Tell me your party hosting secrets

[parrty]

AIDBU because i'm using this board purely for traffic but tomorrow I am hosting a party for 20 people (before anyone gets their knickers in a twist i'm not in the UK its is 100% legal where I am and myself and my guests are happy covid is well controlled enough here that its safe to go ahead)
Now my question is I have never actually hosted a party before, please can you tell me your top hosting tips, things i've probably forgotten and need. Timing is late lunch, food will be served in buffet/help yourself form so if you have any crowd pleasing failsafe food suggestions that would be great also.

I'm probably over thinking it but I moved a the start of the year and due to covid didn't get much of a chance to settle and make friends now things have gotten back to normal i'd really like things to go well and not get myself a reputations as the areas worst hostess.

@MatildaonaWaltzer Oh..you and me both....a proper grown up party with loads of really interesting people and glamour and nice dresses and shoes and jewellery...oh I miss it so much!

We had a fabulous party (even if I say so myself) in the early new year before we knew anything of what was to come. It was a very gorgeous small party of about 25 people but we had such fun and drank the nicest cocktails and wines and had wonderful food and we were all dressed up and that memory has sustained us for so much of lockdown!

We will gather again! And we will cherish it so much when we do!

@caperplips

It's so interesting to read all the different perspectives of what makes a good party.

As a guest (as opposed to a host) I enjoy parties where the following things are attended:

I like to be introduced to other guests by the host. Though I'm very socially able and my work frequently involves hosting so I'm good at making conversation / walking up to people and introducing myself

I like to be offered a nice drink (cocktail or bubbles) as soon as I arrive

I do not want to be given any 'jobs' - I really hate this, although if asked by the host I will do it without visibly flinching but I will not like it

I want someone to take my coat etc and put it away somewhere and tell me where it is . I don't want to be crumpling my coat up on the floor in a corner etc

I like a clean bathroom with nice soap, fresh towels and plenty of toilet paper to be availble (have been to some parties where the hosts clearly forgot to check the downstairs toilet for kiddy mess -wet towels / kids soap bottles in the sink) before guests )

If there's food (and I always hope there will be ) I don't want to be preparing it or given jobs around it - other than perhaps calling other guests to the kitchen / table etc

I love flowers & nice candles

I like a proper glass to drink from especially if I'm drinking wine. I hate plastic cups

I really dislike when hosts start cleaning up and washing up all around the guests, it makes me feel really in the way and that the primary aim is to clear everything away asap.

Good music, good food, plenty to drink and good company

Yep this

Champagne and good low lighting can make it. Nice food and the right music that is background to conversation (unless dancing happens)

Mostly I want an excuse to dress up and wear heels in nice lighting whilst feeling fuzzy with champagne and sociable

Also summer parties outside ditto but with pretty outdoor lighting as it gets dark

@MarshaBradyo Yes to all of that!
I forgot to add soft lighting to my list
Music is a must but not too loud until the dancing starts!
I think considering your guest list carefully too is a good thing - try to gather people who will find each other interesting etc. and then the host(s) need to circulate and join different groups and make introductions and keep the guests mingling. It amazes me how many people don't think (or bother) to do this and you see little groups huddled together all night in the same groupings and the host(s) in one of them too.

For me the success of a great party is coming home slightly tipsy from champagne / cocktails and literally buzzing from various conversations I've had with both old friends and new people I have just met.

There is definitely an art to throwing a memorable party.