Groomed Home Smarter Living
Are you throwing a party and you want to “class it all up” by doing, well, something? Here’s where to start.
Party Invites
It all starts with party invites. Nothing screams more “classy” than an obligatory RSVP system, pre-party. And I’m not talking about some ridiculous Facebook event here.
First impression are important, and you can set the tone from the get-go with physical party invites. Check out these cool “chalkboard-style” housewarming party invites. Have them printed professionally, or e-mail the designer directly for personalized quotes. Talk about classy.
It’s a bit less amazing, but you can also go forth with “fancy evites” from systems like Paperless Post. They can be a little depending on which features you pick, but are perfect for the occasional get-together (Oscar parties anyone?).
Schedule
Wine & Cheese
Who doesn’t love great food and good booze? There’s no need to create some weird kegger party to enjoy both.
This is truly a classic way to class up the joint.
The best part is that a “wine & cheese” party can happen for any reason. Wanna celebrate the birthday of your puppy? Wine & cheese. A gathering for the new season of Archer? Wine & cheese. A comic-book club? Wine & cheese.
If you don’t even have an idea for a specific party, you can make the wine & cheese theme the focus of yours. Do a blind taste test, or just simply list all the delicious plates you’ll be serving. Pick which wine goes best with what cheese. Have matching games. Add other ingredients, fruits or vegetables. Infinite possibilities. And it all starts with a little bit of cheese and a lot of wine.
Gourmet everything
You can even take basic ingredients, or snacks, and “gourmet” them simply with the presentation. If you plate some chips with a side or sauce in actual bowls, with silverware, it will give off a completely different impression than by leaving them in the bag(s).
Table & Place Setting
This kind of set-up is only applicable to dinner parties, but even with a self-serve setting, you can create a logical placement for every item available. You can put all the snacks and drinks together for instance. It’s a small step, but it shows that you put some thought into your classy party!
Lighting
Party favors
It doesn’t need to be anything fancy, or even expensive. If you’re doing a themed party, or birthday, you can give out little tidbits that echo the theme. If you’re throwing a goodbye party, you can give out little souvenirs to remember you by. Be creative!
Centerpieces
In the case of centerpieces, simple is actually the best option.
Suit up!
Fancy Solo Cups
Okay, I admit it, that last one is kind of a joke. But don’t discount it!
As Red Cup Living puts it: “it’s not just a cup. It’s a lifestyle.” Hell, they even trademarked the saying.
Although fairly pricey ($10 for a cocktail cup), they are apparently reusable and dishwasher safe. I’m sure you could do better at IKEA, but you would lose that “ironic hipster” vibe.
Hopefully by now, your party is the top of the crop. What are some ways you have found to “class up” your own events?
