Learn from a Master; Five Things You Need to Know to Throw the Perfect Party!

When I was in college I had the honor to become president of my fraternity for two years. During my reign it was my responsibility to organize and throw all the parties and social events for my Frat. So in addition to earning my bachelor's degree I also learned how to throw great parties and get togethers. Even after I graduated I have continued to host and help others throw birthday, beach and other types of parties. So I know how to throw a good get together and I am going to share my secrets with you. Read on and learn from a master of the social get together Aka the party.

So you'd like to throw a party but you are not sure how. Or you are scared that no one will show up to your party or worse people may show up and not have a good time. Well here are five things you need to know in order for you or anyone to have a successful party.

#1 Pick a theme.

Choosing a theme for your party makes it much more manageable. For one thing having a theme to your party makes it easier to explain to other people why you're having a party. Try to create your party around a particular event or occasion and the planning and promotion become much easier. Themes also make it easier to decorate for the event.

For example, deciding on the color scheme and decorations for a St. Patrick's Day party is a no-brainer. Just use cutouts of four leaf clover and green decorations for your shindig. You can also hand out leprechaun hats to everyone, or little plastic pots of gold. See how easy that was ?! The theme leads to the decorations and the decorations and theme also have the added effect of being conversation pieces for the guests.

#2 Pick a partner.

When it comes to parties, 2 heads are definitely better than one. This is especially important if you are a novice at hosting, new in town or just a little bit shy. Many people fail to realize that even a small party is a daunting task for just one person. You can simplify the process by choosing a partner who is outgoing, knows people and has thrown some successful parties before.

Having a partner in crime automatically doubles your guest list. Also having 2 people promote a party makes it easier to get the word out about your event. Your partner may also have access to resources that you don't.

Let's say that you want the party food to be catered but don't know a good caterer or don't really want to break your budget on food alone. Your partner may know someone who can cater at an affordable price or they may be able to enlist the aid of someone who will provide finger snacks for free.
Always use a partner when the throwing a party, it makes everything a lot easier, especially when it comes time to clean up after the event!!

#3 Promotion

The ideal time to spread the word about your party is two weeks before the date of the party. Two weeks gives everyone enough time to clear their schedules while not being so far in the future that people forget. Stick to this rule of promotion and you won't be disappointed.

#4 Music

You should never try to DJ the music for your own party. You are there to be a host or hostess not a DJ. You don't have time to go between the radio, the kitchen, your guests and the front door. That being said, you should get 5 CDs already made up for your party. One should be made of recent radio hits. CDs two and 3 can be a hip-hop, reggae, urban mix. CD 4 can be composed of rock or alternative music and your last CD might be slow songs or easy listening. Each CD needs to have one hour of music on it and the tracks and title should be clearly labeled for each CD. Put the CD in and let it play and every 30 minutes or so switch CDs, this leaves you free to mingle and introduce everyone at the party.

#5 Dress code.

One of the biggest hassles for people who are deciding to come to your party is what to wear. No one wants to be too dressed up or too dressed down and feel out of place. As a good party host you can solve this dilemma by specifying a dress code. If you took suggestion one and picked a theme then the dress code can revolve around the theme. Or else simply give people an idea of what to wear for the event as you tell them about the party.

One word of caution about dress code, you should never specify a casual dress code. People tend to take the word casual to an extreme. The ideal dress code is club wear or simply suggest that people dress as if they were going to hang out with a couple of their friends on a Friday night. This sort of dress code usually brings people out who are fashionably attired but not ready for the grand ball which is just what most parties require!

So there you have it the five things that you need to know in order to throw a successful party. Now go out spread the word, get your CDs made up, pick a partner and a theme and don't forget to let everyone know what they should wear to your party. Once you do these things you will be pleasantly surprised when everyone asks you when is your next party??