I have attended some of the most extravagant events like album listening parties for JAY-Z and private 10-course dinners. But even the ritziest parties can be a complete snooze fest. I’ve even attended one-too-many “so-called” galas that made me want to stab my eyes with a slider toothpick. What makes a party memorable lies in how much thought and effort you place into organizing your event, and if you have the requisites and characteristics of a great host too of course. People want to have fun, dance, eat, drink, and make memories. I’ve asked my friends at Enclave in Las Vegas who’ve had me over for dinner under the Nevada desert stars from their breathtaking rooftop terrace (the only place with a 360 view of the Las Vegas Strip and Sierra Mountains in the city) to share some of their pro hosting tips just in time for 4th of July. You’ll be the next Nan Kempner in no time.
1. The Guest List
Invite the maintenance man at your favorite coffee shop who always has the best love stories and invite the wellness aficionado CEO of the luxury real estate company you met last week at an open house. The success of any event also lies in who you invite. What makes them special? The rule of thumb is always to invite people who are interesting rather than noteworthy. I am always cognizant of the people that inspire me whether it’s by something they wear or something they said for instances like this. Great people deserve to meet other great people just like them.
2. Meal Presentation
“Meal presentation is one of the simplest ways to showcase the elegance of your event. The way in which a dish is presented can in many cases be as, if not more, important than how that dish actually tastes. Many times, our clients focus more on the decor of the room, the floral, furniture, etc., and they forget that the meal is the one item that is literally right in front of their guest’s faces for the longest amount of time,” said Amy Conrad, events manager at Enclave.
3. Invitations
Take time to create a beautiful and/or unique invite and especially a save the date announcement. Lend thought to this because your invitation is going to be what sets the tone for your event before anyone arrives. I once created a glow in the dark invitation that revealed the details of my “secret dinner party” theme only in the dark. We eat with our EYES remember that.
4. Venue Selection
“Venue selection is an important aspect to consider when you’re planning any type of event. At Enclave, we offer guests a blank canvas to create the event of their dreams. Whether it be social or corporate, we offer indoor and outdoor event possibilities that provide an ultimate opportunity to submerge their guests into a brand or theme,” David Watts, venue director at Enclave.
5. Seating Chart & Dinner Name Plates
There’s nothing more elegant even at a silly theme party than to have dinner place cards. This is the perfect opportunity to sit the maintenance man next to the CEO. Guests normally sit with people they know and that usually creates a much more chatty side on one end of the table than the other. You want a nice balance throughout, so work with a seating chart. Keep their interests and personalities in mind. When I was working as creative director for fashion shows, I was famous for seating abilities to sit X artist with X c-executive. The juxtaposition is always in.
6. Pick A Theme
“Before hosting an event, decide on a theme that’s personal to you and that excites you. This will help you navigate many other event aspects such as invites, décor, entertainment even food and beverage options. Once a theme is selected, draw inspiration from various sources: Pinterest, social media, magazines, icons etc. Plan to set the mood from the moment your guests arrive. Sometimes the smallest details make the greatest impact. Try to incorporate different shades of a certain color, choose complementary colors, go with contrasting sizes include small flower vases and tall candles, for example. Your tablescape will make a statement on its own,” said Conrad.
7. Music Selection
There’s nothing worse than an aesthetically pleasing event with savory and delectable bites than boring, flat music. Depending on the event you’re having, the music is subject to it of course. Nonetheless, you must always have music. Use it as a tool to transcend your event into the next level. Music is energy.
Photo Courtesy: Enclave, CARRA
