Is it time to up your game from beer and pretzels with pals to something more like “Mad Men” cool and confident for your next at-home party?
Confident guys know how to entertain and to make their guests feel comfortable and welcome. With a little preparation, you can put together a more sophisticated gathering of friends that bends the “gang gets together” rules and still guarantees a good time for everyone.
To make your party come off without a hitch, some pre-party prep is vital. First on the list: clean it up! Tuck stacks of magazines, papers and superfluous personal items away – less clutter makes any space seem bigger. Common areas should be clean, so vacuum and mop, dust surfaces, and make sure windows and mirrors are shiny and streak-free. For any party, the bathroom must be spotless. Clean the fixtures and floors, and put out fresh soap and towels. People will always sneak a peek, so clean up the bedroom too.
Great parties are all in the details. Make a list of who you’re inviting, the food and drinks you plan to serve, and don’t forget details like music, candles, and any decorations you plan to add. You’ll want to be present at the party to enjoy time with your guests, so arrange to set up the bar somewhere central where you can serve and still be a part of the action.
If you’re not ready to take the leap into serving a sit-down dinner, a cocktail party is more easily manageable. Be sure you stock up on basics, like items for one of the most critical centers of the evening: the bar. Make sure you’ve got plenty of ice, tonic, fresh sliced lemons/limes for drink garnishes (can’t make a proper gin and tonic without the lime!) as well as club soda for mixers. Don’t forget the right bar tools, either — make sure you’ve got a couple of shakers, strainers, bar spoons, even a blender to keep the evening flowing.
If you don’t have nice glassware, it’s fun and inexpensive to use acrylic party glasses. No worries about breakage, and they come in plain colors and party patterns.
Not being stuck in the kitchen allows you to play the good host, so plan a menu you can manage easily. Many finger foods, dips, trays of fresh fruit/cheese/crackers and a delicious variety of great hors d’oeuvres can be bought or prepared ahead of time so you can mingle and munch with the guests.
What makes a great host? Knowing your guests and making them feel welcome. Diverse groups are interesting and usually generate more lively conversations. Act on instinct and pair someone shy with another more outgoing guest who will coax the timid ones out of their shell. Enjoy the company yourself, and be sure to circulate and give every person some individual attention. It’s up to you to be the charming host and make sure that all of your friends are enjoying themselves.
The mood of the party comes from you, and from any theme you’ve set. Bright lights and upbeat music give a completely different vibe to a party than a patio gathering under the stars with candlelight and soft jazz. Decide what suits you and set the mood with your choices of lighting, music and simple decorations. Don’t forget to tell the guests enough about your plan so that they can dress appropriately.
Great classic cocktails, good food and music, friends you’re always happy to see…remember the reason you’ve invited these people into your home and enjoy their company.
