While instant meat-flavored jellies and cupcake-patterned silk dresses have been out of fashion for a long time, entertaining guests is still essential. If you're having a party, formal or informal, and you're not sure how to start, we've got you covered. Actually all this is not as difficult as it sounds; little setting, food, drink, and lots of conversation starters and lots of activity; then you will be ready to throw a great party and manage to entertain your guests very well. If you're actually looking for ways to make other people laugh and entertain them with jokes, check out our article (in English) entitled How to Entertain People.
Step
Part 1 of 4: Getting Ready
Step 1. Prepare the party area
Start by preparing the party area. Maybe you need to rearrange the existing furniture, so that the available space can be used to its fullest and people can sit and stand chatting with each other more easily. You may also want to set up a quieter chat area, one that isn't too close to the rest of the area, so that people who need a little quiet can take advantage of it.
- Try to divide large areas into smaller spaces, to facilitate conversation for small groups, which usually form when large crowds gather.
- If the space is too small, move as much furniture into the corner as possible, or move unnecessary furniture to another room, to make the party space more spacious.
Step 2. Clean the party area
Once the party area is ready to your liking, start cleaning it up. You need to make a good impression on your guests. What needs to be cleaned depends on the venue itself, but here are some suggested cleanings to start with:
- Throwing trash out
- Sweeping and mopping the floor
- Clean the windows and windows
- Tidy up the scattered things
- Thoroughly clean the kitchen and bathroom.
Step 3. Don't forget the points that usually tend to be forgotten
There are lots of spots that we often forget to clean and parties are the perfect excuse to make sure that they are thoroughly cleaned. Clean it thoroughly, get rid of items that you normally leave lying around, and make sure that the area that was occupied by your furniture (which is now being moved) is thoroughly cleaned.
- For example, many people forget to clean the bottom of the toilet seat before having a party. The female guests may not notice it, but the male guests will notice a sticky, crusty layer of dirt on your toilet seat!
- Another point that is often overlooked is the front page. This is the point that will make the first impression on your guests, so you need to make sure it looks neat, clean and well-groomed.
- Don't forget to check the contents of the fridge. Many people will open your fridge to get a drink, and you don't want them to see a layer of hardened meat on the shelf.
Step 4. Get rid of any objects you don't want your guests to be around
Once things are clean, list the items you need to remove from the party area. There are so many things you don't want guests around, for a variety of reasons. For example, fragile objects, valuables, and sensitive items. Remove and move these items to another room until you are done entertaining guests.
For example, your late great-grandfather's pocket watch may have been in a box in your living room before, but if you don't know everyone who will be at the party, you might want to move it somewhere less visible to guests
Step 5. Make the decorations
With the party area laid out and cleaned, you now need to add some finishing touches that will really wow your guests. You may be familiar with decorating ideas with ribbons for birthday parties, and cobwebs for Halloween parties, but don't get hung up on these decorating ideas alone. You have so many choices.
For example, you want to throw a farewell party for a friend who is moving to another city or country. Make party decorations with a theme based on where the friend is going, then the friend will appreciate that you really support and encourage his decision
Step 6. Don't forget the accompaniment music
Once everything else is ready, start putting together a playlist. Music can be an element of reinforcement or even destroyer at a party, so you need to really consider what music you will use as a party accompaniment. Make sure that you don't play music at a very loud volume, as guests will need to hear each other while they are chatting later.
- Try to set the theme of the party music according to the tastes of the guests. But if you're not sure about this, choose music that you generally like. The music of Bob Marley or the Jackson 5 is great for summer parties, while music from the Frank Sinatra era is perfect for winter get-togethers, for example.
- You can use websites like Pandora, as a DJ to help you out. This will help you take the hassle out of it and ensure that the songs are blended properly. You can organize music on online radio stations based on any theme or musical taste, so it's a good choice for hosting a party.
- Here are some basics to guide you through connecting speakers to your computer, if you don't already know how to compose music for a party.
Part 2 of 4: Making and Serving Food
Step 1. Start with appetizers and snacks
Appetizers, snacks and other bite-sized meals are essential for hosting a party. These foods are easy to enjoy in between activities and conversations. The main food tends to keep the mouth full for quite a long time, making it difficult for people to interact with each other. You don't even need to prepare a main meal at all if you already have a lot of snacks.
Suitable options include plain biscuits with cheese, snacks with dipping sauce that are small for each person, and wrapped or rolled snacks. Don't forget the most important standard menu too: chips and vegetables with dipping sauce
Step 2. Prepare a heavier meal
If your party is past mealtime, of course you need to make sure there's a little heavier food available as well. Those who are very hungry will finish the snacks served, so the other guests don't get a share. Plan your menu ahead of time and choose foods that are easy and quick to prepare and don't cost too much.
For example, a special corner for burritos can be prepared quickly and very inexpensively. This option will also be quite appropriate for different tastes and dietary restrictions
Step 3. Serve the dessert
Everyone loves dessert. While the other dishes you serve may not be quite right, a truly delicious dessert will leave your guests with a great impression of your party. Of course, you can buy desserts from the nearest store (choose the best even if they are expensive), but you can also make your own.
Did you know that you can make delicious and amazing cheesecakes with the help of a blender and simple ingredients, namely milk, sugar, cream cheese and biscuits? Pour the batter onto the cake's bottom surface (which can be purchased at pastry supply stores) and put fresh berries on top, then you're ready to surprise your guests very easily
Step 4. Plan your menu preparation schedule carefully
When planning a menu, try to think through the entire preparation. Of course, you'll need to spend a lot of time preparing the food, as you'll need to be ready to greet guests when they arrive. Choose a meal that you can make the night before or a day or two in advance, which only needs to be reheated just before guests arrive.
For example, you are having a formal dinner party. You can start to season the roast and leave it overnight in the marinade, and add the garlic. Also prepare a dish of mashed potatoes which only needs to be reheated when guests arrive. Top it all off with a salad that's easy to mix up in no time. That way, when party night comes you only need to mix the salad ingredients and bake the meat in the oven for about two hours, which is calculated before the guests' meal time
Step 5. Make sure that you don't run out of drinks
You need to make sure that all of your guests can enjoy plenty of drinks. Assume that each guest will spend two or three drinks throughout the party. If possible, you better prepare more. You also need to serve different types of drinks, because your guests will have different tastes. However, choose a drink menu that fits the theme and nature of the party itself.
- Good party drinks include daiquiri (with or without alcohol), flavored wine, and ginger lemonade.
- You can serve drinks with a unique look. For example, you can make a drink bowl from ice cubes to serve mixed fruit drinks.
Step 6. Arrange the serving of the food
Once everything is ready, you can start arranging the serving of the food. For a formal party, each guest will sit around a large dining table. For a less formal party, you are better off serving food with a table positioned on the side or in a corner, so as not to disturb the traffic of guests. Make sure that you are not serving food that will quickly change in temperature, taste or appearance. Cold food and hot food should be served just as they are going to be eaten.
- Placing food on several levels or layers will make each type easy to reach. However, do not lean any food on food or other objects that can easily fall. You don't want all the dressing to spill into the fruit salad bowl!
- If your guests are going to eat standing up, try to choose foods that are easy to eat standing up too. Some types of food will be difficult to eat while standing, such as soup.
Part 3 of 4: Being a Good Host and Hostess
Step 1. Welcome guests warmly into your home
When guests arrive, you need to start by giving them a warm welcome. Don't ignore them or encourage them to chat with other people, even though it may not be a formal party. This can make your guests feel neglected and unwelcome.
Say simple things like “Oh, I'm so excited because you came. Come on, please have fun at this party.” it's enough
Step 2. Show your home to guests
If you have enough time. Show your guests the party area in your house. You don't have to take them through your entire collection of objects, but you do need to show them where the restrooms are and where the food is.
You'll also need to indicate where guests can put their luggage, as well as any rules that apply to your home (eg shoes are not worn in certain spaces), and other important matters
Step 3. Introduce the guests to each other
A good host and hostess will introduce guests to each other and help them communicate with each other. You need to make sure that the conversation between guests has taken place before you move on to other guests yourself.
For example, if you know that two particular guests are fans of a certain musician, say something like “Oh, Becca, you're going to be thrilled to hear this: Julie just watched a Macklemore concert in Seattle. Julie, Becca is a huge Macklemore fan."
Step 4. Make sure that everyone doesn't feel isolated
As the party progresses, try to chat and interact with everyone. Maybe you're closer to certain people, and you'd rather spend the night talking to these people alone, but this will make the rest of the party feel alienated. Try to keep greeting each guest every now and then, even if it's just by offering another drink.
Ask each guest at least one question throughout the party. This will show them that you are interested in them and care about their presence
Step 5. Take the guests outside when the party is over
After the party is over, say goodbye to guests as they leave your home, and thank them for coming. This will make guests feel valued and respected. Ignoring this will hurt guests' feelings and ruin their impression of your party, even if they really enjoyed the party at first.
Part 4 of 4: Have fun
Step 1. Find ways to help everyone have fun together
Of course, since this is a party, you need to prepare activities that keep guests chatting and interacting with each other. You'll want to design these activities according to the number of guests coming, as well as their interests and personalities.
- Create activities in large groups. If you have a large number of guests, there needs to be at least one activity that all guests can do together. You can hold tacky dance competitions, rent karaoke sets, and hire a dance teacher for guests. The activity you choose must of course have guests in mind. For example, if your guests are quiet women, a crafts teacher would be more appropriate than a dance teacher.
- Create activities in small groups. If you don't have too many guests, you have more choices of activities that you can do together in small groups. You can have a game of sackhole or some board games. Don't just stick to Monopoly. Many of the newer board games are great for small group parties (about 10 players), such as Apples to Apples.
Step 2. Create a quiet area for introverted guests
Remember, not all guests are extroverts, even if they attend the party. Providing introverted guests with a quiet area to be alone for a few moments will ensure that everyone is thoroughly enjoying your party. But of course, you also need to help them interact comfortably with other guests. Try to:
Use topic cards to start a conversation. Cards of this kind contain questions or conversation topics. Place the cards in their place or on the table in the middle of the room, so that anyone can use them if necessary
Step 3. Mix indoor and outdoor activities as needed
If the party is outdoors, you need outdoor activities. If the party is indoors, you need indoor activities. It's also good to be prepared with both types of activity options. Just don't forget that if you're planning an outdoor party and the natural environment doesn't work (rainy weather, for example), you'll need indoor activities as a backup plan.
- For outdoor activities, you can host a carnival game, make a marshmallow grill area, or an open-air cinema.
- For indoor activities, you can create a photo area (all you need is a camera, camera stand, backdrop, and some props), hold a gift exchange, or create a temporary tattoo area.
Step 4. Match the activity theme to the party theme
Choosing a party theme can help you plan activities. For certain occasions, the theme will appear by itself (for example, a party celebrating a certain holiday). If not, you should think of a party theme and activity theme that will appeal to guests.
- For a fun '20s-themed party, show silent movies and play casino-like games. You can also make non-alcoholic cocktails if many of your guests are not old enough for alcoholic beverages.
- For men's special parties, bring special cigar rollers. Mix the ingredients specifically for this party, then bring in a professional to roll the cigars for guests who want to try them.
Step 5. Consider a formal party
If your party is formal, you may need to take a slightly different approach to hosting guests. Make sure that you take this into account when planning the event. Often, formal parties are more difficult to organize, as guests tend to be less friendly and welcoming. This means that you may need to make sure that there is a help topic so that everyone can chat and interact with each other.
- You can play "Who Am I?" Write the name of a famous person on the card, then tape the card on the back of each guest. Then the guests have to ask each other questions until they can guess the names of the characters attached to each other's backs.
- Things that can help guests to do activities are the right choice for formal parties.
