Host like a pro with the ultimate party planning guide

While physical invitations are lovely, digital is the way of the world. Not only is it better for the environment but it’s also cost-effective. DIY a fun design on Canva using their free templates or use the one we’ve designed for you. It’s available to download below.

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Tag it, sip it, gift it!

There’s nothing worse than putting your wine glass down only to realise it’s now lost in a sea of lookalikes. Make it easy for your guests and design or buy personalised cup identifiers that double as a thoughtful gift. Grab a cute initial bracelet for each guest, or if you’re the type to scream alongside Taylor Swift on vinyl, bead a cute friendship bracelet. It’s an extra touch of sentiment and will be the talk of the party!

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Stylist Jerrie-Joy reveals her top hosting tips for outdoor entertaining

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34 Christmas entrée ideas for easy party starters

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Pending the theme of your party, plan your photo opportunity wall. Think about what props and signs you’ll have – a rainbow of balloons, photobooth-style costume props, a gorgeous selfie mirror or a vintage frame for everyone to pose behind?

On the day, you’ll be busy preparing your home and getting those last-minute jobs done. Make sure you ask guests well in advance if you need them to bring a plate of food or pick up some takeaway on their way over. You’re not in it alone!

Need some inspiration on what to ask guests to bring? We have a simple slice collection, as well as tasty finger foods everyone will love!

Music will set the tone for your party. Is it a chill, low-key outdoor dinner? Or a rowdy, fun party? Maybe it’s a bit of both. Create a playlist on Spotify and organise a speaker so all you need to do is set it on shuffle.

As the party host, you should be at the centre of the dancefloor, not staring into the oven anxiously waiting for dinner to be ready. Create a menu that requires little effort with store-bought or prep-ahead foods. This could be as simple as a salad but make sure you don’t dress it until it’s ready to serve – or a cold pasta. If you’re doing a grazing board, opt for jars of pickled vegetables, stuffed grape leaves and tapenade with a few cheeses. Set out cocktail picks and a basket of crackers and you’re done. Make a no-bake dessert that you can keep in the fridge, such as a tiramisu or cheesecake.

It’s the small details that make the biggest impact. Prep ice in advance and add edible flowers for a wow factor. To make them, simply half-fill the ice tray with water and allow it to freeze. Pop the ice out, add edible flowers to the tray and place the already-frozen half on top. This will ensure the flower doesn’t float to the top. Fill the remainder of the tray with water and allow it to freeze for picture-perfect drinks.

Write a kind note to your neighbours and tell them you’re having a party. Or get into their good books and invite them for tea or coffee, or give them a little care package. If they’re neighbours who love a good ol’ boogie, why don’t you invite them along?

Flowers are the easiest way to add beauty to a space with minimal effort. Head to the morning markets and buy fresh flowers. They’re cheaper and you can let your creativity run wild arranging them. The secret to fresh-looking flowers? Add 1 tsp of sugar per litre of water into a vase. Wilted blooms such as roses or hydrangeas will benefit from soaking their heads. Fill your sink with water and let it rest for about 10 minutes, then cut the stems at an angle and put them in a vase with sugar water. Doing this the day before your event will bring your flowers to life and they’ll be tall and proud on the big day.

Buy pre-made cocktails or pre-mix them yourself so all you’ll need to do is pour them into glasses, or better yet, a glass dispenser for guests to serve themselves. Have garnishes to fanc-ify the drinks such as fairy floss or dried lemon wheels.

Need cocktail suggestions? A margarita is a classic and only requires tequila, lime juice and triple sec with a salted rim. Or if you’re in for sweet-tasting theatrics, go for a tequila sunrise with tequila, orange juice and grenadine.

Organise your space in a way that will make your life easier in the long run, while ensuring the comfort and convenience of your guests. Have chairs positioned in different spaces so everyone isn’t crowded, along with food and drinks. Depending on the size of your party, have 2-3 tubs scattered around your outdoor space and when all the ice has melted, it’s easy to water your garden and pack up.

Make sure you have bins scattered around so it’s easy for guests to clean up after themselves and there’s less for you to clean up later! Beautify the bins by opting for tall baskets with a clear bag inside. Put leftover flower buds in the basket weaving so it’s not so much of an eye-sore. Add cotton balls of essential oils at the bottom of the bin to prevent bad odours.

Throwing a party in summertime can come with unwanted guests. Keep bugs away from food and drinks by placing naturally bug-repelling plants. Alternatively, use cute cupcake liners to cover your drinks. Turn them upside down, poke a hole for the straw and put it on your glass. Keep bugs away from your guests and have bug-repellant spray on hand.

The boiling summer sun and ice-cold beverages go hand in hand, but it doesn’t feel so nice when you’re holding a sweating, slippery glass. Solution? These decorative and functional easy-to-DIY drink sleeve coasters. All you need is a paper napkin. Wrap it around the bottom of the glass, secured with a rubber band. For better coverage, we recommend using a large napkin. 

As the event finishes, take out your handy takeaway containers and make a doggy bag for your guests. Not only will they see you as the best host ever – because who doesn’t love taking home some yummy treats – but it’ll ensure none of the leftovers go to waste.

It’s tempting to leave the mess for tomorrow but we promise you’ll feel much better going to bed knowing you’ll wake up to a clean house. Put your dishwasher to good use and wash everything else by hand. Take all the bins out and put any extra chairs into storage. Sweep and mop – and voila! It’s all clean.

You did it! You just pulled off a night filled with good company, great food and a brilliant vibe. Now it’s time to put on a face mask, lie down and rest easy knowing your party was a great success.