“Life is too important to be taken seriously”. Oscar Wilde
Nothing kicks off a cooler autumn season like a good costume party!
Vibrant eye-catching costumes, colourful cocktails, lively music, delicious food and let’s not forget the most important ingredient…your fabulous fun hungry guests!
So now you’re wondering: how do you throw an easy, fun and disaster free party at home? I love entertaining at home, so I definitely have some tips for you.
I usually host a few parties a year and I love exploring different themes for each of them, anything from a classic Mexican fiesta, a spooky Day of the Dead, to a sophisticated Great Gatsby!
Forget an occasional moan from a few about having to dress up, as I found, everyone loves it! You just need to break through the ‘I can’t be bothered’ attitude and usually the unwilling ones end up having the most fun!
Plan ahead – when and who
I love the planning, but I love the shopping for decorations and costumes even more.
First of all I plan a list of guests and send invitations way ahead to ensure everyone has enough time to make their own arrangements, e.g. getting a nanny for their kids. I usually set a deadline for everyone to come back to me within 2-3 weeks which still proves to be challenging for a few. As a host you do need enough time to plan the rest of the party that not everyone always understands.
There always be a few that will just ignore your invite or those that will let you know the answer a day before the party that they can’t make it… Forget those, they never considered coming to your party in first place. It only shows little consideration for the host’s efforts and funds already spent on food and drinks.
Decorations and costumes shopping
I love shopping for decorations and spending days researching tons of websites looking for bargains.
Here are my favourite websites to shop on budget.
PARTY DELIGHTS
FANCY DRESS BALL
Drinks
I like to plan the food and drinks accordingly to the theme. I would have tones of margaritas for a Mexican fiesta and all types of martini for a great Gatsby party. I also tend to get a lot of disposable plates and reusable plastic cutlery and all type of glasses, wine, champagne, beer and etc. rather than glass items.
I find Amazon a great source of party suppliers.
Setting up different alcohol ‘stations’ is a fab idea and helps everyone to find something they like.
I usually have a wine ‘station’, champagne, gin with plenty of fresh herbs and fruits, vodka, tequila, beers and a cocktail bar with all sorts of other spirits (rum, martini, brandy, liqueurs and many more).
My personal favourite add-ons are fresh herbs. This is something out of the box for most people, since they normally think of fruits first. However, herbs take your cocktails from average to deliciously unforgettable.
I’ve invested in a few cocktails books and I always encourage my guests to experiment with their cocktails. This has always been a great source of fun!
Food
A party is sure to become stale if you serve the same kind of snacks all night long like peanuts, crisps and plain old pretzels. Throw in some dips, set a cheese and charcuterie board and serve some complementary fruits and nuts to go along with it.
Serving party food like cocktail sausages, mini sausage rolls or mini pork pies is also a great idea. These are super easy to prepare and take only a few minutes.
I usually serve ‘proper’ food a couple of hours into the party to allow late comers to join in. This could be anything from a barbequed mix of meats to a Mexican selection of fajitas and tacos.
Late night pizza is also not a bad idea!
Music
A mix of current hits with some classic throwback tunes makes for a great party playlist. I tend to play music that matches the theme of my party like a bit of Frank Sinatra for the great Gatsby.
Set the mood
The right decorations, candles and twinkle lights always elevate the party mood.
Games
We have a fussball table at home which usually becomes the centre of attention after a few drinks. The darts board is also a great idea.
I love dancing – therefore I do have quite an impressive selection of Wii dance games that always come on once everyone is in the mood to cut a few shapes.
Groupon is great to get great deals on lots of party games.
And who doesn’t like to have at least one drinking game like beer pong?!
Feeling ready to host the party of the year? Let me know in the comments below.
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Thank you Elisa! And you too beautiful 😘
Amazing post and great outfit! You are so gorgeous!
Wish you a lovely christmas time, Elisa
http://www.beautyinsimplicity.de
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Thanks Rena. Enjoy the rest of your Sunday xx
Have a very happy Sunday, my dear <3
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
An invitation at a party from you must be such a win! I see you are not only a beautiful but also wonderful and generous host! Thanks for sharing your tips and I love you in your Gatsby-Look.
xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
http://www.dressedwithsoul.com
What a brilliant party idea! You look amazing!
-Ashley
Le Stylo Rouge
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ah thank you! I do love throwing themed parties. So much fun decorating the house xx
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I do love a bi of gatsby! xx
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thank you sweetie! xx
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thank you beautiful! xx
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Thank you beautiful xx
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Thanks Jill! Have a great week beautiful xx
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ah thank you so much!! you are the sweetest.xx
OMG This is absolutely stunning. You look so gorgeous in that dress and all of details are perfect. I can’t stop watch your photos, because I love them so much.
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This is such a fun party theme! Your costume looks amazing! Thanks for sharing your hosting tips!
Jill – Doused in Pink
You look very grand mademoiselle!
https://www.missymayification.co.uk
Your outfit is absolutely amazing, you look wonderful in this dress! Thanks for sharing these tips!
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Perfect tips for the upcoming holiday season! You look fabulous by the way!
http://www.sundaydahlias.com
This great Gatsby look is so pretty!
X Merel
http://www.andathousandwords.com
You must enjoyed a lot! All seems fantastic.
Kisses
http://www.atrendylifestyle.com/
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Happy that you enjoyed the post! Have a great week beautiful xx
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Thank you Jess! Have a great start to the week xx
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Thank you Jenifer! Glad you enjoyed the post xx
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Thank you Andreea! I do love that decade and all the glamour. the party was fantastic. Xx
This looks awesome and like so much fun!!!
Xo, Kelsey
http://www.petiteinherheels.blogspot.com
Looking absolutely stunning dear! Love the gorgeous look.
Jessica | notjessfashion.com
Love this fun post. Your outfit was amazing and the decor was so much fun. Great tips on how to pull it all together.
xx Jenifer
https://www.theevolista.com/3-days-in-santorini-itinerary/
It’s so cool to host a themed party! You look so beautiful in that dress! I’m totally loving those 1920 vibes.
xo, Andreea | https://www.budistyle.com/en/
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I couldn’t agree more Nancy. I have at least two themed parties every year. a good theme always brings more fun and laugh. xx
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you welcome beautiful! I love throwing parties and sharing the tips.Enjoy your Sunday xx
Wow what an amazing outfit, thanks for all the tips.
xoxo
Lovely
http://www.mynameislovely.com
I love the idea of throwing a party at home. It is so cool that you had a themed party! Your outfit is gorgeous. It is so important to plan ahead of time. last thing you want is to scramble at the last minute. It is always cool to see how people put together decor as well. Thanks for sharing!
Nancy ♥ exquisitely.me
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Thank you Lucy! Have a great Saturday xx
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Thanks Jennifer! Xx
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Thank you Tina! Xx
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Thank you! Happy Saturday xx
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It was a wonderful party! Xx
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Thank you Mia! Have a great weekend beautiful xx
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Thanks Anna! I definitely recommend, my guests absolutely loved the theme!! Xx
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Thank you Simone! Probably my fave theme so far for the house party. I do love the glamour of the 20’s xx
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Very true. It can be time consuming but I do love it and the party was so worth it xx
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Thanks Gabrielle!! I can’t get enough of Gatsby theme xx
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Thank you beautiful! Have a great weekend xx
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I couldn’t agree more! Xx
A great way to save money and have good fun
https://www.melodyjacob.com/
This is such a fun party idea! Your dress is amazing! Looking so hot and elegant!
Wonderful Post! Have a great day!
Allurerage
Rampdiary
Oh wow your outfit looks utterly incredible; that embellished headband is the perfect finishing touch! Fabulous!
aglassofice.com x
So much planning goes into hosting a party like this but it’s so worth it.
I love the games you’ve showed here! Love playing!
http://www.fashionradi.com
I’m totally loving those 1920 vibes! You looks stunning in that dress and it’s a great theme for a party. Your decoration is fabulous too.
xx Simone
Little Glittery Box
Great Gatsby is one of my favorite dress codes ever! Would love to organize this kind of party one day! Great tips!
Anna/ http://atlifestylecrossroads.com
Wowww what a beautiful look for a wonderful party … love ♥️everything about it! Have a blessed weekend ahead Gorgeous one!
🍂🌸🍁ROSES FOR FRIDAYS 🍂🌸🍁 | by mia | A Creative Lifestyle Blog
You look fabulous, sound like you had fun time
Happy Friday
http://www.infinitelyposh.com
You look amazing!
Mariya | https://www.brunetteondemand.com/loewe-gate-bag-alternatives/
Oh I’m loving the Great Gatsby Movie – such a favorite of mine!
And the idea for a party is just perfect – you look amazing in your costume ♥
xxx
Tina
https://styleappetite.com
This is such a fun party idea!
Jennifer
Effortlessly Sophisticated
A superb nostalgic demonstration of the “Golden Years”…
The dress is splendid, the aesthetics and refinement of these years is stunning…
Real delight for the eyes
,-)