You’re invited…
Making guests feel special begins with the invitation. Rather than a group email (or, horrors, a bulk SMS), send a personalised handwritten note telling them how much you’d like them to be there. Ask for an RSVP with dietary requirements so you can cater accordingly. A theme is a great icebreaker. Getting people to dress up also puts them in a party mood instantly and gives them something to talk about. Visit www.sparkl.co.za for inspiration.
Come on in
Most people feel anxious when joining a group mid-conversation. Offer guests a cocktail as they arrive and face furniture towards the centre of the room, this will feel more welcoming and encourage interaction. The best hosts are relaxed and welcoming, so once you’ve done the preparation, don’t worry if it doesn’t go off exactly as you’d imagined. A drop of wine on your sofa or a muddy footprint on your rug isn’t the end of the world.
“You don’t have to be Martha Steward or Delia Smith to invite friends over,” says Shape food editor Vickie De Beer. “Realise that your house will never look absolutely perfect and you will never have exactly the right number of white China plates or crystal glasses. But you should invite people anyway, and know that even the smallest effort is usually greatly appreciated.”
Conversation starters
Don’t spend all your time in the kitchen; your guests will want to see you. Invite a variety of people who you think will hit it off. When they arrive, introduce them with thoughtful details to stimulate conversation. If you see a shy guest standing alone, ask them to help, a task will make them feel useful — and give you a chance to catch up. In one study, 75 percent of participants said helping with something made them feel valued and much happier.
Look and feel
Pay attention to decor, ambience and lighting. Pack away clutter and make some space; set the mood with fairy lights, candles or paper lanterns. Making people feel comfortable is the key to a great night.
Food, glorious food
Stick with party food you know you can pull off — now’s not the time to experiment. Get as much prep done beforehand as possible, and make sure you over-estimate on quantity, you don’t want anyone going hungry. If you’re one of those hosts who just can’t leave the kitchen, says de Beer, bring the party in! Lead everybody into the kitchen and make an ice bucket out of your sink (that way no-one will be tempted to wash the dishes) — and get cooking!
The cherry on top
Go the extra mile to make your party memorable for all the right reasons:
- Hire a babysitter so friends with kids feel welcome and free to enjoy the evening.
- Prebook a few cars or keep the number of a local cab company nearby for those who need help getting home.
- Prepare your spare room for a close friend or two to stay over, and pick up some breakfast ingredients in advance, so the fun can continue as you can regale the evening’s events the next morning.
- Make up a little gift or goodie bag for guests to take home at the end of the evening. “Always do at least one thing that will make your friends feel special, just something that will make them remember you fondly,” suggests de Beer.
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