Entertaining can be a challenge. Here are some helpful tips on how to throw a party that your guests will absolutely love.
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We’ve all been to them…. Those parties that fizzle. The ones during which you find yourself continually checking the time and wondering when you can head out without looking rude.
Or perhaps you’ve been on the other side. After tons of planning, you’ve thrown a party you hope will knock people’s socks off. … And then get the feeling your guests are merely biding their time.
Entertaining isn’t always easy. But it doesn’t need to hard either.
Here’s the simple secret. Ready for it?
To throw great parties, they need to be guest-focused.
Surprised? It seems like common sense but in the moment of planning, we don’t always see it that way. So, the next time you’re planning to invite people over, check out these tips for how to throw a party your guests will love. And don’t worry… these tips and tricks are totally easy!
How to Throw a Party Your Guests Will Love
Consider the Demographic
This one is the most important consideration and will shape how you approach many of the other tips in this list.
A lot of times, we think about our own needs or what we would like to see happen. But take a minute to flip that approach on its head. Think about what the guests will want.
Ask yourself: What type of people am I inviting over? Are they low-key or dramatic? Will there be several people or only a few? Older or younger or a mixture?
Figuring out who you’re dealing with will help you incorporate the type of party elements that will make the most sense.
Consider the Menu
Now that you know what type of people are coming over, you can better decide what to serve. Is it a birthday party for your four-year-old son? A fourth of July barbecue with your church family?
Different groups of people will call for different types of food and beverages.
For example, recently I threw a birthday party for my twin sons. As I was planning the menu, I considered who would be in attendance. I knew that a percentage of my guests had severe food sensitivities, so I made sure to adjust my menu to accommodate that. The food was still good, and my boys loved it!
If you’re trying to discover how to throw a party that your guests love, consider keeping them in mind as you plan your menu.
Consider the Atmosphere
When you’re inviting people over, consider what atmosphere will appeal to them most.
Ask yourself: Where would my guests be most comfortable–inside or outside? Upstairs or downstairs? Around the fire or by the pool? Should I play music, and if so, what kind would my guests like? Would re-arranging furniture create more wide-open or more intimate spaces that would appeal to them? How about lighting (or time of day)?
Keeping your guests in mind when considering things like location, layout, time of day, and music will help you be better prepared and put together. Then you’ll know how to throw a party your guests love in no time.
Consider Entertainment
Lastly, consider your guests when deciding what entertainment to include.
Ask yourself: Do they like games? If so, board games, card games, charades, or football in the backyard? Or are my guests more of the activities type, who’d be interested in things like photo booths or roasting marshmallows around the outdoor fire pit? Are they carefree individuals who just want to relax without an agenda, or do they expect the entire event to have a step-by-step schedule?
When deciding how to throw a party, consider your guests’ expectations when it comes to entertainment. You’ll be glad you did (especially if you’re hoping they’ll sit around the fire pit and discuss their favorite books and they’d much rather play charades…or vise-versa!)
There you have it! A guide that’ll advise you on how to throw a party that your guests will absolutely love. When it’s tailored to their needs, wants, and expectations, then you have a much better chance of keeping them happy.
Who knows, they just might want to come back. 🙂