Issues → November/December 2007 → Interact → 10 Things to Do →
15 Practical Party Tips
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10. Stock up on a variety of beverages. If budget is a consideration, don't serve hard liquor; it's more expensive than beer or wine, which most people drink, and it requires other accoutrements (ice, mixers, lemons and limes). But be sure to offer several choices for those who don't drink alcohol; seltzer water and juice usually cover the bases. It's important to have on hand what you think your guests want. If you don't drink, don't impose that stricture on your guests. You've invited them to come and enjoy themselves, and that implies that you want to make them happy in the style to which they're accustomed.
11. Put all drinks and hors d'oeuvres out on a selected table beforehand, with napkins, glasses, corkscrew, whatever's needed, so people can help themselves. Make all this as automatic as possible. And set it all up in advance. As people arrive, just invite them to help themselves to a drink of their choice.
12. Pace the courses. Don't rush the meal. Make sure there's plenty of food so that everyone can have seconds if they want.
13. Be sure to offer coffee and tea when the meal has ended.
14. You're there to enjoy yourself, but you're also there to make sure all your guests are happy. If you notice that one of your guests is, for some reason, hanging back or not included, pull that person into the conversation subtly but deliberately.
15. The reason for your party will usually dictate the size of the crowd, but I've always felt that dinner for eight is the ideal size. It's easy to cook for that number, and the conversation is much calmer and more focused when eight gather around a table.
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