TURN IT UP
From playlists to lighting, here’s how to (subtly) get the party started
THE LIGHTING
“Lighting is so important to create a welcoming atmosphere,” say party experts Jemima Jones and Lucy Carr-Ellison of Tart London. “Use fairy lights and candles at different heights.”
THE TUNES
“Increasing the energy of the music needs to be done subtly,” says Salvatore Aloe, DJ and founder of Radio Alice. “Don’t suddenly go from laid-back acoustic to fast hip-hop – you’ll lose the crowd. Create a broad playlist that allows you to slowly increase the tempo – moving from jazz to funk and then soul works well.”
THE DANCING
“People will only dance if the music is over 85 decibels,” says Sam Bompas of design house Bompas & Parr. Time to turn up the volume!
THE ENTERTAINMENT
The best way to end a bash? A good old-fashioned singalong. Natalie Lee-Joe, co-founder of London restaurant and karaoke bar Jidori, suggests the following: Africa, Toto; I Wanna Dance With Somebody, Whitney Houston; Since U Been Gone, Kelly Clarkson; 9 To 5, Dolly Parton; Shake It Off, Taylor Swift