Whether hosting a Christmas party or a child's birthday party, friends and clients are always asking for tips on how to makes sure their parties don't suck. So, below I've listed a few suggestions to help ensure a parties success.
11 Party Tips:
Personalize Invitations - Have you ever wondered why your birthday parties were such a success when you were in the 1st grade, but today you can't even get your neighbors to come to your backyard barbeque? What did you do different? Well, when you were in the 1st grade, you handed all your classmates - including your teacher - an invitation. There was an envelope with your classmate's name on it, and when they opened it up, there was a cute card inside, asking them to personally come to the party. Nothing says you care about your party more than handing out personalized invites.
E-vites and Facebook - If handing or mailing a physical invitation is impossible for whatever reason, then you can e-vite people. There are thousands of free e-vites you can chose from to send to people, and they still feel personal. However, the days of Facebook invites are over, so stay as far away from Facebook invites as possible. Most people see Facebook invites as too impersonal, and many people don't check their Facebook often enough to get your invite in time.
Date and Time and Location - While most people add the location of the party and the time it will start, it's a good idea to also give your party an expected end time.
RSVP - Don't be afraid to ask for RSVP in the invitation. How else will you know how many people to expect?
BYO... - If you want attendees to bring a dish, chips or drinks to help you save costs on your party, just add a little note at the bottom of the invite below the RSVP. It should say something like, "When RSVPing, please let me know what you intend to bring, so we don't have too much of the same item. (Though I know a lot of people will say you can never have too much liquor or beer).
This should go without saying, but make sure the entertainment and/or games are age appropriate. Your teen isn't going to think a clown is cool (unless it's a scary clown and the party has a horror theme), and I bet your dad isn't going to want to do jello-shots off your mom's belly.
Make sure most of your guests are comfortable with the choice of entertainment, and theme. Let them know in the invitations what the theme is, and whether the entertainment and games are family friendly or mature.
Should you have entertainment or activities other than your stereo, or the game on T.V.? This is really your call, but planning activities and having a D.J. or live entertainment shows that you're really invested in your party, and therefore others will be more interested and more likely to show up.
If you're not inviting your neighbors, at least give them a heads up of when your party is going to be. That way they can prepare for the noise and the influx of people.
Be sure to clearly label the bathroom, the exits and rooms that are off limits. Signs written on cardboard or construction paper, taped to or above the doors should be sufficient.
Always remember: your guest's safety is your responsibility. If there will be drinking at your party, chose a designated driver before hand, have the phone number of a cab company within easy access, or make arrangements for your guests to stay overnight. Also, having fresh coffee on is a good idea for people who want to sober up early, and it's a good idea for you, as the host, to not drink too much if at all.
So, there's a list to help get your party started.
Elizabeth Foland. Event Planner at Carousel Party Planners. http://www.carouselpartyplanners.com/
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