Hosting a party is a lot of work! Even the couple parties I've had took a ton of effort and finances. If you do chose to throw a party however, please do it right. There's a reason a ton of party planners, and wedding planners are still in business in this economy. When it comes to bridal/baby showers, and bachelorette parties, often times close friends and family will offer to host these events. By " hosting" a party this means you are offering your time and finances to execute the event. If you cannot do so, please do not offer. It really only causes frustration for others involved. If your heart is in the right place but you know the task is too big, just let that friend know.
Thats, my 2 cents!
Should I bring anything to a party?
Absolutely. If you've thrown a party, you know how much time, effort and money goes into it. Bringing a gift helps offset that, and it's a good way to get invited back.
So the next question...what do you bring? That depends on how formal the party is and how well you know the host. For a casual get-together, beverages or food for the party is always a welcome gift.
At a more formal event, bring a gift for the host: muffins for the morning after, a bottle of booze, a bouquet of flowers, a book or gourmet chocolates. For a really lavish affair hosted by a close friend, a massage or after-party clean-up service is much appreciated.
Some gift ground rules to keep in mind:
• Don't upstage the host. If you're bringing food or drink for the party, find out what the host plans to serve first, and bring something that would complement it.
• Don't add to the host's stress. If you're buying flowers, get them arranged in a vase so the host doesn't have to run around looking for one.
• Do include a note. Hosts have a million things to think about during a party, and remembering who brought the great chocolates might slip their mind.
This is so true. I'm amazed how many people don't think about what goes into a party or event.
ReplyDeleteOf all your tips, I think recognizing what goes into an event before offering to host one is key. For example, for my bridal shower, an aunt offered to host. She then did not want any of my friends there, tried to out do the wedding and didn't take onto account my likes/dislikes. Then the night before I learner that she really only got food (most of which I was allergic to). I then scrambled to plan my shower.
I appreciate the thought, but the extra stress and turmoil caused by the whole thing was unnecessary. If she would have either not oftered if she didn't want to do it or spoke up that things weren't progressing it would have been so much better.
It's always better to ask for help or decline to host if you're uncertain about your hosting duties.