How to add class to your party

Being a good host or hostess appears to be a lot easier than it is. You better believe that the outcome of your dinner, cocktail, or holiday party is going make an impression. You need to decide whether it will be a good one or a bad one. If you want to have a party that people envy and remember, go out of your way to add some touches of class.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

1. Hire the necessary help. Don't try to be a one-person wonder and don't underestimate the skill or elegance of professional services. Have a bartender if you are serving a variety of mixed drinks. Have a chef prepare complicated dishes and elaborate food displays if your party requires them. Serve horsdeuvres and champagne butler style. For a sit down dinner, have each course presented and removed by a server. This may sound like it will cost you a lot of money but many catering companies provide all these services for one package price. Also it is fairly easy to find servers and bartenders at local restaurants who are looking to make money on the side.
2. Invest in what you need to serve your selections as they should be served. Even if you decide to rent it, use real glassware instead of plastic. And have the appropriate glassware and stemware for the items you will be serving. Don't force your guests to drink beer from wine glasses or wine from highballs.
3. Consider live music. If you are hosting a more elegant affair, a musician is a more memorable touch than a DJ. It is up to you whether you want to hire a soloist or a full multi-piece band, which can be reasonably priced on certain days and during certain seasons.
4. Make sure you have enough space for the number of people you invite. One of the easiest ways to throw a damper on your party is by cramming too many people into a small space. If you want to have a party in your 800-square foot studio, make sure it is an intimate party. If you want to throw a party for 80, either rent a venue or get permission to do it at a friend's place if you do not have enough space.
5. Don't dress like the help. Since you will have all the assistance you need, it is not necessary for you to walk around with apron or cooking mitt. Dress as your guests will be dressed and act like the affair that you are hosting is the way that you are accustomed to living.