5 rules for a successful event

Have you ever been at a party where you felt everything was wrong with you? Your clothes, your mood, even the fact that you should have eaten before you came… yes, you know the feeling! The host just told you the place, date and time and, now there you are feeling awkward and, this is not the place you want to be.

Now it’s your turn, you are about to organize an event, and soon you will be inviting people for a birthday, party, wedding, dinner, cocktail you name it and of course you want it to be a success!

To help you out I will share my 5 rules for a successful event.

1) It’s all about the guests

Give them all the details; time & place are just details; they really need to know what kind of a party you are throwing. Is it a birthday with family and friends, children and grownups or just adults? Is it casual or fancy, any special anniversary? You get the picture… the more you tell them, the better they will feel when they arrive. This way, they will be prepared to meet, mingle and be part of your celebration.

2) List your guests

So you have already decided what kind of an event you are having, you have the date and location and, you now know who you are going to invite, but do you know if they have any special needs?

I know, I know! I can hear you from here. It’s my party, and I will have it my way!

Remember rule number one – it’s all about the guests. Yes, it’s your party, but the only way you’re going to enjoy the after taste of a successful party is to know who your guests are and cater to their needs. You will feel relaxed when the day comes, and they will feel safe and comfortable at your party! I assure you there is no better feeling!

Here is an excellent way of asking – regarding food or anything else, is there something I should consider when organising the party?

3) Build your party around them.

Now that you know their do’s and don’ts. It’s time to plan your party.

Say most of them like quiet music and enjoy talking to each other; you have two with celiac disease and one with gluten intolerance (here is the difference), a vegetarian, someone who can’t eat milk, and another who doesn’t eat pork.

Oh jeez, you wanted a heavy metal party, well let me tell that in my opinion, you have at least 3 options:

1. You throw the party knowing that your friends are in for a miserable time.
2. You find another group of friends with the same taste as yours.
3. You find yourself a heavy metal bar and enjoy the evening by yourself or with a couple of like-minded friends, and you still throw the party.

I would definitely choose the last option, my friends are the best I have in life, and heavy metal is something I can do another time; hell, I can even throw a heavy metal Halloween party!

Choose wisely your playlist and have a couple of lists handy; you might need to lighten or energise the mood; it all depends on the energy flow.

Make sure you have your bases covered.  

4) Start planing the details

Date – weekday? Weekend? Holiday? Other important events happening?

Time – Lunch? Dinner? Tea? Food and drinks? Just drinks? Cake and Bubbles? Do people work the next day? Am I in for a neverending party? Is this something I want? Am I a night owl or an early bird? What suits my calendar best? What is my budget?

Place: At my place, a restaurant, a venue? At the park? Inside/ Outside?

Season: Is it cold or warm? Is it dark? Maybe some candles in the driveway. Sunny? Parasols and chairs.

Food: Three-course menu? Tapas? Buffet? Homemade? Premade? Catered?  

Make your choice and make sure you have some real food for every one of your guests and don’t forget to identify the allergies and if you have someone, extra sensitive make sure you keep their food separated. (you’ll find some excellent suggestions on our smashing menu suggestion page)

I’m hoping you won’t do like someone I know that only had a bag of popcorn for my celiac daughter at a birthday party.

Decoration: If you’re celebrating at home, make sure you use your favourite table cloth, it will boost your confidence and make your day! Let your special china come out! It’s your birthday!!!! Make sure to have your flower vases at hand; I’m sure they will come in handy 😉

On the other hand, why not make it extremely practical but maybe a little less environmentally friendly and do single-use articles for this party! (remember to place some trash cans strategically).

Remove all unnecessary items (this way, you will avoid accidents)

Free all your surfaces, so people have other places to sit and put their glasses and plates. Have some extra cushions just in case. People love to sit on the floor nowadays! Want additional tips for your decoration? have a look at all my Pinterest collection of pins! The “look” is in the details 🙂

5)The lifesavers!

In your pantry (make sure they are gluten-free safe, or other allergies you cater for.)

• Chips (make sure they are gluten-free safe)
• Popcorn
• Marshmallows
• Chicken ham or readymade chicken stripes
• Raisins
• Fresh or canned vegetables (asparagus/ corn/ peas/ mushrooms)
• Eggs
• Coconut milk
• Gluten-free flour

You may wonder why I choose these articles, well you can find out here. Have a look at these recipes (caril de legumes /omolete de legumes/ arroz de frango com passas e legumes.)

And finally, the bathroom!

Yes, the bathroom will most likely be the most visited room in your house during a party, so make sure you have the following items on display:

• Toilet paper and extra, extra toilet paper
• A new bar or bottle of soap
• Towels
• A fresh bag in your trash can
• A scent diffuser

In a nice tray or basket, place these items; they will be a lifesaver for some of your guests:

• Hand cream
• A little sewing kit with safety pins
• Breath mints
• Small first aid kit with band-aids
• Indigestion tablets
• Aspirine/ Pain killers
• Hair spray
• Lint roller
• Eye-drops
• Stain remover
• Tissues
• Clear nail polish
• Nail clipper
• Toothpicks or dental floss
• Q-tips
• Tweezers
• Nail file
• Feminine hygiene products
• Feel free to add to the list 😉

So the next time you plan a party, feel free to download my free party planner template, and I’m sure that you will have every detail covered for a smooth and successful happening!