holiday party
Ready to Party? 10 Most Important Things to Consider when Throwing a Party one enjoys having to yell across the table to be heard. 7. Games? Know your guests and what they will enjoy. A surprise game of charades is a great way to ensure lots of “no’s” for your next party. But then again, maybe it is exactly what they love. Know them and plan your party accordingly.
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ith the time for holiday “soirees” just around the corner, we interviewed Brent Meyer, owner of Grand Selections to “bone up” on the 10 most important things to consider. The respected downtown restaurateur and caterer has been helping Tulsans plan “the perfect parties” since 1996. Listen carefully to his suggestions and the word will quickly get out that your parties are the first ones to RSVP with an absolute “Yes!” 1. Establish a Theme and Purpose. Almost every decision begins with the determining the theme and purpose. Decide what you want to accomplish and it will drive your choices for food, entertainment, room choice and everything else. 2. Send out Invitations Early. Give your guests plenty of time to respond and to get the party on their calendar. 3. Match your room to the number of guests. Having too little room or too much room can destroy the best parties. Trying to eat or visit with standing room only is not any fun, but neither is the feeling that no one showed up when there are only a few people in a massive room. 4. Fantastic Food and Drink are the keys to success. The success of your party hinges on the taste buds. Don’t “scrimp on the shrimp” and other food selections. Make sure you have ample food and a variety of choices. In today’s world, make sure you offer healthy alternatives and glutenfree options. Placing nicely-printed tags in front of the dishes showing ingredients is a thoughtful extra touch. 5. Meet your guest’s expectations. If your party starts around meal time, people expect to be fed. If it is only hors d’oeuvres, be sure to make it clear in the invitation exactly what will be served.
8. Alcohol? If you choose to serve alcohol, help to keep things under control by offering lots hors d’oeuvres choices. Guests take their cues from the host. If you stay under control, chances are, they will too. And of course ensure that no one drives home intoxicated. 9. Kids? If kids are included at your party, it is your responsibility to provide a play room or activity for them. It is also up to you to set the boundaries on where they go within the house. Consider hiring a baby sitter who can make the party as much fun for them as for their parents. Also consider offering kid-friendly food items. 10. Liabilities – Before your guests arrive, make sure things are safe. Ensure that there is adequate lighting inside and out and you have eliminated slip, trip and fall hazards. If you hire a caterer, call well in advance, sample their food, make sure they professionals (insurance?), get references and make sure they can be flexible to deliver exactly the right things to meet your expectations. Have a good time yourself! Prepare early, recruit or hire enough help to allow you to do what the best hosts and hostesses do… greet and entertain guests. A Note to Guests…Being invited to a party is an honor. RSVP early, arrive on time (not early or late) and consider bringing something special for your host or hostess. Being a great guest is a dying art. Want lots of invitations? Be a great guest. Brent Meyer is the owner of Grand Selections at 309 S. Main. Try their fabulous lunches Monday through Friday. And as for their catering… You can’t go wrong with their mouth-watering Barbecue Citrus Meatballs, their famous “Chokes and Cheese,” stuffed mushrooms or fantastic shrimp. Call Brent at (918) 5830510 to help with your next party. grandselectionstulsa.com.
6. Music is a great way to express your theme and add fun to your party. But be mindful of the volume if one of your goals is to get your guests to communicate. No NOVEMB ER 2013 Communitys p ir itmagaz ine.com
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