How to plan the prefect party

If you know me, then you know that I LOVE to host. I love hosting parties and events, and taking charge of any party I go to (even if I’m not hosting… oops lol).

I’d like to think that all my friends enjoy the events I host and look forward to them 👀, so let me give you my guide on how to host the best parties!

Making it Aesthetic

I love making things look cute. That’s probably the most important thing to me! Here’s a list of things I’d recommend getting for hosting the prettiest and most aesthetic dinner party, picnic, or get-together.

Table Set Up

This is probably the thing I have the most fun doing. I live for making the table setup look cute and even personalized. This is the way I like to do it:

a. Charger Plates
They’re basically larger plates that act as placemats. Getting charger plates that match the vibe is the best way to go. Having a set of a few staple colours that go with everything is such a good idea. I have a couple of gold sets that I loveeee. You can also get clear charger plates, which go with literally anything.

🌟TIP: In my opinion, if you have charger plates, you don’t need placemats, but you can definitely do both if you want to be more boujee 😏. I would recommend straw ones or neutral linen ones since they go with most vibes.

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b. Matching Utensils and Napkins
It’s essential that all your plates, utensils, and napkins match the vibe. I love the attention to detail. For me, it’s totally worth getting nicer plates, utensils, and napkins that I can reuse.

Getting fancy wine glasses is also a good idea!

🌟TIP: Try not to get utensils or napkins in super specific colours. Stick with tones that can go with a lot of different aesthetics. I got a beautiful set of golden vintage metal utensils that are reusable. I also got fabric golden napkins that I can pretty much use for any occasion and pair with different sets; it all goes together. I also highly recommend plain white plates. They go with everything.

c. Tablecloths
For this, I recommend getting a standard white tablecloth and then getting your table runner in the colour that matches your theme.

🌟TIP: One hack my friend recently shared with me is to take the table runner, cut it into squares or strips, and tie them as napkins! It matches perfectly, and I love things like that.

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d. Name Cards/Menus
This adds such a nice personal touch! You can so easily make name cards on Canva. If you don’t want to assign seats, you can make menu cards or even a mini itinerary instead. It gets guests excited for the event.

If it’s for a bigger event, you can also include mini word searches or small games on the cards in case people get bored or need a conversation starter.

e. Table Decor
You definitely need some candles and flowers along the table to bring it to life. Baby’s breath flowers are always a safe choice, and then add coloured flowers that match your theme. For example, if it’s a pink theme, go for light pink roses or carnations.

🌟TIP: Go on Pinterest and look up inspo for your table set up! There is setup inspiration for every occasion and colour. 

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Dinner Set Up

For food setup, I like to do it on a separate table since the main table decor usually takes up most of the space.

To make the dinner setup look aesthetic, use cute serving plates and platters. I recommend raised serving dishes: different heights look so good, especially when they’re part of a matching set. I love white stands like the ones in the picture because white goes with literally anything. Once you add matching flowers that go with your theme, it all comes together so nicely. Spinning boards are also a cute idea if you're serving things like wraps or finger foods. Wooden charcuterie boards and stacked tiered trays also make the table feel more elevated while keeping everything organized and clean-looking.

Try to match some of the flowers or décor from your main table on the dinner table. It keeps everything feeling uniform, which is so important to me.

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a. A Cute Drink Station
Whether you’re serving mocktails or just fruit-infused water, a drink station always adds a nice touch. You can do a little drink dispenser, mason jars, sliced fruit, and cute paper straws. Also, having a sign with drink names or ingredients makes it look so put together. Bonus points if you use a bar cart or decorate the table with florals or a mini letterboard sign.

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Activities

This is the most important thing and honestly makes or breaks the party. You need to have fun activities that match the vibe of the event.

If it’s a bridal shower, then do bride games. If you’re just hosting a chill party, then just do games that are fun and get people talking or laughing.

Here are some of my go-tos:

a. Ice Breaker Game: Mail Call
This one is SO fun. Everyone sits in a circle and someone calls out, “Mail call for anyone who…” and then finishes the sentence. For example, “Mail call for anyone who has a summer birthday.” Everyone who relates has to get up and switch spots, but there’s always one less seat than there are people. Whoever is left standing is the next person to call out the prompt. It gets chaotic real quick, and it’s such a good ice breaker.

b. Taboo
You can play the online version here. It’s perfect for groups and super easy to pick up. Great energy booster.

c. Spoons (Card Game)
One of my all-time faves. You just need a deck of cards and some spoons. Check out how to play here. Trust me, it gets violent but in a fun way lol.

d. Code Names
This is such a good group game, and you can play it online here. It gets people thinking and is low effort, but still interactive.

e. DIY Keepsake Station
If you want to skip party favours altogether, having an activity where people can make something and take it home is such a vibe. It’s a cute memory, and they leave with something. Some ideas:

• Paint your own tote bag or mug

• Bead bracelet bar

• Polaroid photo booth with frames that they decorate. It also makes for great pics and keeps guests busy in a fun way!

Party Favour Ideas

If you're not doing a DIY keepsake, I highly recommend having a little something for guests to take home. It doesn’t have to be expensive, but it adds such a nice finishing touch.

Here are some easy and cute ideas that people actually want:

• Mini candles

• Wrapped baked goods (cookies, brownies, cake jars), you can leave a little personalized message on here that would be so cute!

• Personalized keychains

• Mini perfumes or hand creams

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Dress Code or Colour Theme

Not always necessary, but if you want cute pics, it helps so much. You can just say “Pinks only,” or “All black everything,” or even “Maxi Dresses only,” and it makes the aesthetic come together without much effort.

Invites and Matching Stationery

Making your invite match the theme of the party sets the vibe right from the start. I always make mine on Canva, there are so many cute templates, and it’s so easy to customize. Having the invite match the name cards, menu or itinerary at the party makes everything feel so put together. I love the uniformity, and it brings the whole event together! 

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At the end of the day, it’s the little things that make a party special. The setup, the vibe, the games, the tiny details, it all adds up. I love hosting because it brings people together and makes memories. If you love that too, then I hope this guide helps you throw your best party yet! Happy partyinggg!!

via GIPHY