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.
Read how Edie Clark brings folks together for Orphan Holidays.
Reader Comments
Comment from Marie Gennett on November 18, 2010
thank you for sending pass word - we have been receiving Yankee Magazine for a long long time - liked it better before you grew in size. Marie and Leon Gennett
Comment from beverly lamond on November 23, 2010
Don\'t like your new format...liked the smaller version of Yankee better...
Comment from Dea Shepherd-Kent on November 23, 2010
I agree. Smaller version was special! Loved the double page artistic picture. Miss Earl P. so much.
Comment from Kathy Radaker on November 16, 2011
Just happened to see these comments from last year. I love Yankee, and would whether you choose to print it pocketbook or newspaper size! We have tried to visit New England for the past three years, but family events prevented those trips, so we are hoping to succeed next year ! ! Yankee makes me feel like I could step out of the pages and be in one of your beautiful areas any time I want. Keep up the great work!
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