Everybody loves a party, especially when there is something great to celebrate. Sometimes wonderful things happen without warning, or sometimes you are just in the mood to have a good time with family and friends. Here are some helpful tips for putting together a last-minute party that will knock everybody’s socks off.
3 Tips for Throwing an Awesome Last-Minute Party
Food
The essence of every enjoyable human endeavor is food. If you want people to get together and have a great time, then nothing more than delicious food and a few beverages are necessary. You can have a potluck, you can cook (check out some amazing recipes here) or you can go to the store. If you are putting together a party for younger children, kid-friendly drink boxes may be appropriate in a celebratory context. If you are having a good time with adults, then you may pick up some adult beverages of your choosing.
Decorations
Nothing in this world makes a festive occasion like decorations, even if it is only an hour and a couple dollars that you invest into streamers, party hats, wall coverings, novelty albums and whatever else suits your purpose.
If you’re throwing a baby shower, then get pink and blue bunting and a banner that says, “Congratulations!” If a sports event is being celebrated, get a banner with the team’s logo on it and some party horns. Having a Super Bowl party? The New England Patriots and Atlanta Falcons are set to have a very exciting game, so it would be fun to plan a fun party. Get creative with someone who is a household name, Tom Brady, or with the sharp red and black colors of the Atlanta Falcons. Christmas gets tinsel and Halloween gets pumpkins. No matter what you do, every moment of effort that you put into preparation operation makes the party more fun.
Invitations
Invite people warmly and personally. Do not depend on social media to inform them of the occasion. Call them, visit them or write them personally and let them know that you understand about their busy schedules but that you would love to see them at this party.
If someone has difficulty attending, do not be obsequious or continue to press them impolitely after it has become obvious that the answer is no. Rather, offer to solve small problems and overcome small objections. If the party is too late at night, tell them that they can come by early and leave early. If they are having trouble getting to the party, then offer to give them a ride or work out a ride share with other guests. Above all, be sure to remind them that there will be delicious food available.
Have you ever thrown a party at the last minute? How did it turn out?
20 comments
Just goes to show you that you can throw together a great party and it can be done last minute. I think everyone will be enjoying good food and the game this weekend.
Thank you so much for sharing this! The last time I had to throw together a last minute party, it ended up being a plate of Ritz and Kraft cheese and a hodge podge of leftover sodas from the fridge.
I always try to go with a theme, especially with the food. If not I get carried away and will have oodles of food. I do the same for decorations choose a theme and that can dictate the design of the invitations as well.
All my parties have always been last minute or well under a week’s worth of time to get ready. The last one, thankfully, was a party my mom had for me since I was coming home. She took care of everything and I didn’t have to worry!
These are some really good tips! If I was putting together a last minute party I would just text a few friends and just suggest what to bring.
These are some pretty awesome tips! I don’t know if I’ve ever thrown a last-minute party, but there are ones that I have planned that could’ve definitely use more help. I will definitely book mark this for next time.
I like the idea of a warmly invite. It always feels nicer when I am invited in this way. I need to remember to do this more often when I am inviting people to our parties!
A lot of my parties have been last minute! It usually started with my kids having friends over! I love the idea of the sparklers in your cupcakes! So cute!
I’m all about “the plan” so I don’t think I do throw things together last minute. however, that being said, being a blogger I would totally be capable of this because I have so many props and dishes and foods and recipes to back up any last minute plans!!
These are great tips for throwing a last minute party! It is so important to invite people personally.
I’ve never thrown a last minute party. Well, closest was maybe within 2 weeks. I agree that you shouldn’t depend on social media to invite people to get togethers. Hope you enjoy Superbowl Sunday! 🙂
I truly enjoy hosting so I never pass up an opportunity to entertain others. Thanks for sharing how to do it even with a moment’s notice.
These are all great tips. I have been stuck having to throw a party last minute many times. My daughter was the world’s worst for asking for a party for her birthday at the last minute.
I like to send out invitations to our party’s. It is always nice to get an invite in the mail. It is always fun to decorate.
Sending out invitations is such a lost art! People depend on social media to get the word out, but, I love getting that invite in the mail. Much more personal!
I would go for potluck if it is a last minute party. I would be a mess if I had to cook everything! Haha. Seriously though, these tips are great. I will have to remember these when they suddenly choose me to host a party at a short notice. 🙂
I try to plan parties in advance because otherwise, it would be a total chaos. Festive food, drinks, and great decorations are something every party needs!
These are all great ideas. I agree that decorations really make the party, you don’t have to spend much to make things look festive.
. I have been stuck having to throw a party last minute many times.
I love your tips and will apply them for my next last minute party. I always invite people personally instead of on social media.