The Most Common Party Hosting Mistakes You Can Easily Avoid!

So you’re excited about this big party that you’re hosting this weekend? Spare a minute and carry on reading to avoid some common hosting mistakes you might not even know you could be making!

No Introductions or Ice breakers

It can be daunting for guests if they don’t know too many others or if they have come alone. So along with handing out drinks, make sure that you introduce different groups of your guests, preferably starting a common thread of conversation, so that it carries forward when you excuse yourself to move on to others. Keep checking on the singles or couples who are attending the party without knowing too many others. Ice breaker games are a sure shot way to lighten up the mood and get people to mingle instead of just floating around.

Forgetting to warn the neighbours

Blaring music and loud drunken chatter can be annoying for anyone if they are not expecting it.So, this is literally the make-or-break for your party! If you don’t get the neighbours on your side, depending on how crazy your lot is, the cops are sure to be your party crashers! Ideally, invite them to the party! But if that is not an option, ring their doorbell a few days prior, with some lovely tea cake in hand, and let them know what to expect for that one night. Give them your number to warn you if things get out of hand. Chances are, they will be less inclined to make a complaint against you.

Not planning your playlist

A party without music? We don’t think that’s possible! It does not need to be blaring, club style music. Ambient music also sets the tone for a party beautifully.

This needs some planning beforehand though. Think about what your guests would like more than your personal preferences. Not a fan of Bollywood music? But is that what would get your guests grooving? Then, you know what to play!

A poorly carried out theme

If you have sent across your invitation with a theme, then you must take the effort to get the theme to come alive across all touch-points of the party. It need not be overwhelming, but the effort must show! It would not be a nice feeling for the guests who might invest a lot of money and time in finding that perfect fancy dress costume for you pirate themed party, but not really see the theme come alive at the party! So if you are planning to have a theme you must go the distance.

Running out of food and alcohol

This would arguably be the worst mistake you could make! The last thing you would want is for your guests to go hungry at a dinner party, step out to bar to finish their last round of drinks or for the vegetarians to be left staring at only chicken appetizers! You need to plan ahead and know how many to cater for before-hand. Planning methods like requesting RSVP and food / drink preferences helps. If you are on a budget, mention BYOB (bring your own booze) in your invite, this is a common practice in western societies that is soon catching up locally.

No thought to décor or mood setting

Just like a kid’s party is incomplete without balloons, a party for adults needs some sort of décor or ambience to set the tone of the party! There are enough and more elaborate ideas for bachelorette, birthdays or baby shower decoration ideas online, but even simple things for smaller house parties like dim soft lights or candles can go a long way in setting the mood of the soirée.

Being a stressed out host

Yes we know that planning that perfect party can get anyone frazzled. But this is the vibe that you then throw out. And hey, no one’s going to really unwind and enjoy the party if the host is visibly worked up! So, plan ahead! Don’t leave too many things for the last minute. Try to wrap up all preparations a day before as there will definitely be unexpected things that need your attention at the last minute. Don’t hesitate to ask you inner circle for help! Do the best you can do, and then relax with your drink and make sure you have a great time!

Ryan works for a party shop, helping them develop their products from bride to be sash to photo booth props. He also writes articles on giving ideas for party décor.