6 Ways to make your Party Memorable
It all began when I took over the hosting of ALL the holiday/ backyard parties at my house. My grandmother was getting pretty exhausted with all the cooking and cleaning etc. as she got up in age. Someone had to step in and I offered. I didn’t realize the extent of what she went through to make her family functions happy and memorable ones. Nana was the matriarch and did such a wonderful job ! She would put so much attention into making Homemade raviolis, and of course the Italian cookies like Pizzelles and anisette cookies. Yes, we are Italian if you didn’t realize ! I can’t possibly compare I thought. But then I found I really enjoyed the moments to shine and be creative.
The role as host involved much more than I imagined, as I was used to being a guest that simply brought a dessert and left after the ordeal. Wow, I’ll never take that for granted again ! I quickly learned to streamline the details of getting the party ready, and space them out between work, my child, and other responsibilities. In my grandmothers day, she didn’t have a full-time job so this was going to be difficult I thought. But I wanted to continue the tradition to bring the family together and make it memorable !
Below are 6 ways to create a perfect Party:
- Furniture flow– Horseshoe shape arrangements can encourage guests to move without interrupting others. Mingling is easier that way. Place enough seats for 20% of company to sit at one time. The exception of course is at the dinner table.
- Lighting– Lighting creates mood and low lights are best if this is an evening event. Guests feel more relaxed. Harsh fluorescents are the absolute worst. Don’t you hate the way pictures come out when you have this type of lighting ?! Lamps and tea lights in mason jars create that perfect glow.
- Theme-This is where you can shine ! It’s not just for kids, but themes actually help make planning easier. Go to the Party store or Dollar Store in your area. You’ll see so much to choose from and get your creative juices flowing. For birthdays, there are so many color choices for plates, napkins and more. For kids, there are super heroes and princess themes that are wonderful ! For holidays, and Halloween is my favorite, there are all kinds of spooky costumes and decorations ! Absolutely love this time of year ! I own a cauldron, brain and heart jello molds, skeletons and I could go on and on !!!! I’m planning my next luau at the moment.
- Music matters– This of course is dictated by the crowd you have. Think Rock and Roll, Disco, or Sesame street ! For my wedding, I wanted to put an Italian touch to it. I happened to come across two gentleman playing accordion and singing to tables at a Italian restaurant ” When the Moon hits your eye like a big pizza pie ” I hired them to entertain the crowd while we took our pictures. It was memorable !
- Signature drink– As a bartender in my past, I had a way with creating delicious concoctions. There are simple ways to go about this as time is usually of the essence. The martinis below are a perfect example of that. I found a simple recipe that can be created using a bottle of vodka or rum, club soda, and Skinnies cocktail mixers ! Use code Freedomafter50 for 10% off ! They have a variety of portable packets that add all the mixers you need. They’re convenient, time saving and makes your guests feel like you put so much effort into making the party catered just for them !
- Signature food-Depending on the occasion, hors-doevres are always a perfect idea ! Your guests can mingle as they are eating tidbits and finger sandwiches so more socializing. Success ! Plated meals are another option for something more formal. Both of these, I get my ideas from Allrecipes.com for the most part. If you have a theme such as a Luau, your go-to might be a Hawaiian pizza as well as tidbits of melon wrapped in prosciutto, and tropical fruit skewers. So many ideas depending on which occasion and theme.
