25/02/2012 found by Natasha M (with the help of this website)
How to be a good party host
Do Your Homework
Keep at least two hours in store, after preparing your party, to get ready and for any unforeseen emergencies. Keep music ready and keep four, five random CDs in the music system, to let the music flow without your having to change it. While preparing the food, keep in mind the theme of the party as well as the overall tastes of your guests. Remember, the food should be ample and there should be a reasonable variety as well. Everyone likes food and there should be enough diversity to keep them happy. Arrange for wine and set a small bar, where people can help themselves. Seating arrangement should be perfectly arranged, to give people moving space. There should be enough chairs as well.
Divide Labor
You may be very good party planner, but it’s still not advisable to keep all the work for yourself. You can get tired and be zapped of all the energy by the time your guests come. So engage your guests or family members. Divide the labor, but keep on inspecting the work. Be gracious if any problem occurs. A party is meant for having fun, so don’t let anything ruin that for you.
Set The Mood
Set the mood for the party. Introduce everyone to each other and act as an ice breaker. Have a dance party. Anyhow, just make sure everyone is comfortable and having fun. Keep entertainment, music and other props to engage them. However, do plug out television before anyone arrives. You wouldn’t want anyone to watch TV in your party.
Dress To Impress
The first thing your guests are going to notice is you and if you’re a treat to the eyes, half the work is done. A messy, disheveled look is a mood ruiner. Be comfortable and dress according to the theme of your party. If you are throwing a fancy-dress party, be ready to wear a fanciful costume. Wear a formal do when you’re throwing a formal party. It may be your home where you’re throwing a party, but still you have to get ready as if you’re going to attend a party outside.
Welcome Your Guests
Make sure that you welcome each and every guest at the gate. If it’s a large gathering, ensure that a chaperon escorts them inside. Take out time for everyone and make sure you ask everyone if they are having a good time. Don’t devote all your time to one particular guest, even if he/ she is very special to you. It may make others feel less special and ignored.
Smile, Smile & Smile
Smiling is the key and it will take you a long way in becoming a good host. Even if there is any glitch, don’t let your smile fade away. Keep on smiling from the start of the party and right to the end of it.
Mingle With Your Guests
Mingle with your guests, even if they are somebody you don’t know. If your friends have brought a date with them, interact with them. However, don’t go in for very intimate details. Make polite small talk and encourage the guests to mingle with each other.
Enjoy And Let Your Guests Enjoy
Last, but not the least, enjoy the party and let your guests enjoy it too. The main aim of any party is to enjoy and let that motto not slip from your mind anytime. Frowning, looking at the watch every time and wanting to leave the party are the signs of very bad host. If you want everyone to look forward to your party, have fun and let the guests have fun too.