Party Panthers on Prowl

How to be the Perfect Party Hostess

Invitations-  I love receiving a pretty invitation!  Send out invitations in advance (preferably online to save paper!), asking guests to RSVP so you can get an accurate count of who will be there.  Also, make sure you know everyone's dietary restrictions beforehand!  

Venue and Decor-  The setting can give the entire event a tone and elevate a simple dinner party into a magical soiree!  If it's at home, decking out your backyard with paper lanterns or your living room with candles/other decorations will invite your guests into a wonderful night.  Peruse Pinterest for decor inspirations!

Music-  Carefully curate a playlist for your get-together!  Make sure it's not too loud to interfere with conversations, but just loud enough to fill/prevent awkward silences.

Cocktails and Hors D'oeuvres-  Unless it's a cocktail party, don't go too crazy with the drink options!  Just stick to wine and one special cocktail.  Appetizers are essentials as well!  Try to stick with things that are small, easy to eat, and delicious!  A few great options include crudite, bruschetta, a cheese plate, stuffed mushrooms, and more.  

Seating-  Not a must at all parties, but it can be fun to play matchmaker or just ensure that the night goes seamlessly and the conversations flow!  Make little place cards for your guest and put them on the table settings.

Dinner and Dessert-  As mentioned above, make sure you know all your guest's dietary restrictions so you can accommodate them!  Check if you will have anyone who is vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, low-sodium, lactose-intolerant, etc.  As a vegetarian, I know that there's nothing more awkward than accidentally making a host feel bad because they didn't have an option you could eat!

If you will be cooking, don't experiment with new things, just stick to the tried-and-true recipes that you know are great.  Dessert is the perfect way to end the night- on a sweet note!  I'd recommend picking up desserts at a bakery or patisserie, unless you really want to bake them yourself!