How to be the Best Party Host

Here at PartyWizz, there’s nothing we love more than a good party! However, we totally understand that when you’re the one doing the hosting, it can be a little daunting.

We all know that being a fantastic host is essential if you want your guests to have the best time, but what exactly is it that makes someone a great party host?

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Being the ‘hostess (or host) with the mostest’ is about so much more than just serving up great food and drinks. It’s an art form which involves a fine balance of charm, confidence, organisation and creativity – and, of course, plenty of practice!

So, if you’re ready to take your party-hosting skills to the next level, read on as we share secrets, tips and tricks that will help you become the best party host.

Party planning

When you’re preparing to host a party, forward planning is essential:

Set the date and time for your event, not forgetting to consider the availability of your intended guests.
Select and book a venue, unless you’re hosting the party at home.
Create a guest list and send out invitations far enough in advance to ensure a good turnout.
Determine the theme of your party and make a list of any decorations you may need.
Decide on the food /drink and make a shopping list or book caterers.
Create a timeline, including when guests will arrive, when food will be served, when any games or activities will take place and when the party will end.
Chase up missing RSVPs.
If necessary, rent, or arrange to borrow, extra chairs, tables or other equipment.
Organise some help to clean bathrooms and living rooms on the day of the party.
Inform your neighbours about the party if it’s likely to affect them.

Having a well-thought-out plan ensures that everything runs as smoothly as possible and helps to reduce last-minute stress; a flustered, anxious host is not conducive to a great party.

Create a welcoming atmosphere

Decorate your home or venue in a way that feels inviting and festive. This doesn’t mean you need to spend a fortune on decorations; a few simple touches like fairy lights, fresh flowers or a themed table setting all help to create a warm and welcoming environment. Don’t forget guest bathrooms either; putting out fluffy towels, posher-than-usual liquid soap, hand lotion and tissues all say you care about your guests’ comfort too.

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Know your guests

Obviously, you’ll know your guests, but to be the best party host you’ll need to know about their likes and dislikes, needs and preferences too. This includes things like dietary restrictions and allergies, non-drinkers (although you should always provide non-alcoholic drinks as well as alcohol anyway), musical tastes and any other special accommodation your guests may require. Tailoring your party to guests’ preferences will make them feel valued and cared for.

Party food and drink

Prepare ahead as much as you can; dependent on your choices, you may be able to prepare desserts and starters the day before, leaving you less to do on the day itself. Ideally choose simple dishes that you can cook well, and which don’t require elaborate preparation or precise timings.

And on that note, a party is definitely not the occasion to test out that fantastic new recipe you found in a gourmet magazine! Remember, the less you have to do in the kitchen, the more time you will be able to spend looking after your guests.

Enlist help

You may be the host, but that doesn’t mean you have to do absolutely everything yourself. Far from it. It’s fine to ask guests to bring a dessert or party nibbles so that you have less cooking to do. In fact, many guests will be delighted to be asked as it makes them feel included. Don’t reject offers of help either; if someone offers to stack the dishwasher or make the after-dinner coffee, take them up on it! It’s a win-win situation – guests feel useful and engaged and you get to relax and spend more time with them.

You might even consider hiring someone to take care of the party food for you, leaving you with one less thing to manage.

Plan a playlist

Music really helps to set the tone for the party, so create a playlist in advance that matches the vibe you’re looking to create. Make sure you include a mix of genres to keep everyone entertained throughout the evening. If you want to make it really special, then why not hire a musician for your party who’ll take care of all the music for you?

Plan activities, games or entertainment

Depending on the type of party you’re organising, consider organising some activities or games to keep guests entertained. These could be anything from a simple trivia quiz to an elaborate scavenger hunt. If the budget allows, another option is to hire a professional entertainer such as a magician or caricaturist for example. Your guests will be wowed, and it will take some of the pressure off you too.

Engage with your guests

As the host, it’s vital that you mingle and engage with everyone at the party. It’s your job to introduce people who may not know each other, to facilitate conversation and generally make sure that everyone feels comfortable and included.

Monitor the flow

Keep a close eye on the natural flow of the party. If you notice that guests are becoming bored or disengaged, be prepared to switch things around by introducing a new activity, changing the music, or perhaps serving a signature cocktail for guests to try. This is especially important if you are hosting a kid’s party, where you’ll need to keep things moving.

Expect the unexpected

There are any number of unexpected situations that could arise at your party, from the annoying, such as running out of ice, to a guest being taken ill or the neighbours complaining. Being prepared – by giving your first-aid kit a pre-party once-over, and possibly inviting your neighbours to the party – will help you to eliminate or cope with difficulties if they arise!

Relax and enjoy the party

Finally, remember that the most important aspect of being the best party host is to enjoy yourself. If you’re relaxed and having fun, your guests will be too. So, avoid stressing over minor details and focus on creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone!

Follow these tips and you’ll be well on your way to hosting fantastic parties that your guests will be talking about long after they’re over. Happy hosting!