Hosting the Perfect Get-Together
Bringing good friends together can get more and more difficult as time goes on. Career, household responsibilities and life’s little surprises can all conspire to leave you disconnected from those you care about. That’s why it’s so important to plan time to spend with friends and family. Planning events in advance gives you a date to work toward, as well as providing others with advance notice, and maybe time to hire a baby sitter!
Here are some ideas on arranging a get-together that will bring out the best in your friendships.
Think about a theme
You might think that a choosing a theme is a little over the top, but it can be a great way to provide direction for the food, décor and activities. We have a few ideas for theme parties that your friends may enjoy:
April Showers
Rainy days can be enough to ruin all but the sunniest of moods, so why not celebrate the rainy season instead! Invite the gang for a long walk or hike, followed by some piping hot tea and decadent sugar cookies decorated as galoshes, raincoats and umbrellas.
Spring Fling
You don’t need to wait until spring to fill your living room with an abundance of fresh-cut flowers. In fact, flower-arranging might be the ideal activity for friends who are looking to put an end to the winter doldrums. A visit to your local florist and craft supply store can provide you with all the essentials required for everyone to create a special take-home arrangement.
High Tea
You may not be able to treat your friends to high tea at a fancy hotel, but you can bring the experience home and have just as much fun. Mini sandwiches (cucumber, cress, salmon etc.), scones and clotted cream and various cakes can make for a wonderful departure from the regular party fare. And don’t forget the tea! A selection of different teas can make the experience a unique and, perhaps, addictive event.
Games and activities
When old friends meet, there is bound to be a great deal of catching up. That said, try your best to create some new memories that everyone will cherish for years to come. Perhaps a poker night is in the cards, or rent an appropriate game if you have a video game console handy. And remember, if all else fails, there is always “chick flick” night.
Don’t forget the music
It’s amazing how many of our best memories are related to music – yet at many parties it is an afterthought. Take a little time prior to your event to think about what music would be appropriate, and make a custom playlist on your computer or mobile device, or just make a leave a stack of CDs that everyone will enjoy next to your stereo.
When it comes to bringing the gang together, the only real limit is your imagination. Make the extra effort to create simple, unforgettable events and watch as lifelong memories unfold before your eyes.
