Every party you host should be perfect, but unfortunately, that isn't always the case. All too often, little things go wrong that can turn a fun night into a disaster. But, if you are prepared and know what mistakes to avoid making, you really can have a perfect event every single time.
Take a look at these all-too-common party errors that every host needs to avoid. You'll be glad you read this through when your party goes off without a hitch!
1. Inviting the Wrong People
You've got a stunning charcuterie board, candles flickering, and a killer playlist ready to go. Then, in walks "That Guest." We all know the one who either starts a fight, overshares their personal drama, or brings their pet lizard without warning. Suddenly, your perfectly planned evening turns into a chaotic mess.
When planning a party, it is so important to think about your guest list carefully. Don't invite people just because you feel obligated, but invite people you enjoy being around and those who will go well together. Consider personalities when you plan your invite list and assess who will get along and who will be pure drama. Think about limiting the "plus ones," so you have no surprise guests who could ruin the whole atmosphere of the party.
If you invite the right mix of people, your party will flow effortlessly. But if you just throw names together willy-nilly, you could end up with awkward silences, tension, or an unexpected debate about conspiracy theories. Don't do that to yourself or your other guests!
2. Failing to Set a Time Frame
Do you think people would naturally know when to leave? We hate to tell you this, but that is never the case. If you don't set a time frame, you may end up with two major problems:
- The Early Bird Overstayer: They arrive way too soon when you're still in sweatpants, trying to frost a cake. Then they linger long after the last guest has left, watching you clean up.
- The Party That Never Ends: It's 2 AM. You're exhausted. Someone's making cocktails out of your kitchen spices, and nobody is taking the hint to go home.
Always put the time on the invite and be very clear. "Party from 7 PM – 11 PM." It gives people a social cue for when to leave, and it also gives you the opportunity to kick people out without feeling guilty. The party ends at 11! You were told.
To make your party end gracefully, start winding things down naturally. Dim the lights, lower the music, or stop refilling drinks, and people will get the hint. You should also have a polite exit strategy. If guests aren't getting the memo, say, "Wow, this was so fun! I'm going to start cleaning up."
If you want to party all night, great! But if you're expecting a casual evening and find yourself held hostage by guests who refuse to leave, you'll wish you had set some boundaries.
3. Not Having Enough Food (Or Enough Options)
What's worse than showing up to a party and realizing there's no food? Nothing. Nothing is worse than that.
Okay, maybe a plate of sad, stale crackers and one half-melted cheese cube is worse.
If your guests are hungry, they'll start raiding your fridge, making desperate Uber Eats orders, or quietly resenting you. A truly great host makes sure everyone is fed and happy and not just sipping drinks on an empty stomach.
It's always a good idea to overestimate how much food you need. People always eat more than you think, especially if there's alcohol involved. Think about the dietary restrictions of your guests and try to have at least one solid option for everyone.
Remember that snacks are lifesavers. Even if you're serving a full meal, people like to nibble throughout the night. Have chips, nuts, or small bites available. The food doesn't have to be gourmet or high-end, it just has to be enough!
4. Ignoring Background Music
A party without music is just a bunch of people standing in a room, breathing. That's not a party. That's a waiting room.
Music sets the entire mood of your event. Too quiet? It's awkward. Too loud? People are screaming to be heard. Worst of all? Forgetting music altogether.
Set up a playlist in advance, and don't just hit shuffle on your entire library unless you want an accidental emo throwback in the middle of cocktail hour.
Try to match the music to the vibe you want to set, and always adjust the volume as needed. Keep it low when people are eating/talking, and crank it up when the energy is peaking! If you don't trust your own playlist skills, assign a friend as the DJ, but just make sure to give the playlist a quick check before you hit play!
5. Not Asking for Help (Or Refusing Offered Help)
Hosting isn't a solo sport, and trying to do everything alone is a one-way ticket to total stress. If someone offers to bring something, LET THEM.
Delegate, delegate, delegate! Have a friend handle drinks, another help with serving, and someone else keeps an eye on music. If guests ask, "What can I bring?" give them an answer! Salad? Ice? Extra napkins? Take the help!
If you're running around like a headless chicken, you won't enjoy your own party. Parties are meant to be fun, not a one-person catering event. The best hosts know how to accept help and actually enjoy the night.
Throwing a great party does not have to be hard. In fact, it should be enjoyable and something you like to do! You just need to avoid these common hosting mistakes, and your party will be smooth, fun, and memorable for all the right reasons! Now, go start planning your next epic event using these flawless party hacks.
This article was first published at Spatula Desserts.
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