Our 8 Non-Negotiable Rules for Throwing a Party
These are all of equal importance.
by Erin Henderson
Greetings from the cottage!
As the summer winds down, you will find me lakeside, gin and tonic firmly in hand, giving the lazy, laid-back season the proper send off she deserves.
Labour Day is almost here, and with it, those final summer soirées. I've had a few inquiries for advice on throwing a great party, and certainly this blog is jammed with easy recipes for a crowd, make-ahead cocktails, wine pairing tips, and loads of entertaining inspiration.
But, apart from the obvious food, drink, and music, there are a few subtle elements that really elevate a gathering.
Here, in no particular order, because they are all vital, are our rules for throwing a great party, every single time.
1. Clean the bathroom.
This seems like a “duh” piece of advice, but sadly, there’s a reason we have made it a rule.
Shockingly – shockingly – we’ve been invited to a few homes over the years, where the bathroom was, uh, less than close-up ready. But even if you’ve given the loo a thorough cleansing, be sure to leave out a stack of fresh hand towels (no one wants to use the damp one!), and extra toilet paper in plain sight, so some unfortunate soul doesn’t have to rummage through your cupboards and catch a glimpse of your hemorrhoid cream.
Don’t forget to check in on the bathroom every hour or so to make sure it’s still ship-shape.
Bonus: a lit candle and even a speaker playing music is a very welcome added touch for comfort and security.
2. Get more ice than you think you need.
A conservative estimate is one bag per three people. That will take care of ice buckets, ice for shaking cocktails, and ice for drinks. If it’s an exceptionally hot day, go for one bag per two people.
3. Have a signature cocktail.
It’s a classy move that goes a long way.
4. This includes non-alcoholic.
We like to make all our guests feel welcome – including the weirdos who aren’t drinking. A thoughtful prohibition cocktail is a nice touch to include everyone in the festivities.
Related: The Virgin Guide
5. Store bought is just fine.
In the words of our Patron Saint, Ina Garten, no one is going to have more fun if you spent three days making a croquembouche.
However, if you do go the route of take-out, please, please make sure to transfer the dips and chips to nice bowls. Just throwing a bag of chips on the table does not a good host make. This is a party. Not a frat house. Unless, of course, this is a frat house party. Then carry on.
Related: Party Dip Board
6. Select a playlist (and charge your speaker).
Apple and Spotify have loads. Just search “dinner jazz” or “summer vibes” … y’all know how to do it. Get a nice playlist humming softly in the background so it provides ambience but doesn’t dominate.
7. Offer a mix of bites.
Don’t assume everyone eats what you do. It doesn’t have to be complicated, but it does have to be thoughtful.
I have friends who are vegans. I have friends who (allegedly) can’t handle gluten. I have friends who are seemingly allergic to vegetables and can only stomach meat.
I make sure I have something to offer everyone: veggies and dip, gluten-free crackers, a sophisticated cheese board, interesting small bites.
Related: Warm Olives with Citus and Herbs
8. Be available.
We are ready and waiting when guests arrive. Not sequestered in the kitchen still whipping the spinach dip. Not in the laundry room ironing the napkins. Not skimming dirt out of the pool.
We are relaxed, cocktail in hand, music on, food laid out, and happy to greet guests when they arrive. Because the party host sets the tone for the event: relaxed and happy or tense and harried? Which party would you want to another invite to?