Having a party is no fun if you are running about in a flap with too much to do on the night to spend any time with your guests – put in the planning, make a few lists and you’ll be cool and calm, and have some fun too!
First, think about how many people you want to invite – this is crucial so you’ll have the right amount of food and wine – you don’t want to run out!
Will it be a buffet, just drinks and canapés or a sit-down dinner party? The number of people you plan to invite will probably dictate which one you go for.
You also need to think about where you will hold the party – in your home or at a venue? If the latter, make sure they can accommodate the numbers you have in mind.
Do you want to theme your party? Themes can add an extra dimension, and if you want people to come in fancy dress it helps to break the ice and get everyone in the party spirit. Tie in with the mood of the moment, with an X Factor or Glee party, or go for something classic such as film, 70s TV shows, a colour, 'Glamorous Gothic'... the list is endless.
Invitations
With the advent of email and networking sites like Facebook it’s easy to send out an invite (just make sure that only the people you want to invite can see it to avoid any unwanted guests!), but posting a paper invite adds a nice personal touch, showing that you’ve gone to a bit more effort – your guests will appreciate it. There are plenty of websites that provide party templates so you can include a photo of yourself (great if you're having a birthday party), plus an unlimited number of designs to tie in with any theme you’re planning.
With the advent of email and networking sites like Facebook it’s easy to send out an invite (just make sure that only the people you want to invite can see it to avoid any unwanted guests!), but posting a paper invite adds a nice personal touch, showing that you’ve gone to a bit more effort – your guests will appreciate it. There are plenty of websites that provide party templates so you can include a photo of yourself (great if you're having a birthday party), plus an unlimited number of designs to tie in with any theme you’re planning.
Be sure to include the date, time, venue address (a map is helpful too) plus a date for RSVPs to be sent to you (an email address is useful for this) so you know how many people you need to cater for. Also include your phone number so that anyone can call you if they get lost on the way. Make sure it’s clear on the invite whether guests can bring a plus one, and if they can bring children or if it’s adults only. Adding a dress code is helpful, too; no one likes to arrive at a party under- or overdressed. Be sure to ask if there are any special dietary requirements on the invitation so that you can make plans for this.
Party trivia... The Guiness World Record for the largest tea party ever had 32,681 participants and was held in Indore, India, in 2008.