There’s nothing wrong with living for the weekends when your weekend plans are always on point. You know what they say… work hard, play harder.
What some people don’t realise, however, is that iconic weekend plans don’t always need to involve going out out. Why, when we can still get glammed up and enjoy immense vibes from the comfort of our own homes, avoiding expensive cocktails and busy bars?
Summer is right around the corner, which means endless opportunities to pour ourselves a drink in the sun and let our hair down.
Hosting doesn’t have to be stressful, either. Here are our top tips to help you become the ultimate hostess.
Step one: Planning
First things first: decide the perfect date and time for your party.
You could take things up a notch by creating traditional printed party invitations with pretty patterns and fancy font, but hey, we know time is precious. Creating a WhatsApp group with all the people you want to invite is just as good.
Next up in the planning stage is setting the right theme. Decorate your house and garden wisely, pick games and activities specific to the occasion, and set a strict dress code.
For example, if you want to create luxury vibes, everyone should be encouraged to wear their most glamorous fits – think red mini dresses, sequin maxi dresses, and drape arm playsuits.
Step two: Preparations
You want to be able to enjoy yourself at your own party, which means preparation beforehand is key. Here are a few things you’ll want to consider way ahead of the occasion:
Cleaning your home – Create a cleaning checklist to guarantee no job is forgotten about. Your list should include tasks such as cleaning the light fixtures, washing all glassware (especially important if you don’t plan on giving your guests plastic cups) and mowing the grass.
Shopping for food and drink – While it’s not uncommon to advise party guests to bring their own alcohol, a good host should still have some food and drink available. In advance of the big day, hit up your local supermarket for some beers, wine, soft drinks, BBQ food, and a few ‘picky bits’.
Rearranging the home or garden – Having multiple people in your home or garden means you need to be conscious about space. Is there ample seating? Enough room to dance? A table where food and drink can go?
Customised cocktails – Guests appreciate personal touches at parties because it makes them feel special and creates a more memorable event. Consider arranging a signature cocktail for each of your friends. ‘Gin-ger Spritz’ for your redhead pal; ‘The Rum Runner’ for the friend that loves running; ‘Bourbon Baker’ for the mate that works in a bakery. You get our drift.
Music playlist – Conversations should be flowing just as much as the prosecco, but good music is still a must. Create the best playlist by knowing who your audience is (consider the age and tastes of the party attendees) and thinking about the type of atmosphere you want to create.
Playing tunes by Ariana Grande and Beyonce will create sassy and empowering vibes, for example, whereas Avicii and David Guetta will set an energetic and upbeat atmosphere.
Step three: Hosting
Now comes the most important part… Successfully becoming the ‘hostess with the mostest.’
Make sure you’re available to welcome each person and group as they arrive at the party; show them where to put their stuff, point out where the toilet is, and introduce them to other guests.
Things might feel a little awkward at first, especially if you’re merging multiple friendship groups, but after a few cocktails and a couple of shots, people will soon warm up.
As the atmosphere begins to build, consider kicking off any games or activities you have planned. Be careful not to be too forceful with it (some people just want to chill and enjoy the vibes!), but let guests know they’re welcome to get involved with whatever you’ve got lined up.
Treating your guests to a BBQ feast in the summer sunshine? If you can’t give the responsibility to someone else completely (avoid smoke-smelling hair at all costs), here are a few tips to ensure you (wo)man the grill like an expert while still being the best host:
Prep, prep, prep: Before the party starts, make sure you have everything you need for the BBQ in one place, including utensils, charcoal, lighter fluid, and any seasonings or sauces.
Create a designated area: Make sure the grilling will be taking place away from other party activities. Not only is this safer for you and your guests, but it’ll also ensure you don’t get distracted and leave the sausages sizzling for too long.
Ask for help: Don’t be afraid to dish out tasks to guests or family members. For example, one friend could help with prepping the food, while another could assist with serving. Teamwork makes the BBQ work.
Cook in batches: If you have a lot of food to cook, consider cooking in batches to free up some time to socialise and enjoy yourself.
The most important step: Have fun!
Being a good host doesn’t have to mean sacrificing your own fun and memories. Sure, it can feel a little stressful at times, and you might experience some pressure in the build-up, but it will all work out in the end.
A little bit of prep goes a long, long way. Follow our guide and there’s no reason why you can’t host an amazing party that ticks all the right boxes!
