Stock up on supplies before your next shindig
H
osting a party is no small task. Hosts must tend to a slew or responsibilities when inviting friends and family to their homes, and one of the biggest is stocking up on party supplies. The supplies necessary for hosting a party depend on the type of party hosts are throwing. For example, the supplies necessary for a formal dinner with friends will differ from those needed for a childʼs birthday party. Breaking your supply needs down into categories can make it easier to guarantee you get everything you need to throw a successful and fun party. Furniture
Depending on the size of your guest list, you may need to buy some extra furniture so everyone has a place to sit during the festivities. When throwing a backyard barbecue, stock up on extra patio furniture or ask guests to bring beach or camping chairs so no one has to stand while eating. If you are hosting a party at home for the big game, purchase some folding chairs and consider moving armchairs or office chairs from around the house into the room where everyone will be watching the game. If you are throwing a formal dinner party and are worried your existing dining room table canʼt accommodate all of your guests, consider purchasing a new table that features extensions you can remove or install depending on the size of your party.
Food
No matter which type of party you will be hosting, guests will expect to be fed. Plan a menu that suits the type of party you are throwing, offering kid-friendly fare like pizza and macaroni and cheese when hosting childrenʼs birthday parties and a more sophisticated menu
when inviting professional colleagues over for dinner. Asks guests if they have any specific allergies or dietary restrictions, and do your best to cater to those needs. If hosting a less formal affair like a game watch, have snacks on hand when guests arrive and then order some pizzas once everyone has arrived. This allows everyone to pitch in and ensures hosts arenʼt missing any of the action while preparing food. Beverages Beverages also must be offered when hosting a party. Offer juice, water, coffee, tea, and soft drinks to your
guests regardless of which type of party youʼre hosting. If hosting an adult-only or more formal affair, have some alcoholic beverages on hand but be careful that guests donʼt have too much to drink. Prepare tea and coffee after the meal to help guests digest their meals and relax. Servingware If your guest list is small, chances are you wonʼt need to buy extra plates, utensils or glasses. But you likely will need to stock up on servingware when hosting larger soirées. Purchase reusable items so you wonʼt have to
stock up come your next party. Reusable items also reduce the carbon footprint of your party, which can be considerable when using disposable servingware. Miscellaneous In the days leading up to the party, be sure to stock up on miscellaneous items like paper towels, napkins, toilet tissue, and hand soap for the restrooms. Make sure extra rolls of toilet paper are left in a visible spot in the restroom, and keep paper towels alongside any buffet-style offerings so guests can quickly address any spills.