Q: How can I make sure all my guests have a good time at my party? Will they think it is fun?
A: It is natural to stress over the success of your party. In my opinion, the most important part of a successful event begins with the guest list. If the people you invite have nothing in common or are introverts that will not talk with other people, you might have a problem. If your party is a group of close friends, you do not need to worry, because you know everyone enjoys being together. If you are hosting an event to entertain clients, or your boss, it is helpful for each guest to have some type of connection with at least one other person. Invite two people that both work in real estate. Maybe three of the guests are in the medical profession. Even if they do not know each other, you can introduce them, and a common ground connection will take place. Make sure everything runs on time. If you are serving dinner, do not let the food come out of the oven 30 minutes late. Managing guests’ expectations up front is important, too. When you extend an invitation, explain exactly how the evening will progress: cocktails at 7p.m.; dinner at 7:30p.m.; the end. Or: Open House from 7-10p.m. with the local choir singing from 8:30-9p.m. If your invited guests know what to expect, then they can choose to accept or decline your invitation. If they accept, then you know they are attending willingly, and with a good attitude. Fun will be had by all.