How to Host a Party Your Friends Will Rave About

If you love entertaining, you've thrown a party or twelve in your life. Being a good host or hostess means knowing how to cater to your guests --- whether they're your close friends or family --- so that when they leave, they can't wait to come back for the next one. Here are just a few things to remember when planning your party. 

Focus on Food and Drinks

One of the things people talk most about after leaving a party is the food. If possible, focus most of your efforts here, as your guests will likely nosh on the offerings throughout the party. Of course, the food you offer should cater to your guests and the event. For example, if your friends are a bunch of wine lovers, a few vintages and a nice charcuterie board are the perfect setups. Finger foods such as chips, dip, veggie trays, and hors d'oeuvres typically suit any palate. 

As for drinks, you can't go wrong with water, juice, and soda options. If you're hosting a summer party outdoors, you could offer alcoholic ice pops for the adults and slushy beverages for the kids.  

Spend Time With Your Guests

It's easy to get caught up in the preparations and in making sure all food and beverages are topped up, but it's not going to kill anyone if a snack runs short. Stay calm with the minor details you forget to talk with and entertain your guests. They will remember this even more than they will the food. They're coming to visit you; the other stuff is just a bonus. 

Dress It Up With a Theme

Want to get your guests active in the party? Make it a themed event and invite everyone to wear their favorite outfit --- or put one together --- that fits the subject. For example, women can wear fringe dresses at a Roaring Twenties party, while men can wear suits with a fedora. Or, go with a holiday theme such as Halloween, where everyone wears a costume (hold a contest!), or Fourth of July, with red, white, and blue taking center stage. If you want to get adventurous, throw an 80s-themed party with big hair and colorful clothes.  

Plan in Advance

While it's perfectly okay to invite people over on a whim --- say the next day or a week in advance --- chances are the turnout will be less than if you had invited them, say a month ahead of time. Not only will you have time to plan and establish a menu, but you can also go all out and decorate for the event if you have more time. Last-minute get-togethers are fun, but there's something special about seeing a party or event come together over a more extended period when you have time to put more thought into it overall. 

Set the Mood

A mood? For a party? You bet! Music is one of the best ways you can do that. Create a playlist on Spotify or YouTube music and cue it on your TV or Bluetooth speaker. Make sure it's not so loud that you can't hear yourself talk over it because if you can't, your guests won't be able to chat freely either. It should be reasonable to be heard but not too loud that it takes over the room --- unless it's a dance party, of course. Then, crank it up --- but mind noise ordinances, especially if you live in an apartment or have close neighbors!

Throwing a party or hosting a get-together is a great way to stay connected to your friends and family. With these few tips, you'll be the go-to host that everyone RSVPs "yes!" to.