When it comes to throwing a party at home, there are no definite rules. And that is part of the problem with house parties: If you don't take control right from the start, and keep control right up to the end, your little friendly bash can turn into a disaster where your supposed friends bash in your house!
If you are planning a party where there will be alcohol consumption, dancing and unspecified frivolousness taking place (and even if you're not planning on it), make sure you're ready for the consequences.
So, to save a number of friendships, and your lovely home from ruin, you would do well to take steps to party-proof your home. This simply involves thinking and planning ahead:
Ash alert
Even if you don't allow smoking inside, lay out plenty of ashtrays. When the spirits are high, memories tend to be short. It is also completely acceptable to insist that people smoke outside.
Catch Trash
Make sure that you have enough trash cans in strategic places, especially if you will be serving beverages in disposable containers. Put bin liners in anything from buckets to boxes, if you need extra bins, or want the bins to blend in with the decor.
Serve on the side
Plan your drink and food service area in a safe place. Outside is best, to limit the mess. Don't put snacks on a low cocktail table. This will only prompt your guests to dangerously tilt their glasses, leaning down to reach for sustenance.
Emergency Stock
No, I'm not referring to an extra six-pack of "papsak"! Stock up on a fast-working stain remover and make sure that you know how to use it. Spillage is almost unavoidable during a lively party and a red wine stain can easily ruin a carpet. So be prepared for minor emergencies.
Go under cover
Be sure to cover ALL the delicate surfaces you care for! Treasured tables and other furniture can be protected with a layer of cling wrap, covered with a table cloth or other piece of fabric.
Cover light coloured couches with throws - Who knows what can spill on it!
Lighting
To avoid clumsy mishaps, enough light is critical. If you feel that simply using the normal overhead lights would affect the atmosphere negatively, you can assemble an assortment of loose standing lamps to provide enough light to prevent accidents.
I wouldn't rely on candles for lighting, especially if the party might turn a bit lively. There is just too much that can go wrong in the presence of numerous open flames, for my liking.
If you are confident that the soiree will remain a relatively quiet get-together, you might opt for smaller floating candles. They look better and are safer, but even this poses some risk.
If you still want to use big candles, use thick candles with wide bases that are hard to knock over and don't spill their wax.
Sign it out
Signs that announce clearly "Toilet", "Powder room", "Absolutely Not The Bathroom", and "No entry", "Out Of Bounds" or "Don't even dream about opening this door!" can help guests to find the facilities they are looking for in your home. You can create signs by writing them on interesting paper. Just remember that they should be as easy to read.
Don't be a party-pooper
Now that your plans and contingencies are in place, you don't have to take the role of party-pooper. It is so much better to take early action and be a party-proof-er!
