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Photo: © Yesenia Hernandez 2011
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Nobody likes to see the boys in blue showing up at their doorstep to prematurely end their party. It's imperative that you let your neighbors know that you'll be having a ah-hem "little" gathering of friends over for the evening. That should keep them in the know, when they see the influx of cars and people coming into the neighborhood. Hey, you should even consider extending an invite to your neighbors; it would be a great way to fulfill your New Year's resolution of being more social in your community.
2. Bathroom Etiquette
OK, it's NOT ok to NOT have toilet tissue in your bathroom. At a club or restaurant, we would blame it on management. At your home, we would blame it on you...management. Always have extra rolls of tissue for your guests within plain sight. The same goes for hand soap and paper towels. No, we do not want to use your decorative hand towel that everyone else has been drying their hands on. That's just plain gross. Paper towels are a must!! A routine check-in on the bathroom from you or a designee will ensure that all of the essentials maintain stocked.
3. Where's that Light Switch?
Ambiance is a big deal. For some reason, people seem to relax more when the lights are low. If you don't have a dimmer, you can cover lighting fixtures with dark shades, or use string lights as an alternative. Candle light also sets a great mood; just make sure to use the appropriate holders to prevent any mishaps. If your budget allows for an extra splurge, contracting a lighting design company to outfit your pad with uplighting and strobes will certainly wow your guests.
4. Standing Room Only
Don't allow your guests the opportunity to get too comfortable. Having limited seating will encourage your guests to mingle with each other and even get them out onto the dance floor. Consider renting cocktail tables (aka high boys in rental lingo), this will give guests a place to rest their drinks while congregating with new friends.
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Photo: © Yesenia Hernandez 2011
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5. I Get Cranky When I'm Hungry
Hungry guests usually aren't happy guests. Have you ever had to leave a party to get a slice of pizza before you partook of the libations? Well it's something that I've experienced a few times too many. Offer an array of quick bites to be self-served or butler-passed depending on your budget. Finger foods that can be consumed in a few bites, while standing with drink-in-hand are winners!
6. No RED Cups Please
Unless you're an under aged college student at a Frat Party or an extra in one of those predictable "Not Another Teenage Movie" spinoffs, there is no reason to have a red plastic cup in your hand at your in-home shindig. Glassware rentals average around $.30 - $.50 per item, or for a cost effective alternative, consider using disposable translucent cups that mimic its glassware counterpart.
7. Cocktails, Mocktails and Everything In Between
Grey Goose tonic with a splash of lemon, please. Keep it simple. You're guests are not expecting to see every brand of whiskey ever made. A few options of each of the basics (Vodka, Rum, Scotch, Whiskey, Tequila), some bottles of wine and any favorites that you may have will suffice. Signature drinks are always a lot of fun and can be made in advance for ease of serving. Also, keep in mind that some of your guests may prefer virgin options, so mocktails (alcohol-free cocktails) show that you have all of your bases covered. A favorite mocktail of mine is the Nojito see recipe below.
The Nojito
1/2 oz lime juice
1/2 oz water
5 mint sprigs
2 oz sugar syrup
1 oz lime sherbet (softened)
4 oz soda
Add mint, lime juice and water and crush with muddler.
Add remaining ingredients with ice and stir. Garnish with lime slices.
1/2 oz water
5 mint sprigs
2 oz sugar syrup
1 oz lime sherbet (softened)
4 oz soda
Add mint, lime juice and water and crush with muddler.
Add remaining ingredients with ice and stir. Garnish with lime slices.
8. That's My Song
Tell the DJ to "lay down that boogie and play that funky music till you die." Having a mix of tunes pumping out of the speaker box will ensure fun times. Always keep in mind the type of crowd that you will be entertaining and select your tunes accordingly. You may even ask your guests to bring their favorite playlists and switch up mp3s at the "DJ booth."
9. Satisfy The Sweet Tooth
Confections and candies are things that make most people smile. It's a great way to keep an event going, and going. Just when things seem to be settling down a bit, introduce a dessert table or a candy bar. You will be surprised to see what a little burst of sugar can get you. Again, keep the desserts bite-sized, like cake pops, mini cookies and assorted candies that can be easily eaten without missing a beat.
Tell the DJ to "lay down that boogie and play that funky music till you die." Having a mix of tunes pumping out of the speaker box will ensure fun times. Always keep in mind the type of crowd that you will be entertaining and select your tunes accordingly. You may even ask your guests to bring their favorite playlists and switch up mp3s at the "DJ booth."
9. Satisfy The Sweet Tooth
Confections and candies are things that make most people smile. It's a great way to keep an event going, and going. Just when things seem to be settling down a bit, introduce a dessert table or a candy bar. You will be surprised to see what a little burst of sugar can get you. Again, keep the desserts bite-sized, like cake pops, mini cookies and assorted candies that can be easily eaten without missing a beat.
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| Photo: © Yesenia Hernandez 2011 |
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| Photo: © Yesenia Hernandez 2011 |
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