AN ECONOMICAL AFFAIR

FOR A BIG GROUP

This is the kind of get-together where the idea of using disposable glasses and plates might be floated; don’t do it. If you’re going to be cutting back on the caviar, the least you can do is serve those 2-for-1 crisps or pizza slices on decent crockery. The trick here is to save without appearing cheap, so don’t skimp on utilising what you already have at home.

“All good parties should have a sitdown area, so make good use of your own furniture and rearrange it such that you have both a standing area and a lounge section,” says Paul Harding, general manager of Innovative Hiring. “People mingle more when they are standing, at a bar or high table; then, when the conversation moves onto heavier topics, that’s when the seating comes in handy.”

He recommends over-purchasing ice and mixers, both of which don’t really have an expiry date. “Running out of ice and mixers is one of the most common things I see at parties. It is embarrassing and certain to kill the buzz. Ice is inexpensive; fill three cooler boxes, so you don’t have to think about it.

“If you have to spend on something, do so on a good sound system,” continues Harding. “The key to any good house party is the ambiance, so invest in or hire good-quality speakers, so cheap sound does not ruin the vibe. People will overspend on food, even furniture, but they think it’s OK to use a Bluetooth speaker. It’s not.

“When it comes to food,” he adds, “if you don’t want to splurge on a caterer, pick up frozen spring rolls, samosas and the like, heat them up in the oven, and serve them on nice plates. Nobody will know the difference and your guests will appreciate the effort. Do not leave your drinking guests hungry… it’s what they’ll talk about all the way to the nearest drive-thru and forever after.”