New Years Eve Party Tips
Having a New Years Eve Party? Below are a few party ideas
the Whats On Darwin team have put together in order to make your party
a raging success!
Party Planning
Plan ahead, it's attention to detail that makes the difference.
Allow plenty of time to prepare for your party, make a list and shop smart.
Things can get hectic and expensive when party time approaches so stay
organised so you can enjoy the planning as much as the PARTY!
Party Invitation Ideas
Written invites are a great idea. Try to make them fun
and different. Use your personality but don't forget the basics like:
Time, Place and Dress Code. Tell your guests when the party starts and
when it will end. Specify the location to avoid confusion. Let your guests
know what kind of attire is appropriate. If your anticipating a semi formal
gathering let them know.
Liquor
If your guests are expected to bring their own booze,
let them know in the invitation. If your serving alcohol don't forget
the ice! You can never have too much ice at a party. Use quality ice for
the best tasting mixed drinks. Add fresh fruit to your shopping list.
Limes, lemons and oranges should be sliced in advance. Consider making
two punch bowls; one with booze and one without for your non imbibing
guests. Remember, you are responsible for the safety of your guests so
do not encourage excessive drinking.
Smoking
If your party is being held in a non smoking household
try to make accommodations for smokers. A room with a fan blowing out
is a nice thought. If you do not have a place for smokers let them know
in advance that the party is held in a non smoking household.
Guest Books
Providing a guest book can be fun and help make the party
memorable. Don't be afraid to put out a guest book and invite your guests
to sign in as they arrive.
Atmosphere
Create a festive party atmosphere with decorations, scents
and music. Use scented candles or simmer a pot of water with cinnamon
and citrus fruit to fill the house with a delightful aroma. Choose your
favorite music and have it playing softly in the background when guests
arrive. Consider unplugging or removing your television if it's located
in the party area. Nothing spoils the interaction of guests quicker than
a group of people huddled around a television set telling guests to shoosh!
Kill your TV! (at least for the party).
Lighting
Creative lighting will contribute much to the atmosphere.
Try replacing some bulbs with coloured lamps or low wattage bulbs. Candles
are also great way to create ambience to your party.
Music
Music is an important element of most parties. If pre
recorded music is to be used, consider the musical preferences of your
guests. Have a variety of music available. Put your depressing music selections
away, keep the music upbeat and "mass appeal" for best results.
Music helps set mood, so use with discretion.
Parking
Try to make provisions for parking in advance. If you
will be allowing guests to park on the lawn or in the back yard, let them
know in your invitation. Ask your neighbors about parking options or warn
them that guests will be parking on the street.
Seating
Consider removing all the chairs from the party area.
This will create more room for people to mingle and have a dance.
Extras
A scented candle in the bathroom is a nice touch. Also,
don't forget to leave extra rolls of toilet paper in easy view.
Accidents & Spills
Accidents are part of life. Don't let an accident or
spill ruin the party. Have some spot remover on hand just in case. You
may want to remove extremely valuable items and / or furnishings. Move
that rare Persian rug to a safe place until the party is over.
Coffee & Snacks
You can never have too much food at a party. Be sure
to have plenty of hot coffee and snacks on hand for late in the evening.
Party Jokes
If you (or one of your guests) are skilled at joke telling,
try some tasteful jokes and invite your guests to participate. This exercise
can often "break the ice" and get your guests sharing jokes
and humorous stories.
The Law
Sometimes even the quietest of parties will precipitate
a visit from the local law enforcement agency. If the police arrive be
courteous. They may have been called to your party by an irate or concerned
neighbor (who may not have been invited!). Try to answer the concerns
of the police officer outside your front door. Stay calm and respond to
reasonable requests ("keep the noise down, move vehicles that may
be blocking the roadway, etc.") If you are intoxicated, don't attempt
to negotiate with the police, send your spouse or trusted friend to the
door, an intoxicated host gives the police a valid reason for concern
(and possibly further action). Lesson #1 never get out of control, especially
at your own party!
Party Time
Now that the work is done, relax! Let your guests enjoy
themselves. With the proper ingredients in place, everyone should have
a great time. With good food, good cheer and good friends you can't miss!
Party hearty and have fun. Make room for guests who have had too much
to eat or drink. Don't let a guest who over drinks drive, it could save
a life and it could save YOU from a lawsuit. As the host, you are responsible
for the safety of your guests.
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