Have you ever reflected on why some parties you have attended at peoples homes are lingered in your memory for years, while most others have lacked lustre? The hosts attention makes all the difference.
What are the ingredients that make a party memorable?
It all bears down on the organizational capabilities of your hostess and her personal involvement in each and every aspect of the preparations. Hosting any party at home, be it for six, 60 or more, requires systematic planning at every stage, for it to be a runaway success. You will be amazed at the number of points that need to be considered right from the very beginning, probably even weeks before the actual day. Let us start examining the preparation list, with the focus on sit-down dinners, for, perhaps, eight to 12 people
1. First comes the choice of guests: Ensure that if it is to be an intimate evening, the invited guests are on cordial terms with each other: It would make the party livelier. When planning the date, choose a day that all the guests agree on.
2. That brings on to the invite: Instead of the traditional, staid format, change the shape and size. Depending on the guest list, incorporate a dash of wry humour as well.
3. Once invitations are dispatched, look at the wining and dining arrangements: The bar may need certain replenishments, beer crates and wines may need to be ordered, not to forget the sodas, aerated waters and juices.
4. The menu needs a bit of time and thought: Tell the person accepting the RSVP to politely ascertain the guests food preferences, especially with regard to vegetarian, non eaters of beef and pork products, and other specific diet restrictions. This information will help in planning a suitable range of cuisines, which would be served course by course.
5. Order fresh flowers: This always livens up the room. Simple, but artistic, arrangements always invite compliments. There is more work for the conscientious host.
6.The choice of background music: Take into account the tastes of your guests and ensure all the electrical points function smoothly to avoid sudden blackouts.
7.Brief your bearers in advance as to where vegetarians will be seated; If you are using name plates, an attractive V could be written in brackets against their name, to avoid confusion.
8. Make sure the sideboard is stocked with mustard, ketchup, Tabasco sauce, lemon wedges, pickles and relishes
9.Ensure second round of servings to your guests to drink more, as is most common in Indian society.
10. Check all food items for their freshness, cooked and tasted to ensure sufficient salt, no extra condiments and the like.
When the room resounds with laughter and lighthearted banter, the right note is struck and the perfect ambience created.
That is what successful parties are made of!
