Natia's Party Guide!

2-3 Weeks in Advance

• Decide Themed vs. Non-Themed. If themed, you need to make sure that you pick a theme that will be broad enough and easy enough for everyone to dress up for (ie. they've got to be able to find a relevant outfit in their closet).

• Set the Date on a Saturday. Saturdays usually work best as people are tired on Fridays from a long workweek and Saturday will give you that little bit of extra time to prepare.

• Prepare a list of invitees. Make sure you have a good mix of open-minded people. Assume only 50% will be able to attend.

• Create an enticing invitation! Ensure that the tone and message of the invitation is consistent with the theme of your party and the type of party (wild vs. laid-back) you want to have. This gives your guests and their friends an idea of how to get mentally/physically prepared for the party! Send them the invitation at least two weeks in advance.

  NOTE A: Don't forget to include you address (with buzz code, if you have one), phone number, party start time, directions to your house (by transit and car), and parking options available.

  NOTE B: Ask people to RSVP for the party and, if desired, a place to stay afterwards so that you can plan accordingly.

1 Week in Advance

• Plan your outfit and the decor for your place to match the theme or "essence" of the party.

  Make sure you are ready with plenty tea lights and/or dripless candles (!!) - and plan to keep them away from potentially hazardous areas. Dim lighting makes everyone look like movie stars.

• Prepare Mixed Tapes/CDs Ahead of Time. Based on the type of music your invitees like, the theme of your party, and what you like yourself, create compilations ahead of time so that you only need to choose from a few tapes or CD and focus your attention on other matters. It's also good to create separately Ambient / Easy-listening compilations (for the beginning of the night) and Upbeat compilations (for when the party really gets going).

• Remind people about the party, ask how many people they are bringing and keep track of the total number of people expected.

The Afternoon Before your Party

• Prepare any cold (or room-temperature) food and mixed drinks a few hours before the party (put them in the fridge to keep them cool).

• Prepare "Killer Pitches" for everyone on your guest list. For instance, "Meet Mr. X. He was a stripper in Tokyo." Ideally, you should go beyond the introductions and actually stay for a few moments to speak with Mr. X and Ms. Y. This is a great way to ensure that no one gets stuck in an embarassing conversation dead zone.

• Make room in your fridge. It will be filled with your guests' bottles of wine, beer, etc., very quickly.

• Prepare for twice the number glasses that you think you will need. People often don't use (or after a few drinks... can't find) the original glass they were using.

• Place at least two garbage bins around the place for people to throw away stuff in. (otherwise it will end up on the floor or on one of your serving tables.)

• Bring out enough chairs for at least a third to half of the group.

• Put away any breakable items.

• Clean all your dishes (you will need the room!).

The Afternoon Before your Party

• 30 minutes before the party begins,
  • Begin playing your music (start with the slow ambient compilation)
  • Set lighting & light candles
  • Take out the food and spread it evenly on tables around the room. This discourages people from huddling all together in the same corner of the room.
  • If you have 2 sinks, fill one with crushed ice (2 bags will fill it and last for most of the night). Don't forget to plug the sink. Make sure the other sink is clean and has nothing in it.
  • Have ice-cold water available to dilute alcohol levels between the drinks.
  • Change your answering machine message to have a fun message about the party and to direct people to the appropriate apmt/home address.

• For the early comers, offer them drinks and food immediately and introduce them to something or someone that will keep them busy until you are completely ready and/or another guest arrives.

• If you live in an apartment and you have a system to let people, ask a few of your friends to watch out for the telephone in case it rings and you are not available (or don't hear it). This way, someone should always be able to let your guests in.

• Make sure you (or a friend) take(s) lots of pictures as this will be an unforgettable night!! Don't forget to have your pictures developed promptly and show them around to remind people what they did... hehe. Personally, I find that the best way to share the pictures are to have them available online for everyone to see anytime, again and again. ;c)

• Relax and enjoy your party! This is the joy of getting it all set-up in advance... by the time your party begins, you should be ready to socialize and enjoy yourself along with every body else!