If you’re throwing a get-together for friends or family this festive season, we’ve got all the ideas you need to put on a fun-filled celebration that’s guaranteed to blow your guests away. Use these top tips to create and host the perfect party.
1. Decide on a theme and go to town
Make sure your party is unforgettable by giving it a theme – a retro cocktail party can be really fun. It also ensures that your decor has a golden thread so everything will match and look stunning. Fancy dress is an instant ice-breaker and a trivia quiz gets everyone involved – it’s a great way to mix your guests up. Have a few games lined up for if things get quiet, but don’t make your guests stick to a schedule – the mood should be fun, but relaxed.
Set up a photo booth with a glittery backdrop and get your guests to take fun snaps with this quirky party prop pack.
ALSO SEE: DIY Christmas Decorations
Party Prop Pack, R199,99, Typo
2. Make a great first impression
Be bold and don’t shy away from using large-scale decorations in your reception area. It’s all too easy to play it safe, but the bigger, the better! Use large hanging accessories to give your home an impressive entrance as guests walk through the door. Large silver snowflake pinwheels, 3D hanging stars, and pompoms are all inexpensive, yet full of impact. Head to Partyspot for a great in-store selection.
3. Be prepared
The easiest way to stay stress-free (and enjoy your own party) is to do some of the work before everyone arrives. Set up a dazzling drinks display with sophisticated canapés to impress your guests as they walk in. Tasting spoons are easy to use, and make canapés look professional. Think about how you’d like the evening to proceed – the larger the gathering, the more time you’ll want to allow for mingling, especially if you’re having a sit-down meal later. Helpers are always welcome, too, so ask younger guests to make sure glasses are kept topped up and plates are cleared!
Enlist the help of this all-in-one corkscrew and foil cutter. It will make opening wine bottles a cinch, plus it can also be used to open bottles of oil or vinegar.
Oxo Steel Winged Corkscrew with Removable Foil Cutter, R569, Yuppiechef
4. Make it easier for yourself
Catering for more than 10 people can be a challenge when it comes to cutlery and dishes. While you can hire, the washing up and clearing is a pain, even with the help of a dishwasher. Luckily, disposables don’t need to be expensive, and can look sophisticated, too. This is definitely the way to go for glassware, with no chance of breakages. West Pack has a large selection of paper plates and cups in various colours, but keep a few bin bags handy to help with cleaning up afterwards.
5. Keep younger generations entertained…
… by giving them a party of their own and setting up a table especially for them. You can tailor the food and drink accordingly, and add fun craft activities, like mask-making for the younger ones. Teenagers will love a ‘mocktail’ party so create lots of colourful, alcohol-free concoctions in coloured plastic glassware. You can also serve some sparkling grape juice for a harmless version of fizz – a guaranteed hit!
6. Get accessories
Ensure that your guests get into festive season spirit with some fun party accessories. We love these adorable hats from the Crazy Store.
Elf Santa Hats with Ears, R39,99 each, The Crazy Store
7. Serve up in style
Use platters, bowls and serving boards for chips, nuts, salads and other snacks so guests can nibble as they mingle. Edgars Home has a lovely range called the Hotel Collection.
Hotel Collection Crockery, from R109,95 for a 3-divisional serving platter, Edgars Home
Use these tips and tricks and we guarantee your party will be a festive success. Cheers!
By Food & Décor Editor, Claire Badenhorst
