Home entertaining: Ideas for your best party ever

Hosting a party can be a joyful and satisfying experience, but the prospect can be tricky without enough entertaining ideas. Whether you’re entertaining friends, coworkers, strangers or family, the more inspiration you have for your party, the better.

But how do you know which ideas work best? Luckily, party planning experts agree on the basics. Here are some important entertaining tips to remember for your next party:

Be realistic about your guest list

One of the most important ways to guarantee a great party hosting experience is to not let the number of guests overwhelm you and your space. While the allure of large parties can be enchanting, the logistics of entertaining big groups can be taxing and complex. 

Instead, think about the type of party you want to have and the sort of activities you would like to include. A formal dinner party will be more restricted by your available space and dining furniture, whereas a casual, daytime birthday party leaves more room for mingling throughout multiple areas.

Plan & prepare

To wow your guests without creating extra work for yourself, plan ahead as much as possible. Food, drink, setup and takedown are all aspects of a party to consider beforehand. For a theme party, you may need extra time to find the perfect decor. If you’re planning to cook an elaborate meal, try practicing the recipes - especially for larger quantities. 

Stay on budget

You can have a fantastic party without going over budget. While things like food, drink and decor can add up quickly, you can save money on the fun by orchestrating classic party games. 

With a deck of playing cards, for instance, you can create hours of enjoyment for groups of various sizes. Board games are perfect for small groups, and larger scale activities like lawn golf or backyard badminton are simple to DIY.

Don’t forget: you deserve to have fun while entertaining, too! No matter the size of your house or the number of guests you invite, these tips will help you throw an excellent party without unnecessary stress.