How to throw a fabulous gathering

It’s Official…Spring has SPRUNG!

The change to warmer weather means it’s time for entertaining. Here come the cookouts, house parties and perfectly planned shindigs to celebrate our favorite life events… prom, graduations, Mother’s Day, Father’s Day, birthdays and summer holidays give us many reasons to gather & celebrate. Over the top perfectly planned parties are divine but there’s nothing like a good party AT home. Setting up your home for entertaining is the key to a successful event. Here’s some tips to make sure that your next event entertaining people goes over well!

Theme: What’s the purpose of your gathering? Aligning the event purpose with a theme always helps to simplify the planning process.  A good theme will help bring your party together and will guide you when choosing essential event elements. Use your theme as a guide when deciding on food, decor, dessert, music, and favors. Planning a graduation party? Perhaps the grad-to-be is an English major? Incorporating books into the décor or planning the event around the grad’s favorite book would be well received by all.

Guests:  When inviting guests make sure to include few newbies and wild cards. We’ve all heard the term no new friends but we’re more sophisticated than that right? Right! Make sure to introduce the new friends to other guests to spur conversation and goodwill.

Seating:  No one likes to be left with a plate in their hand standing to eat. Make sure that you have the appropriate number of seats for every guest that will be in attendance. Don’t forget about small seats for the little people! Creating a kid’s designated table and seating area ensures the little ones will be both comfortable and out of the way (somewhat!)

Food & Beverage:  With all the various paleo, gluten-free, nut-free and vegan diets around make sure that you have something for everyone. Include some clearly marked food options to avoid confusion when guests are filling their plates. Make sure to have soda, water and a signature drink or punch with a couple of craft beers thrown in. Serve fun snacks in cute dishes and attendees will take note.  If you insist on keeping a stocked bar, don’t forget to have ample mixers and ice on hand! Garnishes like lemon, lime, mint leaves and toothpicks will give an affordable upgrade to basic alcoholic drinks.

Music: Remember know that cookout that you attended where no one could hear anything and everyone left with her ears buzzing because of the loud music? Don’t be the host that throws the uncomfortable party! Make sure to have a mix of up-tempo and slow temple songs in your playlist. Temper your music to your guests. For instance, if grandma and kids will be in attendance, save the hardcore rap for the after party.

Entertaining is fun and should not be seen as stressful. Follow the above basic tips and your next shindig will be a sure hit! Feeling nervous? Enlist the services of an affordable event planner and sit back while the professional does the heavy lifting!

Mrs. Gineen Cargo is a wife, mother of 2 boys, public relations consultant and the owner of Cargo & Co Events., a North Carolina based Wedding & Special Event Planning Firm that specializes in Curating Creative Celebrations Worldwide. Visit Cargo & Co. Events on their website www.cargoandcoevents.com and follow them on Instagram @cargoandcoevents

Cargo & Co. Events is extending a special offer to all Fab Wives-to-be.

For a limited time, book a Day of or Partial Wedding Package and receive $100 off! Contact Cargo & Co. via email at hello@cargoandcoevents.com for your Free consultation!

Fab Wives Admin