What is a party...?

A party is defined as a social gathering of invited guests typically involving eating, drinking and entertainment. 

That is as concise as anyone can get. Thus, the 3 basic considerations, in order of importance, for any aspiring hosts would be: 

1. Food

2. Beverages

3. Activity

I have been to 2 parties in as many weeks where food and drinks were not easily accessible or even worse, dearth.

Some Party Planning Facts/Tips

1. Be prepared to spend money if you are throwing a party. Do NOT stinge or scrimp on food and drinks. Many people, mindful of possible wastage, tend to cater for less people than was actually invited. 

This is practical only is done within reasonable limits, e.g. if you have 100 confirmed guests the bare minimum that you have to prepare to cater for is 70 persons, i.e. 30% less, and no more than that.  

Try imagine yourself as one of the invited guests, all dressed up and excited only to arrive and be greeted by empty trays of food gravies entirely devoid of even the tiniest morsel of provender. 

You do not have to prepare exotic or pricey food. Simple delicious fare can be equally enjoyable. Your guests have not come to sample food that they can buy just as easily (unless maybe if you are serving up Tianshan Snow Lilies that only blossom once every decade). 

They have come for one reason only --- YOU! 

Treat your guests with the most basic of courtesies by making sure that no one leaves hungry, thirsty or wanting. 

2. Understand what it means to be a host. No hosts should enjoy themselves too much as it would simply translate into neglect for the guests. Walk around and make sure that your guests are well tended to. Keep passing out food and drinks. It is better to offer and be and be gratefully turned downed than to have guests with growling stomachs who are too polite to ask.

You should not have thrown a party if all you were interested in doing was sitting in your small corner chomping from your plate. Your guests have not come to watch you gorge yourself silly while they are expected to "make yourselves at home." 

Be careful what you wish for. Do you really like people raiding your fridge and cabinets? Or using your bed for their trysts?

3. Plan for contingencies according to your theme. 

If you are planning a dogs' party, expect accidents with pee and poo.

If you are planning a children's party, expect siblings and parents in attendance (and consequently, more attendees and need for more provisions).

If you are planning for a baby shower, have some place with ample natural light so that friends and relatives who are keen to take photographs of your adorable new-born do not inadvertently harm your baby's eyes with their camera flashes.  

4. Know your limitations. Hosting a good memorable party takes some money and a lot of effort. The emphasis should be on quality. You do not wish to be remembered for all the wrong reasons. Few guests will be as plain-spoken to air their unhappiness in front of you but your transgressions will not be easily or soon forgotten.

Do NOT try to invite more people than the venue can comfortably accommodate. Aiming BIG unrealistically will only bring on BIGGER disasters.  

5. Plan for (the comfort of) your guests. Your guests determine if your party is a success or failure. I have often come across hosts who are so self-centred and blinded by their vanity. Do consider the plight of your guests before planning for that garden party where everyone is expected to dress formally in killer-heat tropical weather.

Refrain from making demands that you are unlikely to be able to keep yourself. It has become rather fashionable of late to insert sentences like "Punctuality is the courtesy of kings" in invitation cards, especially for weddings. 

You will only simply be placing yourself in a no-win situation. If you start the party on time, you risk offending the late-comers. If you delay the start, you are being rude to the punctual kings and queens. Besides, you may seriously risk running late yourself if the party is held in a venue other than your home. Bad traffic could also hold up the bride or person who will preside over your wedding. 

6. Lose the frills if you have to but never compromise on the basics, i.e. food and drinks. Many hosts yearning for that fairy tale wedding or birthday often make the mistake of cutting back on party basics to spend on venue decorations or wardrobe. No one will appreciate the floral centrepieces, 5-tier cake or your diamond-studded designer outfit if their most basic needs for sustenance have been overlooked. Your narcissism will only amplify your lack of regard, respect and appreciation for your guests.  

Avoid what we Chinese describe as smacking one's face swollen to give the impression of a portly person (打肿脸皮充胖子).

All in all, plan your party as an attending guest and consider how you would like to be treated in that capacity and you should be on your way. 

Party on!