We all know that January is the month of resolutions, ultimatums and deadlines. But why not make it a great time to get together with your friends and energize for the year ahead? Here’s how to plan perfectly…
The reason?
Why are you throwing a party? The reason is what will give it soul and heart. It will also help determine your guest list and your theme. I love themes to parties, even if they are small intimate affairs. You can play a board game, or have a murder mystery dinner. If board games are not your thing you can always try your voice at karaoke and have everyone show up as their favourite singer with a favourite song they’ve been practicing. If it’s a larger party, a zany Hunger Games feel would definitely be a first!
The menu?
In my book, the food always makes the party. Good food keeps people happy. So how do you decide what to serve? Well, it all depends on the type of evening. Chilled hangouts require soulful comfort food such as spinach and artichoke dip, seven layer Mexican dip, big bowls of salads with quinoa and kale. Make your own tacos or build your own burgers. If it’s a more corporate holiday dinner party, where you’re inviting your husband’s boss, colleagues or staff, then strive to impress. Always take your guests’ special requests and dietary restrictions into consideration. If I have guests visiting from out of town, I love to welcome them into my home and into my world by serving a few authentic Middle Eastern dishes.
If your evening has a special theme to it, then it’s always interesting to pair it with a menu that reinforces the style of your event. I threw an indoor Mexican beach party a few years back, with finger-foods like coconut shrimp skewers, pineapple and chicken, beef taquitos with guacamole and spicy crispy burgers with jalapeno mayo. All the waitstaff wore sombreros and everyone had to show up in their shorts and flip-flops. There was perfect synergy between the theme and the food to create the right ambiance. It’s more fun to pass canapés than to serve a full dinner buffet because it keeps people on their feet so they can mingle or dance.
How much is enough?
The ubiquitous question: “Will there be enough food?” If the quantities are meticulously planned, you’ll never run out of food. When I plan my cocktail menu, I prefer to have a larger variety of items of smaller quantities rather than a more restricted selection of greater quantity. The more eclectic the food, even better, it keeps people waiting to see what’s coming up next and reduces the chances of everyone eating from the same type. It also gives the impression of a more lavish spread. Another trick is to do a rough calculation; so if it’s a one to two hour pre-dinner event such as a gallery opening or a corporate networking event, where people are not expected to fill up on food, we usually calculate two to three pieces per person. If, however, it’s a fortieth birthday party with guests expecting to stay around four to six hours, then a calculation of 12 to 14 pieces per person is recommended. This equation has proven to be useful time and time again.
And the Music?
Music, for me, is like food: it adds life to your party and needs to be shared with everyone. There is a misconception that music has to be played only if it’s a dance party and people are expected to dance. I say even if you’re having a few close friends over for dinner have some lounge, jazz or pop music so you can sing along with your friends.
Party on!
By Lana Nasser
