Five ways to throw the perfect party

July 16, 2009

The pressure of entertaining is not be underestimated. Between picking out decorations and stocking up on champagne, even the smallest of gatherings can turn into a major planning headache. Here are ten ways to ensure your party runs smoothly:

1) Pick a theme. This doesn’t have to be as obvious as an Abba or James Bond theme: it can be as simple as focusing on a specific colour or cuisine, but having a theme will give your private party cohesion. Give West End Events a call on 020 7404 4232 if you're stuck for ideas.

2) Get help. If your party is for more than, say, a dozen people, it’s a good idea to get some help. Bartenders and waiters can be hired relatively inexpensively: in fact, you may even be able to coax a friend’s teenage children into the roles for some extra pocket money (though they’ll need to be over 18 to man the bar!)

3) Make a signature drink. This will enable you to put your own stamp on the party and it will be a great icebreaker to get all of your different guests talking to one another.

4) Serve a buffet. Again, 12 is a magic number. Any party with at least this number of guests should serve buffet food. A standing buffet can often be a good idea as it allows people to mingle and talk to whoever they like.

5) Make music. If you don’t know your Abba from your Michael Jackson, get your music buff friend (everybody has one) to set up a suitable playlist on their iPod. Then plug it into your sound system and it’s party time!