How to plan a party?

Tips to make it a memorable event - not just a party

Whether you are organizing a party with a Latin theme or Japanese style spring party or an Arabian Nights theme or a Mardi Gras theme, planning is everything. In fact you don't even have to pick a theme to make a party memorable for your guests and you. And by the way, you don't even need an excuse to throw a party. Maybe the holidays motivate you to throw a party, but people will gladly come even if there were no holidays - in fact, during the dull months, we all welcome opportunities to get together. Here are some excellent tips from Los Angeles event planner Julie Pryor on how to plan for a party:

Choose a Different Locale: Parties at home can be warm and intimate but perhaps you want to try something a bit different this year. Why not host your next event at a concert hall or local music venue? Beach clubs, museums, historical buildings, and libraries are all festive and unique sites for a memorable event.

Stray from the Traditional Invitation: Send out unique and fun invitations that will get your guests excited about your party. You may want to ask your guests to bring a gift for a charity of your choice - this is for those who insist on bringing a bottle of wine. If your home is difficult to find, include a simple map (along with tips for parking, if needed) and always ask if guests have dietary restrictions.

Entertain Guests All Night: For parties larger than twenty-five, valet parking is essential. Have a larger than life figure such as a tin soldier on stilts or a giant snowman greeting guests as they arrive. Carolers in Dickens costumes always add a nice touch. As the night progresses introduce a live band or a deejay and make sure to leave plenty of room for dancing!

Be Deliciously Different: Great food is extremely important! Regardless of what the menu consists of, have waiters constantly offering wonderful hors d'oeuvres. These should be bite-sized and easy to eat. Rather than serving these on boring paper cocktail napkins, try being creative. Perhaps an assortment of hot soup served in shot glasses, French fries in paper cones, Ahi tuna on Chinese spoons and skewers of lamb and chicken with tasty dipping sauces. Can't decide between stations and a sit down meal? Consider "family style" service where waiters serve large platters of food to each table and guests help themselves. In addition to the regular dessert, have waiters bring platters of chocolate covered strawberries and home baked sweets to all of the tables. The surprise of fresh baked churros or hot caramel corn is always a big hit. Tray passed mini ice cream cones or a chocolate fountain with fresh fruit (fondue) for dipping is quite popular.

Sensational Surroundings: Décor is an important element of a festive holiday party and lighting is crucial. Consider a tent covered with thousands of tiny white lights or lanterns strung throughout your property. Outside, you can project tiny snowflakes onto a driveway or a dance floor. Inside and outside use lots of candles in all different sizes. Fragrant flowers with berries and fruit can be placed on mantles, tables, and in bathrooms.

It's The Small Things That Matter: Little touches show your guests you've put a lot of thought into the night. Instead of a traditional bar, shock your guests with a bar made completely out of ice (or whatever else is suitable in your situation). Offer guests fresh roasted chestnuts as a special treat.

Grand Finale: Finally, there should be a "WOW" factor. Whether the Trojan Marching Band makes a grand entrance or your guests are offered steaming mugs of hot chocolate while they wait for their cars, they will never forget this special evening!