Spellbinding & Entertaining

Entertaining guests, no matter the size of the party, can be daunting. As the host, you want to be prepared for whatever might arise, seamless in your execution of party activities and still relaxed enough to have a good time. As you plan your next get-together, consider some of the tips below to help streamline your efforts and entice your guests, leaving everybody positively Spellbound.

Draw up a shopping list and go grocery shopping over a period of days, not the day before. Start planning the decorations and set the table early – that way you’re not scrambling when you should be calmly and happily awaiting the arrival of your guests.

Have appropriate food and drink staged for different portions of the evening, to further reduce stress during transitions.

Few things at a party top the feeling of being pampered by the host.

Anticipating your guests’ needs is one of the best ways to accomplish this, for instance by offering a few vegetarian options if you’re serving food, and having some non-alcoholic drinks available for guests choosing not to partake.

Knowing specific foods or drinks your guests enjoy goes that extra mile that truly makes them feel welcome.

People love to help, so take them up on their offers.
Be ready with fun, social tasks to give your volunteeers, like pouring wine, handing out silverware or putting out appetizers.

Lending a helping hand often makes guests feel involved and more at home.

It is always better to over-buy, or ask people to bring more, than to run out of drinks at a party.

Nothing kills the mood faster than removing that welcoming feeling that there’s enough for everybody. Stock up and count on at least three drinks per person throughout the night.