Attention Getter: You are hosting a party: how can you host the perfect event without driving yourself crazy and still make sure everyone has a good time?
Specific Purpose: To inform my listeners how they can efficiently host a fun party for all guests.
Overview: Anyone who has hosted a party knows it can be a stressful event, but it does not have to be that way for either the host or guests. You can host a great party without hassle that everyone will enjoy.
Thesis Statement: There are three major parts to hosting a great party, including planning the party, preparing on the day of the party, and hosting the party itself.
Transition: Let’s talk about step one, planning the party.
I. The first step is to start planning now. Do not wait until the last minute.
II. The second step is to determine what kind of party you are having and how many people to invite. (show slide)
A. The type of party you are having determines many things, such as location, guest list, and décor.
B. The size of your house or party venue will determine how many people you invite and your guest list.
1. The formality of the party determines when to send invites. The more formal, the earlier.
2. The invitation should fit the party. Paperless Post, Evite are websites that offer free invitations; you can also call, use Facebook, or send a paper invite depending on formality or invitee’s preference. (show slide)
C. Make lists.
1. Make a guest List, food and drink list, and a shopping list.
D. Shop Smart
1. Shop in stages.
2. Check out dollar store items for decorations such as centerpieces, tablecloths, and other décor items. (show slide)
E. Prepare as much of the food as you can in advance.
1. Prepare and freeze items.
2. Round out your menu with prepackaged items such as vegetables or desserts. (show slide)
3. As guests to contribute appetizers, drinks, or whatever you know they would enjoy making.
Transtition: Now it’s time to talk about step two, what to do the day of the party.
II. The second step is to have everything ready for the guests when they arrive.
1. Clean your house efficiently.
A. Limit your cleaning to areas the guests will see and use, focusing on the bathroom.
2. Set a visually appealing table.
A. Small things like tablecloths, centerpieces, and candles add elegance. (show slide)
3. Set up the food and drink areas so that guests can serve themselves.
A. Set the food areas up in a couple of different places so that guests will mingle.
4. Keep party décor simple but elegant.
A. Use dollar store items like scented candles and other items. (show slide)
B. Dim the lights.
C. Play seasonal music softly if appropriate.
5. Ask for help.
A. Close friends and family often enjoy pitching in to help prepare for parties.
B. Hire cheap help from a nearby university, for example a bartender or cleanup helpers.
Transition: Now it’s time for the party to begin.
III. The third step is to actually host the party and make sure everyone has a good time.
1. Greet everyone and introduce people who don’t know each other. (show slide)
2. Help guests mingle by placing the food and drinks in different areas.
3. Help shy people.
A. Introduce them to people they have things in common with.
B. Ask a good friend to help introduce the shy friend to others he or she would enjoy talking to.
4. Do not panic when something unexpected happens.
A. Improvise if something goes wrong, like if the grill breaks. (show slide)
B. Ask a friend to help if drinks run out or something similar.
5. Above all, enjoy yourself. (show slide)
References
Mathews, Monte. 10 Commandments of Great Party Giving. Reader’s Digest, n.d. Web. Accessed 10 Jun 2012. <http://www.rd.com/home/10-rules-of-hosting/>
North, Anna. How To Host A Good Party. Jezebel (26 May 2011). Web. Accessed 10 Jun 2012. <http://jezebel.com/5805917/how-to-host-a-good-party>
Self, Angela. How to Host the Party and Stick to the Budget. The Globe and Mail (7 Dec 2011). Web. Accessed 10 Jun 2012. <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/how-to-host-the-party-and-stick-to-the-budget/article4107126/>
VISUAL AIDS
PowerPoint slides demonstrating key points
Works Cited
Mathews, Monte. 10 Commandments of Great Party Giving. Reader’s Digest, n.d. Web. Accessed 10 Jun 2012. <http://www.rd.com/home/10-rules-of-hosting/>
North, Anna. How To Host A Good Party. Jezebel (26 May 2011). Web. Accessed 10 Jun 2012. <http://jezebel.com/5805917/how-to-host-a-good-party>
Self, Angela. How to Host the Party and Stick to the Budget. The Globe and Mail (7 Dec 2011). Web. Accessed 10 Jun 2012. <http://www.theglobeandmail.com/globe-investor/personal-finance/how-to-host-the-party-and-stick-to-the-budget/article4107126/>
