Celebrate nature’s amazing “fresh start” season by treating your guests (and yourself) to a best-ever Spring party – Melissa Galt shares entertaining tips that guarantee a get-together that blooms with great food and good times.
According to Melissa Galt — acclaimed speaker, coach, designer, and author of Celebrate Your Life! — “Come Spring, we’re emerging from ‘hibernation’ with renewed energy and as the flowers bloom and birds sing, we can’t help but feel in high spirits. It’s the ideal time to party! But,” she adds, “Spring doesn’t last forever, so don’t wait – celebrate now!” To help you host a fabulous party with ease, Melissa offers these tips for entertaining …
Spring Party Secret #1: Great Guests
We learn a lot from those beyond our generation so liven up your guest list with a good mix of singles and marrieds and people of all ages. Don’t be afraid to blur the lines between your business and personal life, either. For example, if you’re friendly with certain clients and vendors, invite them along with your other friends.
Spring Party Secret #2: Irresistable invitations
Make sure your invitation clearly states the date, day, and time. But don’t stop there! What to wear is a huge issue for your guests, so give them examples on what to wear. Also, tell them what to bring (see Party Secret #3). Be sure to include directions, information on parking and such. Remember, a good invitation answers all your guests questions, motivates people to attend, and streamlines the RSVP process, to boot!
Spring Party Secret #3: Get Everyone Involved
Your guests will appreciate an opportunity to brings something, so give them the chance! Be specific and it’s easier for everyone. For example, ask everyone to bring a favorite Spring wine, or bubbly. Or, ask guests to bring a pot of Spring flowers or a dish made with seasonal ingredients (keep up with potluck foods, though, or you’ll wind up with too many Spring-greens salads!) Even ask guests to bring a favorite game, or something for Goodwill.
Spring Party Secret #4: Fabulous Food
Finger food makes it easier. Pasta with sauce is clearly not finger food. Make it easy on guests and have mini-kebobs, skewered or tooth picked items, stuffed mushroom caps (button mushrooms, not jumbo!) salmon on toast points and such. Food that doesn’t require utensils is fun and simple. And keep everything bite size! There is nothing more uncomfortable than popping an oversize bite in your mouth and being immobilized while attempting to chew and swallow. Make sure food is colorful, too. Add green, red, and yellow with peppers, parsley (tried but true), herbs and spices, sliced veggies and fruits. Food that looks appealing tastes better and gets eaten! EXTRA SECRET: Please, please, please label the food with small cards, ceramic markers, even slates. This removes the mystery and helps guests avoid anything that could cause an allergic reaction.
Spring Party Secret #5: Set the Mood
Start setting the mood right at the front door. Signage, Spring flowers, pastel balloons, and party props add excitement and anticipation and give your guests something to talk about as they enter. Be creative … but be consistent. Sometimes it is tempting to throw in everything but the kitchen sink: Don’t. Consider using no more than three colors in any scheme and select one or two shapes to focus on. Galt’s own signature themes involve gold, silver and a third color with stars and diamonds as her preferred shapes. Repetition gives continuity and reinforces the “feel” of the party throughout the house.
Spring Party Secret #6: Make Room
As you decorate, remember to leave room for guests! You also need to make room for glasses to be set down, plates to be parked and such. Put out coasters as a hint, and be sure that you have places guests can leave empty plates.
Spring Party Secret #7: Choose the Right Tableware:Please don’t be stingy and use those silly 6” plates for food! Conversation never really gets going at parties where guests have to stand around the buffet table grazing because they can’t get enough on a plate to enjoy it. So give your guests a real 10” plate and use a separate plate for dessert items with fresh flatware. Of course it’s wonderful to use real china, but when you’re hosting a party without full staff, it’s fine to go plastic on plates (but never on glasses). Others will disagree and insist on those glass plates that are so popular. If you MUST have those glass plates, make sure they don’t scratched, overused and dull.
Spring Party Secret #8: Free Yourself to Host the PartyGet outside help for food. Hiring a caterer is great … so is doing all the cooking yourself. But if your time and budget are tight, go potluck. Or, split the difference and let gourmet food sources like Whole Foods and Eatzi’s help you present guests with a delicious feast. Also get outside help on service. Hire a bartender (even if just to pour wine for the night). Enlist a pro or ask a neighborhood college student (one who’s “of age” of course). You may want to consider serving help too, or ask a couple of good friends to help you keep up with the food and empty plates.
Spring Party Secret #9: Give a Little Gift Leave a basket by the front door with a take-away gift for your guests. This little “thank you for coming” gift can be as decadent as a mini-box of Godiva truffles or as silly as a bag of potting soil with Spring seed packets to sow now for summer flowers. The perfect gift is personal and tied to the theme of your party.
Spring Party Secret #10: Enjoy! If you don’t have a good time, neither will your guests. Once all your preparations are complete, let the party begin! Remember, your guests are coming to see you – not to watch you work! So relax, mix and mingle, and join your friends in savoring your party and your glorious salute to Spring.
Melissa Galt offers many more ideas in her new book, Celebrate Your Life! The Art of Celebrating Every Day, 100 fabulously simple ways to celebrate your way to a richer life, stronger family, brighter career and a healthier, sleeker you. Information on Galt and her speaking, coaching and design services can be found at www.melissagalt.com. Celebrate Your Life! is available at www.Amazon.com and www.melissagalt.com. Galt can be contacted at 404-812-4613.
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10 Spring Party Secrets from Lifestyle Coach Melissa Galt
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