Have you ever noticed on all of those HGTV shows, when the hosts talk to the would-be buyers about the “must-have” features in their new home that they all insist upon a “huge kitchen with a massive island” for the entertaining they do? It’s as if all they do is throw huge parties every night of the week. When do these people clean bathrooms and mow their lawns if all they’re ever doing is planning and throwing parties?
Seriously, though, there are times when you want to show off that big, beautiful island and fill it with tasty canapes–especially after you’ve just moved in and want your friends to see your new digs–just maybe not every weekend (that bathroom’s not going to clean itself, you know). Plan a memorable get-together to christen your kitchen and create lasting memories. We’ll help you get started!
Do you want to have an open house where lots of friends drop in throughout the evening, or would you rather host an intimate dinner party? And who says it has to be in the evening? There are no rules that prohibit you from hosting a brunch or luncheon, just keep in mind that the time of day you choose to host your event may dictate who is available to attend, the formality of the occasion, and whether or not you’ll be expected to invite children.
Are you envisioning a couples event, or something for families? A large group, or small? Once you decide what type of party you’re hosting, start with a brainstormed list of would-be guests and pare it down from there, if necessary.
Any event is only as good as its publicity. Think about it: how motivated are you to go to the party whose photocopied, one-size-fits-all invite is stuck to the fridge? It’s easy to feel like you won’t be missed at the party whose mass-produced fliers were distributed by the ream. On the other hand, when you receive an attractive card–whether delivered in person, by email, or by good-old USPS–you’re more inclined to associate a certain degree of exclusivity with that event, or at least assume that the host knows you personally and went out of her way to include you.
You want your home to be tidy, but remember–save the deep clean for after the guests leave. Make sure there’s plenty of comfortable seating arranged to encourage conversation. If you’re serving buffet style, set the table up in such a way that flows well into the area in which you wish guests to gather. Curate a playlist ahead of time so that you’re not scrambling at the last minute to find something to set the mood. Make sure the bathroom is clean and well-stocked with toilet paper and towels, and leave a light on so that people can easily find it. And speaking of light, turn on lamps and other lighting throughout your home to create a welcoming ambiance.
That’s why you’re having the party in the first place, right? Be prepared to share your favorite features of your new home with your friends.
Relax and enjoy yourself! You’ve put in the prep work, now’s the time to start living the HGTV dream and go enjoy that party around in your huge kitchen with its massive island.