HOST THE PERFECT PARTY
(AND BE THE PERFECT GUEST)
WHO TO INVITE?
Want a great party? Don’t overdo it on the numbers. That’s the advice from The Party Goddess (thepartygoddess.com), Marley Majcher, who knows a bit about throwing a soiree. She’s organised celebrations for the likes of celebrities including Sofia Vergara, Gwyneth Paltrow and Snoop Dogg.
‘The perfect number to invite is any number you can comfortably handle without stressing out,’ says Marley.
‘Until you have a good amount of practice under your belt, go a little smaller than you think you can handle.’
BE PREPARED
The guest list has been formulated and invitations have been sent out. Now, preparation is key. Remember simple is always better.
‘Don’t plan to cook everything yourself and, as far as drinks are concerned, keep it simple – I’d recommend beer, wine, champagne and a signature cocktail,’ says Marley. ‘Set food and drinks at separate stations to keep people moving through the party.’
Polite guests will bring a bottle but don’t expect everyone to be so generous. Plan to have more drinks than you need.
GET THE CONVERSATION FLOWING
Good conversation is central to any party. It’s important to make the atmosphere friendly.
In Roman times nomenclators would follow senators around ensuring introductions, these days it’s up to the host. If you are terrible at remembering names you can download an app called Namerick which helps you memorise every acquaintance.
‘It is always the host’s or hostess’s responsibility to create an environment where people can meet, with fun icebreakers, like having guests draw a question that they are to ask at least three guests,’ says Marley.
THE PARTY S OVER
Got a few stragglers who won’t get the hint that it’s time to wind things up? Is there a polite way to send them home?
‘You want to have stopped serving drinks,’ says Lizzie Post, an etiquette specialist (emilypost.com). ‘If that doesn’t work, turn the lights up and music down. Failing that, it’s not impolite to say, “If you need a place to sleep, we are happy to have you in the guestroom but we are going to have to go to bed soon.’’ ’