We all look forward to the holidays and think about how we can make the most of every precious day. That includes catching up with friends and loved ones, doing some travel and getting into the party season.
There are a few key things to keep in mind so that you get to enjoy every minute of the holidays. It’s crucial to make sure everyone is safe if you are hosting a holiday party.
When it all comes down to it, the host is the person that people turn to for help if something goes wrong or if there is something they need. It’s your responsibility to ensure that the party is fun, engaging and run smoothly.
There is nothing worse than having someone injure themselves when they are trying to have a ‘good time’.
Unfortunately, looking out for your guests and the issues that can bring about an accident or contribute to a dangerous situation is not always a high priority.
Things to keep in mind if you’re throwing a party
There is a long list of items that you need to create and tick off as the host of a party. That includes everything from:
- The choice of venue
- What food you will supply or if you will have it catered
- The drinks and how much alcohol will be supplied
- The music and entertainment (as well as equipment hire)
- Decorations and any party theme
- Games, performances and speeches
While you will need to allocate a specific amount of time to looking after all the elements that go into setting up an enjoyable party, there is time for extra planning.
It is always a good idea to have a back-up plan if something at your party goes wrong, doesn’t arrive in time or is simply forgotten.
One of the most important and beneficial things you can do as the host is to take as much worry and stress out of the equation as possible.
While proper planning is one thing you can do to mitigate that pressure, using the skills and talents of trusted friends and family is a good way to relieve the stress.
If someone you know and can rely on is able to cover one of your main tasks such as be the DJ, make the cake, act as MC or simply help with the decorations and party set-up, then you can reduce your workload and level of anxiety.
Asking for help with a party is one of the best things you can do.
Having fun should be the focus
There is a common misconception that simply inviting people to a party will mean that they mingle and mix. Knowing that there are some fun people on the invitation list who can create a good atmosphere and get people up on the dancefloor can be a recipe for disappointment.
This is where having games planned which encourage interaction.
If you have a theme for the party such as a making it a fancy dress occasion, you can add an extra level of fun and enjoyment for everyone.
Even something as seemingly childish as ‘pass the parcel’ can be an excellent way to get people to break out of their own groups and mingle. By adding a note to each wrapping with something like ‘give this to a person wearing glasses’ will help those two people share an interaction.
Simple but clever ice breakers like this allow you to add some energy to the party and to get things moving.
The advantage of a themed or a fancy dress party is that people are free to comment on each other’s costumes and discuss such things as why they picked that particular outfit and how they put it together.
With some guests choosing to go the extra mile by wearing some of the top quality coloured contact lenses Australia is talking about, you can have a great series of conversations bubbling away.
You don’t have to rely on your guests wearing colour contact lenses to have a talking point at your party. A nicely styled space with unusual decorations, special food or drink items and adding something unusual to the party mix can create a focal point for the fun of the party.
Keeping the party going and the safety ensured
There are many instances of where people have been hurt or seriously injured at a party. This is more often than not as a result of the guest being out of control or suffering from the effects of too much alcohol or other substances.
A sophisticated party may be held in a high-class venue or residence. This may be a palatial home complete with a billiards table, cigars and humidification pouch or a special humidor Australia now has available.
The setting for the party will determine how relaxed the guests will feel and it can be this fact that sets the tone for the whole party.
A place and atmosphere that evokes the idea that ‘anything goes’ can be the party where someone goes too far in their efforts to enjoy themselves.
What can you do as the host to ensure that things don’t get out of hand?
The answer lies in setting a few ground rules for the event.
Hosting with style
It is a good idea to remind people that, as the host, you have a right to ask for people to pay attention to a few key matters. This is especially important when you are hosting a party in a venue for hire.
If there are any spaces that are ‘off limits’ to guests or particular guests such as young children, then spreading the word about what is and isn’t possible will help make it clear what levels of behaviour are expected.
Looking out for potential dangers such as those around swimming pools, barbeques, outdoor heaters and electrical equipment, can help make sure that everyone is safe and free to enjoy themselves.
When you are the host of a holiday party, you also need to do your best to make sure that you have a good time too.