Learn to relax and release the tension to avoid the unnecessary stress.
There’s definitely some sort of magic that is intrinsically built into this time of year. Family, friends (even foes, sometimes) come together in a time of peace to catch up on what’s happened over the year and enjoy the laughs that are sure to follow the words, “Remember that time when…?” This time of year is almost like a big red flashing reset button that can have a great healing effect. With all this healing power in the air who wouldn’t want to make the most of it? Yet, all the gift-shopping, long lines and baking can also turn it into a very stressful experience, especially when it comes to party hosting. Here are 5 anxiety-reducing and serenity-maximizing tips for every party host:
1. Listen to your inner boy scout
Be prepared. Lists, lists, and more lists. Keep track of everything from your guest list to your grocery list to your ‘to do’ lists. Recording things frees you to focus on what you’re working on at the time. There’s also a tremendous amount of anxiety busting power that comes along with committing thoughts to paper. When you write down something you’re fearful to forget, your fear gets cut down to size. This trick is especially useful for events like parties, when there’s so much that comes together at the same time. For maximum effect, keep all your notes for the party in one spot.
2. Eliminate decision-making with a theme
Choosing a theme can be one of the trickiest parts of party planning. There’s a fine line between clever and corny, but a well-chosen theme can make decision-making for a party seamless. When it is time to make a decision, simply run the options through the party theme. A “Twelve Days of Christmas” party might mean you make 12 appetizers, each coordinating with a verse to the Christmas carol. A theme can also get creative juices flowing, making the planning process even more enjoyable and, believe it or not, that enjoyment will rub off on your guests.
3. Keep it Movin’
As hosts, we tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make sure everyone is having a good time, but (as much as we wish we could) we can’t be everywhere and do everything at once. An activity can help people get energized and talking, and will sure take some pressure off the host. Especially, when the host is tied up elsewhere. Research party activities on the web, and you’ll find there’s more than enough to find something that will suit every theme. A game that would work with just about any theme though is a guest trivia. Make a list of questions out of various interesting facts (nothing too personal) about each guest attending. Then, you can challenge guests to find out which question belongs to which person. This game is a winner because it not only gives people something to work on together, but (BONUS!) it also helps with introductions! If a party activity doesn’t suit your taste, another great technique is to give guests more places to mingle by spreading out the food and drinks. Also, by staggering the times you put out different foods, there will always be something new for guests to check out.
4. Simplicity is a Party’s Best Friend
There’s only so much a person can do. Keeping things simple leaves both room for error as well as relaxation. Simplicity is everywhere! Don’t wear yourself thin by planning a different party for each group of friends and family, have a party weekend. Use the same décor and menu for Friday night’s family get together and Saturday night’s book club. One plan – two or even three parties! A party drink is simplicity at its best! Test out some drinks and choose one to be the ‘go to’ drink for the night. You won’t need to remember how to make a million different types of cocktails (as a back up, you can even teach a friend the recipe in case you get tied up), guests get something new to try, and you’re putting your wallet (and environment) at ease, because a whole bunch of drinks won’t go to waste.
5. Tip of all Tips!
Have fun! While sad, guests will soon forget what was served or how things were decorated. What they won’t forget is how they felt. It’s the fact that they had a night to turn in their worries in exchange for laughter and fun that will stay with them. So have fun with the party planning, even more importantly, have fun at the party! Joy spreads like wild fire, be the spark that ignites it!
Merry partying to all
1. Listen to your inner boy scout
Be prepared. Lists, lists, and more lists. Keep track of everything from your guest list to your grocery list to your ‘to do’ lists. Recording things frees you to focus on what you’re working on at the time. There’s also a tremendous amount of anxiety busting power that comes along with committing thoughts to paper. When you write down something you’re fearful to forget, your fear gets cut down to size. This trick is especially useful for events like parties, when there’s so much that comes together at the same time. For maximum effect, keep all your notes for the party in one spot.
2. Eliminate decision-making with a theme
Choosing a theme can be one of the trickiest parts of party planning. There’s a fine line between clever and corny, but a well-chosen theme can make decision-making for a party seamless. When it is time to make a decision, simply run the options through the party theme. A “Twelve Days of Christmas” party might mean you make 12 appetizers, each coordinating with a verse to the Christmas carol. A theme can also get creative juices flowing, making the planning process even more enjoyable and, believe it or not, that enjoyment will rub off on your guests.
3. Keep it Movin’
As hosts, we tend to put a lot of pressure on ourselves to make sure everyone is having a good time, but (as much as we wish we could) we can’t be everywhere and do everything at once. An activity can help people get energized and talking, and will sure take some pressure off the host. Especially, when the host is tied up elsewhere. Research party activities on the web, and you’ll find there’s more than enough to find something that will suit every theme. A game that would work with just about any theme though is a guest trivia. Make a list of questions out of various interesting facts (nothing too personal) about each guest attending. Then, you can challenge guests to find out which question belongs to which person. This game is a winner because it not only gives people something to work on together, but (BONUS!) it also helps with introductions! If a party activity doesn’t suit your taste, another great technique is to give guests more places to mingle by spreading out the food and drinks. Also, by staggering the times you put out different foods, there will always be something new for guests to check out.
4. Simplicity is a Party’s Best Friend
There’s only so much a person can do. Keeping things simple leaves both room for error as well as relaxation. Simplicity is everywhere! Don’t wear yourself thin by planning a different party for each group of friends and family, have a party weekend. Use the same décor and menu for Friday night’s family get together and Saturday night’s book club. One plan – two or even three parties! A party drink is simplicity at its best! Test out some drinks and choose one to be the ‘go to’ drink for the night. You won’t need to remember how to make a million different types of cocktails (as a back up, you can even teach a friend the recipe in case you get tied up), guests get something new to try, and you’re putting your wallet (and environment) at ease, because a whole bunch of drinks won’t go to waste.
5. Tip of all Tips!
Have fun! While sad, guests will soon forget what was served or how things were decorated. What they won’t forget is how they felt. It’s the fact that they had a night to turn in their worries in exchange for laughter and fun that will stay with them. So have fun with the party planning, even more importantly, have fun at the party! Joy spreads like wild fire, be the spark that ignites it!
Merry partying to all