How to Plan a Party People Want to Attend

How to Plan a Party People Want to Attend?

Bryce Sanders, President?

Perceptive Business Solutions Inc,?

Everyone knows someone whose parties are legendary.? People talk about them years after the event.? They might take place indoors or outside.? It might be summer or winter.? To host ba party people want to attend, there are certain rules you should follow.?

1. Invite interesting people.? Years ago, my wife and I determined party guests fit into three categories, A, B and C.? Money or social status were not factors.? The “A” guests started a party simply by walking into a room.? They have outgoing personalities.? They talk with everyone.? They never get tired.? Everyone likes them.? The “C” guests are those who tend to be shy.? They will talk with you if you approach them first.? They tend to sit or stand on the sidelines.? A roomful of them is a challenge.? The “B” guests fit into the middle.? They are great people, but not the superstars like the “A” guests.? You need a mix of guests.?

1. Everyone invited should know at least four people.? You have been in the “YOYO” situation before.? You are On Your Own. You need to approach other people because no one knows you and vice versa.? When building your guest list, apply the four person test.? This is easy if you rationalize you and your partner know them, so that’s two people already.?

1. Have good music.? Ideally you avoid vocals during dinner.? You want high energy music that keeps the energy level up.? You have different ways of getting the music into the room or broadcast for your outdoor party.? Avoid commercials.? Good music lifts people’s moods.?

1. Have plenty of seating.? Not everyone wants to stand.? Sometimes people want a quiet corner.? If you have older guests, they prefer sitting.? This can be spread out over several rooms.? Sometimes people want privacy.? You don’t want anyone to get tired of standing.?

1. Have plenty of food.? If you are hosting a cocktail party or a wine and cheese event, you want people to get something into their stomachs if they are drinking alcohol.? Ideally all the food is prepared beforehand.? It only needs to be carried into the main room, replacing dishes already picked over.?

1. The meal should flow.? If you are having a sit down dinner, you want to avoid lag time between courses.? A cold appetizer and dessert means only the entrée needs serious attention during the party.? People should not be stuck waiting, anticipating the next course.?

1. Have plenty of water on hand.? Your guests are drinking wine, beer and cocktails.? They will need to “come in for a landing” or things might get sloppy.? Have bottles of water on hand.? This allows guests to alternate between alcohol and water in their glass.?

1. Have plenty of glasses on hand. I think 50% more glasses than guests is a good idea.? You might need champagne glasses.? You need wine glasses.? Water glasses are good for the water drinkers.? People will set down a drink, but forget where.?

1. Have coffee available at the end of the night.? Hopefully your guests have not drunk too much. You have an extra bedroom or two for that eventuality.? Coffee helps them transition from party guest to sober driver.??

1. Hire help. Your role should be to circulate, making sure everyone is having a good time.? If you hire a couple of staff, they can be clearing glasses, running them though the dishwasher and replacing food platters.? Uniformed staff takes your party a notch up, too.?

Entertaining involves a lot of work.? You reach a point towards the end of the evening when the major tasks are done, everyone is in good spirits and you can relax and enjoy your own party.?

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?Bryce Sanders is president of Perceptive Business Solutions Inc.? He provides HNW client acquisition training for the financial services industry.? His book, “Captivating the Wealthy Investor” is available on Amazon.??