make sure they're extra sturdy; spend the extra money there. Also, if your trash is going to be put on the side of the house, make sure it's well lit, so someone throwing out the trash doesn't stumble down the steps.
What can I do to make my party 'green'?
Nowadays, being environmentally friendly is extremely important. At every event, I recommend putting out bins that let people know where to recycle. And believe me, if you have it out there, they will, because everyone wants to do their part.
What preparations should I make to the bathroom before a party?
In preparing your bathroom for the big day, it's important to make sure there's plenty of extra tissue around. Keep it underneath the sink, or just in an area that you know people will look. Also, believe it or not, put a little plunger in the bathroom, because if your toilet starts to back up, the person in there will use the plunger. If it's not there, the next person coming in the bathroom, beware! It will overflow, you'll have a mess on your hands. Have plenty of soap, a candle lit in the bathroom, and some deodorizing spray.
How should I prepare my mind and body for the party?
A couple of things you should think about in preparing yourself for the party. Its your big day, you're excited, and your adrenaline is going. Make sure you constantly hydrate yourself. And during the day, be sure to have a couple of healthy snacks. Because your adrenaline is going to be going, and you're not going to want to eat. But I'll repeat this because this is so important. Hydrate yourself, and have healthy snacks. As far as your mind goes, how to prepare your mind for the party, just realize, everybody is coming to the party because they want to see you, and they want to have fun. Enjoy it. Make it fun for them. When you're at the door, and you're shaking hands and hugging them, you're going to have a great time. So relax, and enjoy yourself.
What are some tips for dealing with the stress of a big party?
Work with a very complete list. When you have a 'things to do' list, it calms the mind. Go over your things to do, see what has to be done, and work with a timeline. When you're prepared and you're clear on what you're doing, stress level gets low. Keep one thing else in mind: nothing, and I mean nothing, is ever perfect. Don't try to be Mr and Mrs perfect, just enjoy yourself. If you enjoy yourself, your guests will enjoy themselves, and you'll have a successful party.
