If you expect 5 guests, for instance, you’ll have very different plans than a party with 50 guests.
If you want to have a casual, intimate celebration with a few close friends, host your party at your house. That way, you can set up at your own pace. If you’ll be serving a meal to a large group, consider holding your party at your favorite restaurant. Just be sure to let guests know if you expect them to pick up their own checks. Rent a tent or a pavilion if you want to have a large outdoor barbecue for your party, but be sure you have a backup in case it rains.
If you want to have a Roaring 20s theme, ask the girls to wear feathered headbands and flapper dresses, then decorate everything in black and gold and Art Deco. Serve champagne and play jazzy music when your guests arrive. Throw a 70s disco party by hanging a disco ball, decorating in neons, and playing fun dance music all night. Ask guests to wear platform shoes, bell-bottoms, and plenty of glitter, and have fun fruity cocktails available. Have your friends wear their jeans and cowboy boots to your Country-and-Western-themed party. Play line-dancing music and make sure there’s plenty of beer on hand!
If you’re not going to serve a meal, opt for a variety of finger foods. Plan for 3 to 5 servings of appetizers per guest, although you might want to have extra on hand in case of last minute arrivals. If you are having a seated meal, small appetizers like chips and dip or pretzels will whet your guests’ appetites without filling them up too much. In this case, 2 to 3 servings of appetizers per guest should be sufficient. Provide a variety of beverages, including water and soda, even if you’re serving cocktails. Some of your guests may not drink, and they’ll appreciate having plenty of options. Plan for guests to drink 1 beverage per hour, plus 1 additional drink apiece. If the weather is warm, you may want to have extra drinks on hand, since people will likely drink more. [3] X Research source
If you have multiple tiers, you can factor that into your serving size as well. If you don’t want a birthday cake, you can have any dessert you like, including cookies, cupcakes, pies, or no dessert at all. After all, it’s is your birthday party!
Of course, you should have extra supplies on hand in case everyone shows up!
If you’re having a large party, try to invite a mixture of people from different backgrounds, career fields, and even age groups. This will help ensure that your guests enjoy mingling with a variety of different people instead of just the same friends they see all the time. [7] X Research source If you’re having a small, intimate gathering, inviting friends who are already close is perfectly fine.
Everyone loves getting something in the mail, so if you have enough time, mail paper invites! If you’re on a time crunch, online invites are convenient and can reach your guests immediately.
If your party has a theme or a dress code, include that on the invitation as well.
An added bonus to reaching out to your friends is that it will let them know that you genuinely care whether or not they’re at the party. Try saying something like, “Hey Jane, I haven’t heard from you! I’m really hoping you’ll be at my party next Friday night, and Sasha and Joe said they’re looking forward to seeing you again, too. Do you think you’ll be able to make it?”
If you’re having a big party, you might want to hire a DJ to keep the music going.
If it’s not possible to decorate a day ahead, try to find a couple of friends who you can trust to take charge of the party decor. Ask them to arrive at the venue an hour or so before the party to hang decorations, set out party favors, and arrange chairs.
If the party is held at a restaurant or another venue, try to get there early so you can greet guests as they arrive.
If you’re having a small get-together, plan a craft project that you and your friends can do together. If everyone at the party is an adult, play a drinking game like beer pong. Just make sure everyone who is drinking has a ride home! Put out games like cornhole or lawn darts for an outdoor party.
For instance, if 2 people in the room both ride horses, point that out and they’ll instantly have something to talk about. If you have a certain friend who always makes other people feel comfortable, take the time to let them know it’s really important they attend. You can even ask them to help you work the room, making sure no one is standing alone. [14] X Research source
Have extra trash bags on hand so you can quickly dispose of paper plates, napkins, and plastic cups. It’s a good idea to have extra resealable plastic bags and plastic containers with lids to easily store any leftovers.
