A Party Divas Guide: 5 Tips for Planning a Post Quarantine Event
Throwing a fabulous event is not for the faint of heart. It takes passion, energy, and a really great support bra to get it done (trust me)! Whether it’s a day or evening event, the theme may be different, but the elements never change. These steps are your guide, a pathway if you will, to get you through any event.
The Party Diva Scene
For most of us, getting our friends together for the first time since social distancing is going to be exciting! The hugs, the laughs, and the drinks will be plentiful. However, Madame ‘Rona has really changed the game for the event industry, so it’s important to think about innovative ways you can still keep the party going.
Setting the scene, especially if the event is happening in your home, can be fun, but a bit confusing when picking themes or decor for the party area. Our homes are often fully decorated with couches and throw pillows, which is different than working with an empty venue. Whether you have a comfy sofa and coffee table or some other furniture combination, one of the best items to add are metallic or pearlized balloons. These ain’t your average 10th birthday party color balloons, but are more grown up, adding a sexy adult appeal to a party. Throw a cluster or two in a few corners of your space to give it a “pop”…see what I did there? Balloons…pop…no? Ok no more corny humor, promise.
The party area of your home may not have an abundance of flat spaces, so you may need a few tables to place your food and drinks, maybe even a few favors if you want to get fancy!
Ensure you order corresponding tablecloths for each table you set out, this will help to bring your decor together even more. If you’re getting together during the day, keep your linens light and bright with ivory, white, or even a color that already exists in your space to tie it all in. Candles and florals strategically placed around your area will also help to make it feel warm and welcoming. Add some folding chairs if you don’t have enough seating, and viola! A simple and chic scene is set!
The Party Diva Vibe
Now your place looks great, so what’s next? Talk, mingle, and catch up! One way to set the vibe for your party is to include a game of choice. That can be something you create specifically for your guests or a game such as Jenga or Cards Against Humanity. Whatever you decide to do, make it an atmosphere that your guests can feel comfortable in.
Lighting is key, especially for evening events. Edison lights on a back deck or patio makes a world of difference for the mood of your event. Here are some other lighting ideas if you wish to take it up a notch:
You can grab some inexpensive votive candles from Walmart and line your back deck railing.
You can add lanterns with pedestal candles inside them for a more romantic affect.
Next up, add some music. If you know your guests and what they like, play their favorite songs. Personally, my friends are varied and so are their tastes, so my trick is to play Spotify on a speaker and gauge the vibe of the group.
Whether you decide to throw a movie night with the hot buttered popcorn. Do a wine tasting and hire a bartender to provide custom wine blends. Whatever you do, make it fun and memorable.
The Provisions
Food - The backbone of any event. If you’ve been skimming this post up until this point, now is the time to pay attention. Virginia Woolf once said “One cannot think well, love well, sleep well, if one has not dined well.” Well baby, if I could go back in time, I would tell my girl V to edit and add “party well” because this is fact.
I’ve been the victim of circumstance while attending a party with a less than adequate array of food to choose from, and have even been the host with this party faux pas! To avoid this scenario, remember to request food allergies and restrictions from your guests prior to your event. You may have vegetarians or vegans coming, and no, they don’t just love a good salad! Have other options for them other than the standard fruit and veggie tray.
Remember those tables and tablecloths I told you to purchase? This will be the base for your buffet area. If you can go for the matching serviceware, do it! I have a love, call it an obsession for beautiful serviceware. Nothing looks better than big, white porcelain bowls filled with colorful pasta salad or grilled chicken and rosemary on a gorgeous platter.
Tongs and other serveware should be available for your guests to load up on their favorite items. I like to have a tub filled with ice and an assortment of drinks that guests can grab and go. Add some mini splits of champagne and straws for that extra chic touch! Plates, cutlery, and napkins should also be near by the assortment, but have them in a decorative little basket to keep them clean.
Most importantly, don’t feel obligated to cook because you are the host. If cooking is not your thing or just too time consuming, have your event catered.
The Fashion
I promise you, folks will be itching to get out and socialize so badly they will proudly buy and wear that Hawaiian shirt to your event. But seriously, it’s important to let your guests know what’s expected for the event attire.
I remember when my husband and I were dating and he would invite me to parties telling me it’s something casual, only to show up and see everyone dressed in business casual attire. For the sake of wives and girlfriends everywhere, be sure to communicate your event attire on your invitation.
Is it a daytime outdoor event? Then heels may not be appropriate or comfortable, and you don’t need to be worried about sprained ankles or grass stains on your guests favorite outfit. Is it an elegant dinner party? Then guest should know if jeans would be appropriate.
Making sure your guests are comfortable and cute for your party is always a plus. Some fun examples of how fashion can make a statement at a party or gathering could be an all black or white attired theme. You can even have some fun masks at the door for a mini masquerade!
Just keep in mind that comfort is key! You want people to stay, and have the best time in your space.
The Safe Zone
If food is the backbone of an event, safety is the heart. Your guest’s safety is of the utmost importance throughout the evening. It never hurts to have a first-aid kit in close proximity for minor cuts and scrapes.
Now, we all like to kick back and drink at a function, but as the host be sure to monitor your alcohol consumption. It’s never a good look to not know what goes on in your home because you’ve had too much punch. Be sure to space out your guests drinks as well, and have bottled water, or a chilled caraffe for your guests to drink in between cocktails.
One tip is to collect your guests keys at the beginning of an event if you would like to check they are sober enough to drive before they leave. Whatever method you choose for monitoring your guests, be attentive throughout the night. You can also enlist a friend as your designated driver for the night, in the event anyone needs it. If that’s not an option, make sure your rideshare app such as Uber, is ready to take guests home.
Finally, don’t be afraid to house your guest for the night. Use that 6th sense, just in case the rideshare may not be the best option.
Here are some last minute lifesavers (I’ve even added them in bullet points so you don’t miss them!):
Ensure that you have extra toilet paper and towels in your bathroom. Pre-light a candle in there as well, this adds to the ambiance and takes away from anything else.
Make space in your refrigerator. You will undoubtedly have more food on hand than usual.
Don’t give away your good containers! Get some to-go trays for people who want to take leftovers home.
If you have extra phone chargers, have them handy for your guests to use if needed.
Yes! You do need more ice.
I hope you have learned a lot from my tips, and that your next event is a successful one! Have a question? Don’t hesitate to reach out and ask.
Keep It Chic,
Amaris T.
