Party Tips

So you are going to throw a party ... and want to hear on next day from your guest ... What a party that was ... ??? So just before giving party ... read these important and useful tips ...

How to throw a great party

• So you wanna throw a party at home?

• It's simple you know. The mantra is: the fun begins from the word go!

• All it takes is a little bit of planning.

Date and Time

• Decide a date, preferably a Friday or Saturday.

• A Saturday dinner works best. It gives you the whole day to go through your to-do list.

• Sunday brunch is also a good idea. You could entertain people until the evening and still have enough time to organise yourself for the upcoming week at work.

• Sunday dinner? Nah, it is just too close to Monday morning blues.

Who's invited?

• The guest list isn't as easy as it sounds: Make a list a week in advance.

• Check with your best pal/girlfriend/boyfriend/spouse about who they want to invite.

• Be prepared to add and subtract -- it is just impossible to invite all our favourite people.

• Besides, you also have to consider space (at home) and your budget.

• What you could do is invite people in batches. If you can't call one set this month, call them next month!

How to call or Invite

• Inviting is not an art. But don't be callous.

• Tell them in person, on the phone, on e-mail. Do all three, preferably.

• How long does it take to shoot an e-mail, after all?

• Invite your friends four, five days in advance. In case there are dropouts, you will have enough time to invite someone else

The dress code

• Do let your guests know who else is coming to the party.

• If you have a dress code, let them know what they should wear.

• Of course, the best thing would be to ask them to wear anything they want -- shorts, pyjamas, salwar-kameezes, halters. You want your guests to be comfortable, right?

Confer and revel

• Check with your guests on the menu and drinks they would like. Pamper them a little!

• If they offer to bring a bottle of wine or dessert, be frank. Tell them yes or no.

• If you know they will bring something anyway, tell them what you prefer -- chocolate cake, red wine, vodka, whatever

Check, check, check!

• Do you have enough plates, glasses, cutlery, dessert bowls?

• Borrow from a friend, if you are okay with it.

• If that's not your scene, get those use and throw plates. They serve the purpose, even if they don't look great.

One day before

• Stack enough ice trays in the freezer.

• Make room in your refrigerator for bottles, dessert, etc.

• Mark vegetarian and non-vegetarian food covers for the microwave.

• If you are ordering food, have the menu ready.

• If you are cooking, your ingredients should be ready.

Must-haves!

Your party will fizzle without:

• napkins

• Wine openers

• A large dustbin. Put an additional big plastic bag in the kitchen to chuck empty bottles and soiled napkins.

And the food!

What to feed them?

• If you are a shaky cook or simply don't have the time, ask your cook to fix a meal. And/or order some food from outside.

• Stick to one type of cuisine. If it is Indian, avoid Sesame Chicken as a starter and Biryani as main course.

• Stick to one or two main vegetarian and non vegetarian dishes instead of having a huge spread.

• Two starters, two main course dishes and two desserts are a great idea.

What's a party without booze?

• Once you have your guests' preferences, stock the bar accordingly.

• Vodka, red and white wine, rum, whisky are the usual suspects.

• Put the wine in the refrigerator half an hour before serving.

• There are many wine options available. Shops usually keep a list and will show you what they have. Here are some good, economical options for wine: Sula Chenin Blanc, Sula Blush. Both bottles cost under Rs 500.

Music

• Play your favourite and keep some tapes or CDs on top so that guests too have a choice.

• Avoid blaring the music. The best parties are driven by conversation and laughter.

Next stop: Bathroom

• This is an absolute must!

• See that your bathroom is clean. It is the one place that is used most at a party.

• Keep a clean hand towel and box of tissues, hand wash and extra toilet roll.

• Put some flowers by the sink -- mogras in a bowl smell great.

• Scented candles bring that extra touch of warmth.

Flower power

• Don't have a party without flowers!

• Get flowers you like. Stick them in glasses, empty wine bottles or vases.

• Red, yellow, pink Gerberas look great in transparent white jugs.

• Put them over your refrigerator, on the floor, in the bookcase.

• A green potted plant by your door looks great.

Smoker's corner

• Do not allow smokers to engulf your living room with cigarette dhuan (smoke).

• Tell them beforehand to use the balcony or the verandah.

• Keep some ashtrays handy. It's terrible to find ash all over your plants and the floor.

• Keep some stools ready at the smoker's corner. Smokers usually have a conference of sorts even when squeezed in a corner.

Freeway to everywhere

• Open your home to your guests.

• Allow them in the kitchen, bedroom, study: it gives everyone space and creates a friendly atmosphere.

• Do lock your cupboards/ wardrobe.

• Put away valuables -- curios, etc. Remember, things can get stolen at any party.

You are the best host when...

• You dress well and comfortably.

• You have to stretch and pick up the crumbs, wash glasses when you run out of clean ones and squat on the floor to chat.

• Don't get stressed about your guests. Show them around -- where the food, microwave, booze, etc are -- and let them help themselves.

When the party's over

• Put all the leftovers in the fridge.

• Stack plates in the sink and hit the bed.

• Wake up late the following morning and chill.

• And don't forget to send SMSes to your friends, thanking them for coming to your party!

Courtsey - Rediff.com