There's nothing more fun than being the host or hostess of a party.
As the host, you have complete control of the party, which for some can be either a blessing or a burden.
Like most things in life, being prepared is crucial to success.
If you need an easy reminder of what to do to have a great party remember the five P's: proper planning prevents pathetic parties.
Here are a few items you should always have on hand to make sure your next party is smooth sailing.
1) Drink Dispensers: Drink dispensers can totally make a host's life easier when the party starts to get crazy.
By having at least two drink dispensers on hand, you don't have to worry about walking around with a pitcher and topping off guests' drinks--they can do it themselves, when they're ready.
In addition, drink dispensers look fantastic on the bar or table! 2) Basic barware: Have you ever been to a party where the host runs out of proper barware, and you're forced to drink your Tom Collins out of a coffee mug? So why not prevent that for your own party and have a full arsenal of basic barware on hand.
Generally, sticking to clear, simple glasses will give you optimal versatility.
Highball and lowball glasses work for nearly all cocktails, so those styles are a safe bet.
3) Stemware and Ravenscroft decanters: Chances are that at your party, wine will be served.
Don't be without adequate stemware to serve the wine in.
It is also recommended to have decanters on hand, for the wine connoisseurs in the crowd.
Ravenscroft decanters are affordable and durable.
4) Stylish Ice Buckets: Ice buckets are one thing that often gets overlooked in terms of tabletop accessories.
There's nothing worse than having to make trips back and forth tot freezer to get ice for drinks.
And although it's more practical than making ice runs to the freezer, putting ice in a regular bowl doesn't keep it insulated and you'll find your ice melted faster than you can say martini.
Ice buckets not only look classy, they work to keep ice cooler, longer.
5) Beverage Napkins: Disposable paper cocktail napkins are an easy and cheap way to dress up your party on the fly.
Choose a pattern that could work for any theme and stock up.
That way you're prepared for even the most impromptu of cocktail parties.
6) Serveware and serving utensils: No party is complete without serveware and serving utensils.
Whether you're hosting Thanksgiving dinner, or a regular dinner party for friends and neighbors, you'll be needing items like platters, trays, bowls and serving utensils.
Trying to dish out food with everyday flatware is totally impractical.
You don't really think about crucial items like serving spoons, meat forks, or butter knives, until you actually need them.
So all in all, to make your next cocktail or dinner party a success, you'll need to be prepared! To find these essential party items at a great price, you should avoid shopping in traditional retail stores.
Instead be a little adventurous and take your shopping search to the internet.
Internet retailers often have fantastic deals on tabletop accessories and much better selections than what you'd fin in stores.