The joy of entertaining at home needn’t take weeks of planning. Here, we’ve compiled our top tips for easy, lively, last-minute parties at home. Minimum fuss, maximum fun.
1. Pop A Cork (Or Two)
Bubbles make any gathering feel festive, so crack open a bottle or two – we love Cremant or Cava if you don’t want to push the boat all the way out to champagne…!
Creating a beautiful setting needn’t take too much effort – a tablecloth, pressed napkins and some colourful placemats will instantly elevate your table. Don’t worry about matching, schemes have a way of coming together when everything’s layered up.
The work of a few minutes, handwritten place cards and a simple table plan makes everyone feel special (and is always helpful if guests don’t know each other!).
4. A minimal Menu
When it comes to food, keep things super simple – tacos or fajitas are always easy peasy and fun to put together. And don’t forget, nothing is easier than ordering in – at the best parties, people remember the conversations over the food, anyway…
5. A 'Build Your Own' Bar
Create a bar where guests can help themselves – lay out bottles, fill a bowl with ice, slice up some fruit, and you’re set. Premixed jugs of your favourite cocktail always go down a treat – simply pour over ice.
6. Lay Flowers
We love single stem flowers – buy a cheap bunch from the supermarket, pop in small bud vases and scatter along the table. If you have a garden or are in the countryside, wild flowers always look beautiful too.
7. Light Candles
Create a mood with candles – chunky candles burn for hours and throw out beautiful light, or gather lots of mini tea lights on surfaces and cluster them on the table. We like to add a favourite scented one to really set the scene.
8. Music Makes Everything Better
Along with lighting, music is a great addition to the mood. Prep a party playlist – to make it easy, have everyone send their favourite three songs over beforehand. And if in doubt, Spotify’s pre-made playlists are ready-made vibe creators.
9. A Simple Pudding
Ending with a pudding always adds to a party mood. Scoop delicious ice creams into your prettiest glasses, and line the table with bowls of treats – think sprinkles and smarties – for DIY sundaes. Later, break up a few bars of delicious chocolate to pass round with coffee.
10. Most Important: Relax
Your guests will reflect your mood, so the calmer you are, the more relaxed and at home everyone else will feel. Encourage people to help themselves to food and drink and let the evening run its own course. Enjoy…