It’s been a while since we’ve been able to get together with friends, so if you’re set to host your very own event, you’ll want to make it extra special. Whether you’re throwing a garden party for a large group or just an intimate gathering with your nearest and dearest, you no doubt want to impress your guests and make up for all that lost time. If you’re not sure where to start, read on for some helpful tips.
Go all out with the décor
You’ve not celebrated with your loved ones for so long, so just this once, why not push the boat out a little? The right décor will spruce up your home and add a festive touch to any space, setting the scene for an enjoyable evening. Before you go shopping for your design flourishes it’s a good idea to pick out a theme, which should perfectly reflect the kind of event you want this to be. For a bohemian dinner party, you may want to invest in lots of flowers, candles and string lights, whilst for a 70s disco night you’ll need bright tableware, fringe curtains and anything holographic to get you started.
If you’re just looking for some simple touches, add to your dining table decor by elegantly placing an array of candles. For that extra glitz and glamour, add some statement vases in different sizes.
Choosing a theme and putting effort into your décor will make the event one to remember and is sure to impress your friends. Plus, it will create the perfect backdrop for lots of photos of the evening, which you can all look back on for years to come.
Make an effort with the appetizers
When it comes to party planning, most people will focus more on the drinks than the food, but you should consider both equally to impress your guests. Hungry guests aren’t happy ones and if you’ll be drinking alcohol throughout the afternoon or evening, you’ll need to provide something substantial to line your friends’ stomachs. If you’re not planning to serve a full meal as part of your gathering, you may consider offering a range of appetizers.
Appetizers can be impressive without requiring too much effort, so don’t worry if you’re not much of a chef. The best ones are bite-sized but full of flavour, so think things like bruschetta, sliders, pastries, meats and cheeses, cut vegetables, nuts and salads. Stock up on all your friends’ favourite nibbles and present these on a table they’ll have easy access to so they can help themselves throughout the event.
If you don’t fancy making appetizers but still want to impress your foodie friends, you could hire a caterer to do this for you or consider hiring a food van to serve your guests their favourite comfort foods.
Serve a great wine
You’ve got good food and good décor, but what you really need to bring it all together is the perfect wine. Gran Cerdo wine is a fantastic choice that’s sure to impress your friends, with the Spanish winemaker behind the label having established a reputation amongst wine lovers for their smooth, naturally made wines. The Rioja Tempranillo Gran Cerdo wine is a red that pairs beautifully with roasted white meat, charcuterie and salads, so it could be a good fit for your guests to enjoy alongside their finger food.
Be the perfect host
Once you’ve got all the details ironed out and prepared your food, drink and décor, the last thing to remember is to be a good host. When your friends walk in, make sure you provide a warm welcome, offer them a drink and take their coats, ensuring that they are suitably impressed as soon as they arrive. Even if they’re your oldest friends, guests love to feel special and providing a warm greeting is an easy way to get your gathering off to the perfect start.