Playing host isn’t all fun and games, as your main job is to ensure your guests are entertained, making it equally as enjoyable as it is challenging. So if you’re worried about crafting a successful event, then we have you covered with the below list of tips.
Picking the Right Theme
Depending on what type of gathering you’re planning to go for, different themes will fit the bill. For something that you’re hosting at home, you don’t need to go for anything too grandiose.
A movie night, in this case, is always a great crowd-pleaser. Set up a nice selection of movies that you and your guests can pick from or, even better, create a wheel that will make the decision for you for some added thrill.
Potlucks can be a fun alternative and are a great way to bond. Everyone can bring their favorite meal, or perhaps something that represents them or their culture.
And if you and your friends are sports fans then picking a day when a major live event is going on, perhaps like the Superbowl, could be a fantastic way to lean into a sports night. For those who do want to do something a bit flashier then a great option would be a murder mystery party, which might require more careful planning but will result in plenty of enjoyment.
But if you’re going for a more major event, such as a fundraiser, the aforementioned selection might not work as well. Instead, we’d suggest going for a casino night as it just might be one of the best fundraiser event themes available. It’s a straightforward theme that can be quite classy and opulent, a perfectly Instagrammable event.
Or, for a more old-fashioned touch, you can try out a The Great Gatsby-themed party. You could go for a speakeasy vibe, making it another option where guests can dress up and all for a great cause.
If your event is expected to be outdoors then you can’t go wrong with the theme of ‘An Evening Under the Stars’, which can be quite romantic to boot. And if the weather and location permit, a beach party will be a surefire hit.
Interactive Food and Beverage Stations
As a host, one of the most important aspects you need to take care of is the food. However, if you truly want to go for a fun twist that will leave people talking, simply providing a table set with a basic selection of food may not be quite enough.
While you could craft quite the spread, offering anything ranging from budget-friendly chips and dips to elaborate charcuterie boards, we’d take it a step further by making the meal more interactive. This can make it a fun group experience everyone can partake in, plus it ensures everyone can customize their meal according to their diet and preferences.
We’d suggest trying something out like a taco bar, as it is very easy to assemble. You could offer various sources of protein, vegetables, and assorted salsas.
Alternatively, you could offer your guests a mix-and-match mac and cheese table. We’d recommend keeping the sauce in a vessel that is always heated like a slow cooker to ensure it doesn’t congeal. Then, provide pre-cooked pasta and toppings such as bacon, parmesan, and chopped veggies.
For a sweet treat, a build-your-own sundae station will be delicious. You could serve different ice cream flavors along with toppings like sprinkles, fruits, and ice cream sauces.
Drinks are also crucial to the success of your event, provide your guests with a base for the drinks, syrups, mixers, and garnishes. To make it easier on everyone, you should put little tags on every ingredient so they know how much to pour. And this way, it can be totally up to your guests to choose if they’d rather go for a mocktail or cocktail.
Planning Fun Activities
Finally, nothing says party like a wide selection of activities. These may differ depending on the vibe you’re going for or the theme of the event but what you pick will ultimately turn your gathering from drab to fab.
We’d opt to pick some group activities so that everyone can join in the fun. For instance, you could craft a trivia quiz based on your guests’ interests and knowledge.
You could even go for a mini tournament of sorts, with cute little DIY prizes to further encourage some healthy competition. Whether it’s math-based games, charades, or musical chairs – they’re sure to have a blast.
Some other great additions to your party would be offering a themed photo booth, paired with fun props. Or a scavenger hunt filled with puzzles that will have people racing around to find the items. And you can never go wrong with karaoke, and as the event progresses, even the shyest of guests will surely take the mic.
Conclusion
With all of the above suggestions, you’re set to create a memorable experience for everyone, including yourself. So, now that you’re armed with this knowledge, we hope you have no more fear and just excitement regarding being a host.
You may also like: Remove Watermarks From Photos