Life is a matter of accumulating responsibilities, and then this often means that we don’t have time to attend to some of the other, equally important but less pressing matters in our lives. And by that, we mean our families. Not our immediate families, our sons and daughters and partners – we mean our extended families, those brothers and sisters and uncles and so forth. The big extended network that we would love to see more but, you know, there’s time and life in the way. That’s why it could be a good idea to host a party and invite everyone in your family network. Here’s a short guide on how to make sure it goes off without a hitch.
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Pick An Event
You could pluck a random date out of thin air, but if you do this then it’ll be more likely that people will ask for a date change. And then you could change one date, but then someone else won’t be able to make it to that date either…and you see how it goes. You’ll never be able to please everybody. Instead, pick an event, a big one that really can’t be changed. It could be a grandmother’s 80th birthday, for example. The date is set in stone and people will have to be able to adjust their schedules to be there.
Give Plenty of Notice
Once you’ve picked your event, you should give as much notice as possible to make sure people are able to make it. People’s lives have a funny way of getting booked up pretty far in advance, so it wouldn’t be the worst idea in the world to give even up to a year’s notice. People will be eager to be there – try to give them as big an opportunity to do so.
Finding the Venue
The venue will be key to determining the success of the party. If it’s going to be a large gathering, then you’ll need to make sure the venue is large enough to accommodate everyone. Also be aware that some people might be travelling from far away and may need accommodation. In the name of convenience, some family party planners choose to rent large houses that can double up as the venue and accommodation. When choosing where to host the party, also give thought to the time of the year it’ll be taking place: a summer party would suit a venue with a large outdoor area, while an open fireplace could make a winter party that extra bit special.
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Getting the Theme Right
When it comes to planning the details of your party, it’s important to remember that it’ll likely be attended by people both old and young. Don’t try and cater to any one demographic. Instead, put all the essential details in place and let people create their own fun when they’re there. There’s enough cross-generational music to please all attendees, and it’s easy to create a menu that everyone will enjoy (just make sure you throw in some pizzas and the like for the children).
Delegate the Tasks
You may be the primary host and organiser of the party, but this party is for everyone’s benefit and there’s no reason why you should be taking care of everything all by yourself. There’ll be a lot of small details to take care of in the run up to the party, so delegate a few of the easy (but slightly time consuming) tasks out to some trusted lieutenants and share the responsibilities. It could be a matter of asking a family member to be in charge of music or games or food, but it’ll be one less task for you to worry about.
Be Well Prepared
As with most things in life, the key to this event running smoothly is to be well prepared. Try to get as many of the tasks taken care of as far advanced as possible. Some tasks won’t be able to be arranged too far in advance, but some most definitely will. Make a list of everything that needs to be organised and try to get to work on it months before the party is due to take place.
Trying to Relax
And finally, make sure you relax and have fun. The host always puts more pressure on themselves than they should – if everyone is there and in good spirits, people will have a good time. It’s not up to you to ensure everyone has a full drink in their hand, so stop working hard and get into the mood of the party!
