Whether you’re getting’ down for Labor Day or planning a
Halloween bash already, snag our secrets to success. We’ve compiled our
best-yet rules for a memorable party that’ll have your guests begging to come
back next year to do it all over again. What are you waiting for? Let’s get
this party started!
1. Get your invites out early
An impromptu party has its perks, but when the holidays come
around—Labor Day, Halloween, New Year’s, we’re lookin’ at you—it pays to plan
ahead. Book your buds way in advance so
that they don’t make other plans while you’re still waffling about hosting your
tree-decorating party this
weekend or next weekend.
2. Don’t get stuck on planning the party of the season
If you approach your bash with the idea that you have to top your frenemy’s Fourth of July blowout, then
you’re not going to have any fun. Focus on your party, not on how it measures
up to someone else’s. A good party isn’t about how much money you spend or if
the cool kids show up. It’s about how much fun you and your guests have had at
the end of the night.
3. Ask for help!
Party planning is tough work! Don’t feel guilty about
bringing your bestie on board as co-hostess. You two can divide the
responsibilities and the final bill, and
have a blast being totally fabulous together. What’s bad about that?
4. Think thematically
Not every party has to have a traditional theme—think luau,
monster mash, ‘80s dance-off. But even if your shindig is of the backyard
cookout variety, you do need to give
yourself some sort of limitations, be it with the color scheme or the type of
food you’re offering. Nobody wants to see clashing red and green when it’s not
Christmas, and nobody’s gonna dig into your taco-and-BBQ-rib buffet. Make some
choices and stick with ‘em.
5. Know your guests
Maybe your buds are typically shy, or perhaps one chica has
a food allergy. Plot these out ahead of time and figure out who you can
introduce your wallflower to, and what your allergic lady can safely eat. That
way, everyone will be happy and having fun.
6. Pump up the tunes
What makes a good party great? Fantabulous music that gets
ya singin’ and dancin’. Pop your favorites into a playlist that’s way longer
than your planned party time…just in case. For bonus points, as your guests to
include a song choice with their RSVP so everybody can bop along to their
favorite jams.
7. Always ask Mom and Dad
Don’t be the babe that throws a bash the night her ‘rents go
out of town. It never ends well, and frankly, the risks are far greater than
the potential rewards. Yeah, you might have fun, but you might also totally
shred your parents’ trust in you, and that has repercussions. Wait ‘til M&D
have OK’ed your event, and then go wild,
OK?
What’s your number-one party rule?
BY BRITTANY TAYLOR ON 8/20/2011 12:00:00 AM
POSTED IN holiday, halloween, new year's, party ideas, holiday parties, winter parties, autumn parties, summer parties, how to throw a killer party