From Hello to Have a Good Night: How to Host the Perfect Party

From Hello to Have a Good Night: How to Host the Perfect Party

We’ve all been there before.

An impromptu friends' get-together.

A surprise footy night with the mates.

Or just the neighbours popping in during the long weekend.

Being ready to host is a true superpower. But having a bit of a cheat sheet for such unforeseen events can be a great help when you have to whip up something fun in a short time. Here are some ways you could be ready to do just that:

1. Create a hosting zone

and welcoming could also suffice for sudden plans. The trick is in having a space that you can prep in five minutes flat. This could be your living room, your backyard area or even the kitchen space, if that is where people tend to gather around. Try to keep the clutter to the bare minimum in this area and invest in decent lighting. Think something simple like warm lamps or fairy lights (if that’s your vibe). Adding something like candles or diffusers wouldn’t hurt either.

2. Sort out the snacks

A great host always has something handy to offer to even the most unexpected guests. A clever hack could be to order hamper boxes to be delivered straight to your door to keep your pantry stocked. Think something custom for movie nights or even a box full of classic Aussie lollies. This would even save you from a rushed trip to the shops and have a decent backup stash at home.

3. Drinks, But Make It Flexible

Stock up on a few crowd pleasers. Sparkling water, soft drinks, and a bottle or two of something bubbly are instant hits at any party. A ready stash of long-life milk, coffee pods and herbal tea bags also ensures every visitor gets a cuppa to their liking. For the more spirited evenings, keep a bottle of local wine or gin tucked away. Almost everyone loves a good local bevvie.

4. Focus on one big impact thing 

If your party is not impromptu, don't stress about everything. Not every party is Pinterest-perfect. Instead, focus on the one major memorable thing and cut yourself some slack for the rest. It could be finger-lickin’ good food with a memorable dessert or an intricately planned fun activity with insane callback. Make everything else easy. High-effort food? Minimal lighting. Amazing activity? Order some popular takeaway. Don’t kill yourself trying to perfect everything. Remember: you have a party to enjoy as well.

5. Emergency Clean Routine

Keep the main hosting area and the bathroom clean. The bathroom is the most noticeable area, so make sure to do the honours. Don’t stress about the rest. No one is going to go for an in-house inspection like a real estate inspector. Hide laundry under your bed if it has piled up (no judgment here). If things seem dusty, go for quick wipe downs.

6. Have a Game or Two Handy

Whether it’s a casual weeknight drop-in or a proper Friday arvo gathering,  keep some easy-to-set-up games that are adult-friendly. A pack of cards is really the safest bet you could have. Other party classics include UNO, Cards Against Humanity and Code Names. These things can turn a low-key visit into a memorable night out.

7. Set the Mood with Music

Would it be a party with good music in the background? Nahh. A good set of tunes sets the vibe and gets the party started. A decent portable speaker can set a party alight. Keep a playlist befitting the party theme or occasion ready on Spotify or YouTube. Don’t be afraid to hand out the controls to your friends.

8. Outdoor matters

If you have some outdoor space in your house, consider utilising it for a party. A barbecue in the backyard can never go wrong Down Under. There’s just something charming about late evening parties in the alfresco with dwindling sunlight, decent food, and a glass in hand with friends all around.

Throwing great parties is not about five-course meals or dazzling decorations. Just do one thing well and make the other stuff less grinding. Don’t feel bad if your friends offer to help during the party.. It might not be written in The World’s Best Host 101, but you are a human after all. Don’t stress and be ready to have a good night. Because you never know when the doorbell might ring.

From Hello to Have a Good Night: How to Host the Perfect Party
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