We all love a good party, but how do make sure your goes with a bang and not a fizzle?

Throwing a party is a 2 part process, planning and execution, and it's important to pay attention to both parts. It's not good planning the most amazing party if on the day itself everyone has a terrible time because their host is dead drunk and forgets to put out the food!

PLANNING

The first thing to do is decide on the type of party you want to throw. Do you want a theme or are you just going to throw a general get together? Is it a sit down meal or finger food? What kind of music will you play?

Imagine how you want the party to look in your head and that will give you a general start point. Is it bright and full of people standing and chatting in a civilised manner? Are people dancing and drinking in a darkened room?

The next step in planning is to draw up yor guest list and send out invitations. Bear in mind the size of your venue when inviting guests. You don't want them to rattle around like marbles in a jar, but neither do you want them so stuffed together they can't breathe. Remember to ask people to RSVP so that you have an idea of how many to expect and can make last minute adjustments. If there is a theme, include this in your invites, and make sure to include the address and wether people are to bring their own drinks.

Next it's time to plan your decorations and food. First decide if you are catering yourself or using an outside caterer. If you are using an outside caterer contact them first for quotes, if you are doing it yourself you can wait a while and plan your decorations first. Bear in mind any dietary requirements of people you might have invited when planning your menu and make sure you provide enough of each item and the necessary plates, knives, forks and napkins. Think about theming your food to your event or colour scheme, and the internet is another great place to research party food.

When decorating your party venue go back to the image in your head of how it looks, decide on a colour scheme or theme and then research it online. Remember if you are not having a sit down dinner that people will still want to sit and make sure there are chairs available.

Don't over crowd the room with decorations, but make sure they aren't lost in the space. Large scene setter rolls are available in many party stores and online and are great for creating a theme feel in the room without overcrowding with little bits. If you are going for a colour theme then draping the walls in fabric or crepe paper can be very effective. Think about your lighting too. fairy lights and side lamps can be used to create a dark yet welcoming feel to rooms. Too bright can kill the atmosphere and too dark means people can't see what they're doing!

As important as thinking about your decor lighting and food is to make sure that there are things to keep your guests entertained and to kick the party off. Think about dishing out little goodie bags, games or raffle tickets to win a prize. If your party is fancy dress ask people to vote for the best costume and dish out a small prize.

Set up games and entertainments for people. If you are having a hawaiian party set up a limbo pole, for Halloween - apple bobbing and so on.

Finally, remember the music, set up a playlist, but be prepared to be flexible. Book a DJ or hire a band.

EXECUTION

On the day itself make sure you have everything available and set up as early as you can. Once decorations and games are set up you can then check for anything that's missing, and leave yourself plenty of time for last minute adjustments.

If you are dealing with food yourself get as much prep done as possible in advance. Anything that needs to be done shortly before serving should have all it's ingredients ready to go, you can then get yourself ready for the party and prepare them whilst people are arriving.

Ensure that lights are dimmed and music is playing before people start arriving so that they don't feel they are walking into a work in progress.

Greet people at the door, take their coats, show them where to put their bottles, point out the food, show them any games or entertainments that are available. If the first few arrivals don't know each other be sure to introduce them and let them know anything they have in common so they can chat.

During the evening be aware of people looking alone or lost and offer them a drink, food, or engage them in conversation.

It doesn't matter how good your decorations are if no one has any fun! So stay alert, don't get too drunk and make sure glasses are filled and food is plentiful!

Make sure cab numbers are available for people when they want to leave and that they know where to find thier coats!

Happy Partying!

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