The Top5 Mistakes You MUST Avoid If You Want to Host a Successful Party

During at least one point in time, most of us are faced with hosting a party. It might be a professional party that we are hosting for our boss, and we don't want to get that wrong! It might be a social party where we want to make sure our friends have the best time ever. Or, it could be a family party that, well, we'll just never hear the end of it if we screw that up. Making sure everything is perfect can be a nightmare if you don't know the top five Mistakes you must avoid if you want to host a successful party.

Top Twelve Types of Parties that Require a Host:

• Birthday Parties
• Anniversary Parties
• Retirement Parties
• Bachelor Parties
• Bachelorette Parties
• Bridal Shower Parties
• Wedding Reception Parties
• Rehearsal Dinner Parties
• Baby Shower Parties
• House Warming Parties
• Graduation Parties
• Open House Parties
• Grand Opening Parties
• Holiday Parties of all types

Regardless of what type of party it is, the top five mistakes you must avoid if you want to host a successful party are all the same. If you keep these mistakes in mind while you are in the planning stages, then your party should go off in grand style.

The Top Five Mistakes You MUST Avoid if You Want to Host a Successful Party

1. Forgetting to confirm the date with the Guest(s) of Honor. I have actually seen parties planned and invitations sent for parties that the guest(s) of honor weren't even going to be in town for. Even if it's a surprise party, find some way to confirm that the most important guests are going to be able to attend.
2. Not sending out invitations early enough. Many people don't like last minute planning, and some people are so busy that if you don't catch them ahead of time, they simply won't be available. Six to eight weeks is best for parties that will require gifts or for out of town guests to make travel arrangements. Request that RSVPs are sent at least two weeks before the party.
3. Not having adequate accommodations. Not having enough seating or space can make an otherwise blow-out party seems claustrophobic and oppressive. Make sure you have the space for the amount of people you are going to invite. Party centers, hotels, and community centers all offer nice accommodations at reasonable costs and may be the perfect spot for your party.
4. Not having enough food or beverages. You don't want your guests leaving early because they were starving or dying of thirst. Make sure you over plan a bit on the food and drinks even if it means chips, popcorn, pretzels, and punch. Even if it's a sit down dinner, it's just safe planning to plan for extra people just in case someone drops their plates or surprise guests show up. Leftovers can always be sent home with the guests.
5. Not providing entertainment. A party has to have at least a minimum amount of entertainment as a way to break the ice and get people in the partying mood. Make sure you plan on offering at least the minimal amount of entertainment at your party to give people an excuse to have fun!

Entertainment Ideas for Any Party:

• A Band or DJ, or Karaoke so people can sing and dance
• A clown or other "character" for children's parties
• Board Games
• Decks of Cards
• A psychic that can give readings during the party for interested people
• Outdoor yard games if the weather is nice and your accommodations permit, such as volleyball or croquet
• "Roast" your guest of honor by quoting from guests funny memories they have of the guest of honor. This is especially fun at Retirement Parties. Plan this in advance by asking the other guests for this information ahead of time.

For party specific entertainment such as showers or bachelor and bachelorette parties, you can find many ideas on line or at the library. Or, ask your friends about fun things they've done at parties.

Print the top five mistakes you must avoid if you want to host a successful party and put them in your planner or save them to your desktop as a handy reference guide as a reminder. Avoiding these mistakes will help your party be one that will be enjoyed and talked about for years to come!