Hosting Christmas this year? It’s a breeze if you start planning the party early

IT’S the perfect time of year to celebrate, but a little preparation goes a long way, writes CATHERINE NIKAS-BOULOS.

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PLANNING a party can throw up so many questions. Who to invite? A sit down dinner or garden party? How far can I stretch my budget?

Just the thought of having to pull together a get-together can leave most fraught with nerves. This close to Christmas and New Year’s Eve, it’s possible your party will clash with other social engagements, so if you’re planning a festive soiree now is the time to get busy.

My Perfect Party founder Allison Barrett says the key to a great party is planning.

You won’t be able to accommodate everyone with a date, but sending out a save-the-date will give your guests the heads-up to keep their calendar open.

The key to a great party is planning.

“You should put out a save-the-date at least four weeks before an event. People have so much going on at this time of year, so if you send it out two weeks before that’s getting a bit tight,” says Allison.

The save-the-date doesn’t have to be a formal send-out, with social media now the most preferable way to communicate.

“It’s just a quick email or text and a promise there are further details to come. Most people are already doing this over Facebook in the event section.”

Home party

Hiring a venue can be an expensive exercise and unless catering for a cast of thousands, it’s generally a better option to hold a party at your house.

Allison says guests feel more comfortable at your place and you’re not restricted by a venue’s catering or decoration options. Keep in mind that having a party at home means you have to be respectful of neighbours and keep music to tolerable levels.

Guests will always feel more comfortable at your place.

“I always find that people have the most beautiful homes so you don’t necessarily need a great view or a great garden to host a party. Most people have open plan homes these days and that often allows you to throw a great party,” she says.

“People always think it’s going to be such hard work to throw a party at home, but if you start planning early enough that won’t necessarily be the case.

“Most of my clients tell me it’s a great opportunity to spring clean their house.”

Weather can make or break a party and put undue pressure on the host but Allison says it pays to be positive.

“Yes, you have to have a plan B, but I always have an optimistic outlook when planning a party,” she says.

“People panic about the size of their property but if you have a balcony or covered outdoor decking which extends off the kitchen or living space, then you have enough room to accommodate a party if it starts to rain.

“Booking a marquee if it looks like rain is the other obvious option, and it’s worth the money because you won’t have to cancel or reschedule your party.”

Planning early enough means it won’t be hard work.

Ground rules

It stands to reason that no one wants their home to be trashed in a party but Allison says, in her experience, most people are respectful. Regardless, as host you can set the ground rules.

“I recently worked on a party where the owner had recently put in new floorboards. The host requested everyone wear Havianas to the party, so they did,” she says.

“It was great, everyone was dressed smart-casual — in thongs.”

Allison says if you have furniture that you don’t want damaged or a rug you don’t want wine spilled on it might be best to move it somewhere safer for the night.

“You really need to minimise the risk, and the main risk more often than not is a spilled glass of red wine.”

Home or away

Gregory Atkin has organised a plethora of parties for top-end fashion, media and banking identities. He understands everyone has budgetary concerns when hosting a party, but says hiring a venue may be more beneficial in the end.

“There are many reasonably priced venues, catering and furniture companies in Sydney which often cost less and it’s less hassle than doing it in your own home. You also need to keep in mind the cleaning up after the event, which can be a real chore.”

Aside from picking a great venue, good catering and the right music are top of his hit list. Choosing a theme for your party gives it another edge.

Colour adds a festive feel to outdoor settings like this one from Freedom.

“From my experience theming is very important because it sets the tone and gives the guests a feeling they have been transformed into a party mood when they first walk in to the space.”

If you’re not keen on themes, choosing a colour wave is the next best thing,

“A basic colour theme is always a good idea because as human beings we are very visual without even knowing it,” he says.

Finally, the seating arrangement has got to be the least fun job in party planning, but Gregory insists it’s a necessary process, especially for big sit-down dinners.

“It’s worthwhile working out with guests where they want to sit, and it makes the whole seating process quicker and easier.”

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More Gregory Atkin Creative, gregoryatkin.com; My Perfect Party, myperfectparty.com.au

PLAN FOR SUCCESS

Setting the tone The cheapest and most effective way to create a mood for a house party is by using candles. They don’t have to be in expensive silver holders, but using candles in different pots in varying colours creates a striking impact.

Dress code Always include a dress code on the invitation. You don’t want the leave the guests guessing about what is appropriate attire or have them feel uncomfortable if they’re dressed casually while everyone else has gone formal.

Kids at parties Generally, if you are going to a formal do then leave the kids with the babysitters. More casual, family parties are fine for kids to attend, but even then they should ideally have a separate area to hang out, where they can relax and watch a movie if it all gets too much.

CATERING FOR LARGE NUMBERS

• Issue written invitations and give an RSVP date and contact phone number.

• Ask a couple of friends to act as bouncers.

• Move all valuable garden ornaments and vulnerable pot plants out of the way.

• Fill plastic bins with ice so guests won’t have to go indoors to retrieve their bottles.

• Offer plenty of non-alcoholic drinks.

• Bring food outdoors as soon as possible so that guests don’t hang about indoors.

• Discourage guests from going indoors unless it’s to the bathroom.

• Keep the doors closed to show which rooms are off limits to guests.

• Turn the music down by midnight, unless you have invited your neighbours.

• Encourage guests to take a taxi home if they’ve had too much to drink.

Being prepared

• For daytime parties, provide some shade. If you’re not using a marquee, consider using large beach or market umbrellas. Even a large tarpaulin strung
up between trees or the fence can provide good temporary shelter.

• Have sunscreen and insect repellent available for your guests.

• Keep ashtrays handy so that guests don’t throw their butts in the garden or pool. Small pots or trays filled with
sand are useful.

• Make sure you have plenty of
garbage bins and bags on hand.

• For night parties, fairy lights or lanterns set the party scene while citronella torches will help keep mosquitoes at bay.

Source acs.edu.au