Party Tips
Party Tips
So when it boils down to it, you will now have learnt that planning a party can be relatively simple and a party in itself. Creativity and passion is key, failing that just make sure you follow the golden rules.
Top 10 tips with out compromising a manicure:
Keep it simple
The simplest of ideas are often the most powerful. There is no need to compliment things for the sake of it, and the simple approach will keep your guests content. It is better to do a few things properly than a dozen miserably.
Plan plan plan
If you fail to plan, you plan to fail. It is straightforward really, plan ahead and think about all aspects of your party. My How to Plan a Party gives you a step by step guide- so use it! Parties often take more time to organize than one would expect so factor this in.
Compare prices
Shop around, you can often find a better bargain by searching for alternative solutions, also vendors are willing to negotiate if you appear knowledgeable about the product.
Home made
Like the song goes ‘anything you can do I can do better’ and it is often true. Use outside influences for inspiration, and then do it yourself. From decorations, to invitations, canapés to entertainment when you do it ‘a la moi’ it not only saves on the money but also adds an invaluable personal touch.
Latest Trends, just ask
Suppliers are at the forefront of what the latest trends are so ask them. Not only will you get an insight to what is fashionable now in the universe of party planning but they will often give great tips and advice.
Ask for discount
Don’t be shy, now is not the moment to come over all coy. Be bold and ask for a discount, it often works. Dubai is still a city built on the barter system and many independent business would rather negotiate than loose your trade.
Make it personal
Put your stamp on all that you do. When you personlaise the elements of your event it leaves people talking. You are the Queen or King of your domain, let that shine through- people will be trying to keep up with you from now on!
When to Arrive?
Although we all like to make an entrance, there is a difference between being fashionably late and being rude. For formal events my golden rule is within 15 minutes of the stated time. For informal events you can push it to 30 minutes. Do not arrive early, it only puts pressure on the host as the last few minutes before any party are the most crucial.
Greeting and Farewells
There is an art to greetings and farewells that go beyond a simple ‘hello’ and ‘goodbye’. Always make an effort to find and greet the host(ess) within the first ten minutes of your arrival. Compliment them, thank them for inviting you and ask if there is anything you can do to help. This highlights your attendance, puts you in their good books and endears you to those around. Again when leaving ensure you say goodbye to the host(ess) and thank them for the evening. Don’t forget to say ciao to other guests of note, otherwise you appear standoffish.
Hostess Gift
Never show up empty handed! Always bring a token of appreciation for the person throwing the soiree. If it is a themed party tailor it to the genre, if a dinner call ahead and ensure it compliments the spread. A good wine or dessert always goes down a treat. Gifts are also appropriate and if you stuck bring something from your native country- in a city as diverse as Dubai this can be you calling card. Put a little note with your pressie, otherwise in larger affairs it could get lost in the crowd, or even worse accredited to another partygoer!
Expert Tip: Don’t upstage the hostess. Your contribution is a sign of your appreciation, not a showcase for your own talents.
Perfect host
The final 10 % to every party is you the host. The host has the power to make or break an event, so make sure it is the former and not the latter! Here are a few tips;
- Be on time. If it is a venue party make sure you are there at the venue before anybody else. There is nothing worse than having a guest arrive to no reception. If you are having the party at home do not think that it is an excuse to be more relaxed about the impending fun. Make up, hair and last minute touch ups are all to be done prior to guest arrival. Running around with guests there will only make the invitees feel uncomfortable.
- Have an agenda and checklist for the night itself. It will keep you on track and more importantly keep you calm. Having all the points of the evening written down on paper, makes it more digestible and clear.
- Know the dietary requirements of your guests. You need to be consider and cater accordingly as you may have vegetarians in the group, Muslims or individuals with allergies. Also consider your smoking and non smoking guests- make allowances for both.
- Guests will look to you to set the tone of the evening. No matter how flustered you may feel omit an air of calm and enjoyment. If you look stressed the crowd will pick up on this.
- Greet each guest by name, and always use the name throughout the event. Introduce people with a couple of noteworthy facts about the individuals- it gives them something to talk about so you can slip away and attend to other guests.
- Always be prepared. An extra guest could always show up, as could fewer guests than intended.
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