Ten Tips for Hosting an Informal Party

Plan ahead.

Think everything through in before you do anything else. What kind of party do you want? Will it have a theme? Will you need to decorate for the party? Whom will you invite? What will you serve to eat and drink? Do you have enough seating? Can you afford it? How much work will it involve? How much time will it involve? Will you need help? Do you have enough space? Is ample parking available? Try to foresee any problems, and solve them before continuing with your plans. This is the time to give yourself the go ahead, forego or postpone the idea of having a party.

Begin to make concrete plans.

At this point, you should know the answers to the above questions, and feel comfortable going ahead with the party. If you have doubts about anything, rethink it; mentally make changes until you are certain you can accomplish your goal.

Prepare and send invitations, or call those whom you wish to invite
Do this at least two weeks in advance, as this will give them time to fit your party into their schedule. Request an RSVP, so you will know how many guests to expect.

Keep it simple.

There isn’t a law saying you have to serve extravagant food items. People who are having a good time are content with cheese and crackers, hot dogs, chips and hamburgers. You don’t need to impress anyone! It is also perfectly acceptable to ask guests to contribute to the menu at an informal get-together.

Use disposable tableware.

That’s what it’s made for! Why create more work for yourself by having a stack of dishes and silverware to wash after everyone goes home? Disposable tableware is durable, and available in bright, cheery colors, which can be complimentary to your theme or decorations.

Plan fun things for your guests to do.

Set up a table with a jigsaw puzzle, put out some games, have a list of jokes or conversation starters. People are sometimes uneasy when they first arrive, especially if they don’t know one another, and having these types of icebreaker activities can help them relax.

Involve your first few guests by giving them something useful to do

(Answer the door, hang up coats, serve beverages, fill the chip bowl, etc.) This will free you to attend to last minute things, and will encourage conversation among them.

Serve the food buffet style.

It makes everyone feel at ease, and encourages socializing. Encourage guests to sit wherever they desire. This will also save you the time and space needed to set a dining table. Provide tray tables, folding chairs and coasters if needed.

Set up a separate area for beverages

You will eliminate a “bottle-neck” of people by having the beverages, glasses and ice on a different table than the food. Allow ample space between the two self-serving centers.

Do as much preparation in advance as possible

Do your shopping, cleaning, decorating, etc earlier in the week. Leave only last minute things such as food preparation, until the actual day of the party. Do as much as you can that morning, and then when all that can be done is accomplished, take a soothing bath or nap in the afternoon. You don’t want to be a tired, frazzled hostess!

Relax and enjoy your party! If you are having a good time, others will also.