My 3 golden party rules
I’ve always had a love for planning parties – from sleepovers with girlfriends in middle school to prom after-party to summer wine parties in the city. There is something special about bringing together people that you love and care about under one roof for one simple reason – to party! A fun gathering to laugh, talk, eat, listen to music and simply enjoy the company of your friends and family. I started Posh Party Playbook as a fun passion project to share the tips, tricks and trends that I’ve picked up in my own party planning and interesting things that I’ve seen in the industry. When it comes to social gatherings that I have planned, I’ve always found that my 3 golden party rules are always the first place I start when building out my plan for food, decor and more.
Set the Scene: Let’s decorate!
I am a firm believer in setting the scene before guests arrive, whether that be a full décor set up, sprucing up the bar cart with some greenery or even just dimming the lighting. It’s very easy to set out some pre-made food trays, bags of chips and a pack of soda. But! It only takes a little more effort to plate your food and set out the drinks to make your refreshment table more inviting for your guests. My go-to scene setting move for smaller gatherings is preparing a specialty cheese & spread tray, lighting a few candles (BIG candle gal) and setting out a vase of fresh flowers!
What is your go-to move? Think about your space: Determine items that are easy to gather on short notice, and select items that you can prepare quickly. You never know when you’ll have to entertain!
Start the Party: Pop the champagne!
Cranking up the tunes, pouring a delicious cocktail or even announcing an ice breaker are easy ways for the host to kick off the gathering and give guests something to talk about. To elevate your party, try to think beyond the basics brews and bottles of wine.
Quick Tip: Consider setting up a wine tasting bar with cheese pairings to get guests excited and mingling.
A group ice breaker (not the cheesy kind), such as asking everyone a general question (Is anyone going out of the country this year?) is a great way to get people chatting about a topic too.
Enlist close friends to help you start the party if you have to. To be completely honest, I am the worst when it comes to building party playlists, so I always ask for help. We all know which friends mix the best drinks, can carry a conversation or are the first ones on the dance floor. So, whatever the party scenario, get your friends involved to keep the energy up.
Snap the Memories: Pictures are a must!
Okay, who’s phone has the best camera? My friends know that I’m always pulling out a camera to capture the memories – whether it’s a work event, family gathering or girl’s brunch. These days it seems like it takes two months to plan a quick Saturday coffee between everyone’s work schedules, family dinners and out-of-town trips. (Yay, adulting.) I always like to remember the moment with a little photo memento. Some parties have photobooths and fun props, while others have professional photographers and videographers with drones. Wherever you fall on the spectrum of capturing the memories, just do it! Life goes by too fast not to snap the moments with those closest to you. It’s always so heart-warming to look back weeks or months later and remember all of the fun you had.