A HOST OF SOLUTIONS

▶ Throwing the perfect house party can be tricky. Panna Munyal has some top tips to ensure yours runs smoothly, regardless of budget or number of guests

“Ihad the most rocking weekend,” my colleague gushes. “My husband and I, and three of our couple friends danced the night away to a spot-on soundtrack, while my best friend had a long chat with someone who might just be his future employer. The food kept coming, and there was none of that waiting for your drink or queuing outside the loo nonsense.”

As you may have guessed, the scenario that got my peer so enthused unfolded in her own living room, where – surrounded by close friends, good music and a well-stocked kitchen – she had “the best night in a long time”.

There comes a point when weekly treks to the latest nightclub – high heels and evening jackets in tow – lose some of their shine, and you’d much rather be at home one night of the weekend, or two, either watching Netflix or hanging out with close friends. And whether you reach this stage in your early 20s or late 40s, what inevitably follows is seeking out the perfect blend of comfort and entertainment: a house party.

Throwing a successful soiree, however, can be a tricky proposition if, like my colleague, you regularly forget to fill your ice-cube trays (tepid punch, anyone?), or if, like me, you fail to inform your guests that no, parking is no longer free in JLT (that they saved money by not going out seemed to be of little consolation five hours later).

Here are four scenarios you might be faced with during your next house party, with expert tips on how to be the best host.