If you are planning to host a party in your home, there is a lot to consider; aside from arranging the food, drink and entertainment, you have to consider the neighbours, car parking and other things. In this short article, we offer a few top tips on party hosting from professional event planners.
- Create a guest list – This should be the first step; until you know how many people will attend, you can’t plan a budget. You might want to sit down with your partner and discuss the people you plan to invite; make sure you don’t encourage conflict by inviting people who do not get along.
- Decide on a budget – Now that you know the number of guests, you can calculate a budget, a figure that you need to bear in mind as you continue with your planning. The majority of your costs will be alcohol and food; a well-stocked bar with whisky, gin and tequila, as well as enough beer to keep everyone happy. Some would say that $40-50 per guest would cover everything, while others would think $30 per head would suffice.
- Buy your alcohol online – There are Australian suppliers of alcoholic drinks and you can order via their website and they should deliver at no extra charge if your order exceeds their minimum. It is always best to order more than will be consumed, as it won’t go to waste and the last thing you want is for the party to dry up!
- Create music playlists – You know your guests better than anyone, so choose a few genres that appeal to all and everyone will be happy. Pop, rock, jazz, country & western, create YouTube playlists and you can go online and play these through your sound system. One has to be careful playing music late at night, especially in an urban setting; it makes sense to check the state government website regarding outdoor events and permits.
Create lists and always have a plan B, especially regarding the weather and let’s not forget that some guests may not wish to drive home due to drinking and driving. We hope that the information in this short blog helps you plan the perfect party, one that is remembered for all the right reasons.
