Sunday, July 12, 2009

5 Secrets To Successful Entertaining

By Kathy Baldwin

Some women just know how to pull off a perfect social gathering, whether its an elegant soiree complete with crystal and linens or an afternoon backyard garden party. Armed with a repertoire of successful dinner party recipes, its possible to create an event that everyone will remember.

While others just seem to struggle with every single detail.

What makes a great party? First and foremost, it will be you, the hostess, who makes it happen. You can develop a sense of style and a flair for fun that makes any party a success. Try incorporating any or all of these ideas for a wonderful event.

1. What is your reason for wanting to host a party? Is there a special occasion or event that is prompting your party? Whatever your reason, just how much time do you have to prepare for this party? You can easily plan a last minute, spontaneous, impromptu party with a little know how or take all the time you need to plan every last detail with a longer length of planning time. However your actually party is set, use your schedule and plan.

2. Your time, energy, skills, and money must be expended carefully so that you dont overstretch yourself. Set your menu, and remember that choosing the right dinner party recipes will affect the outcome of your event. You will want to select ingredients carefully. Think carefully about assembling a shopping list. What dishes can you prepare ahead of time? You want time to make everything perfect. So decide what your budget will be in terms of time and money.

3. Another critical component to hosting an awesome party is your decision on the theme of the party. A theme can extend from your invitations to decoration, centerpieces choice and your menu selection. Choosing the right menu can set the right tone and feel for your party. A theme can be subtle where is it is only the undertone of the party or can be over the top including guest interaction with costumes and acting, like in the case of a murder mystery party. There are so many wonderful ideas and choices available when choosing your party theme.

4. Is it always appropriate to serve alcoholic or plain beverages? Be certain to identify what kind of glassware you need for the types of drinks you are offering. Your options are unlimited, but you want to be prepared with drink mixes, equipment, and garnishes. You can offer bottled water as well as tea and coffee. Some women prefer to engage a butler for the sole purpose of pouring drinks.

5. Should your party plan include a more casual feel, you may wish to consider having coolers available to keep your beer, wine and pop cold. This is a perfect solution for an outdoor barbecue party or a beach party. Depending on the size and location of your party, there are options of renting extra needed equipment like tents, grills or even a dance floor. Party rental companies can easily be found in your local yellow page book or by asking your friends and neighbors.

Do not forget to consider conversation starters and party games to get the interaction of your guests flowing the way you want. It is not enough to provide the food and venue to have a successful party because the host is also responsible for creating the framework of the entertainment. The best hosts are ones who are able to oversee the general atmosphere of the party and mingle with everyone.

Being a great host and hosting an awesome party is using your ability to utilize all of your grace and social skills and pull it all together.

Even if you were not born into royalty and learned hosting skills as a child, it is possible to learn every one of these skills and be a great hostess! Find the resources that you need to make all your time and effort worth it.

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