Im a rules girl.
I like structure everywhere but my bras.
I love rules because I know what works.
Someone whipping out their phone to take a pic is a more meaningful compliment than a verbal thanks.
Or, just one effin leaf.
Why does this work?
Leaves layer color and give your food that extra little boop.
Theyre also… you know…free (or nearly free).
Here are some of my favorite leaves and how to use them.
(Youre also left with dirty plates all over the place.)
Instead, make food that doesnt require a platesomething you could grab and eat with one hand.
People dont grab many too many bites, because they cant.
Dont have a go at sneak around this ruleskewers are out.
Where do those skewers and toothpicks go when people are done with them?
Thats right: into your house plants.
Id also discourage dips, sauces and anything that can drip onto someones clothes.
Your guests will thank you.
There are plenty of things to choose from.
Sushi is also colorful, and lays a decent base of carbs for boozy parties.
If its something enclosed in another something, it counts.
If youre making them, make them small.
(Do I seem obsessed with this notion of drippy food?
All event planners are.)
Tea sandwiches
Wings are forbidden from my events.
Theyre messy, and require both hands (and a place to put bones).
Theyre like a tidal wave of bad event decisions.
Even a micro burger would be delightful.
It may seem like pomp and circumstance, but theres a reason these ideas work.
Use height to add depth and create nice little moments.
For instance: On your hors doeuvres table, use risers and display food at different heights.
You dont even need to buy proper risers: Just stack books under your tablecloth.
But beware of the places that height can bite backnamely sit-down dinners.
Ensure theres nothing on the table so tall it blocks people from having conversation.
Thats probably because your table had some texture and character, and a single, plain tablecloth does not.
The same goes for your couch or seating.
Consider hanging sheer drapes from the light fixtures or ceiling to add even more texture to the room.
The same is true for dishes and silverware and glasses.
Dont shy away from mixing and matching.
Dont worry about a tableful of matching plateware.
Extend this to candles, glassware, and linens.
People tend to rent and buy paper party accessories in the same color, shade, and tone.
Instead, mix it up.
It will look intentional, but also intelligent.
Final thoughts
No matter the event, these are the checks I go through beforehand.
These maneuvers make your guests more comfortable, and leave you free to enjoy the party.
Always walk through the space as if you were a guest to consider traffic patterns.
Yes, even in your own house.
Its worth moving a plant or coat rack to improve a traffic pattern.
Obviously kid gates and dog gates have to go for the night.
Where will people line up for it?
Is another one accessible?
The trash hidden discreetly under your sink will be inaccessible.
Where will coats, shoes, and purses go?
What spaces are off limits and how will you indicate that?
Make these decisions now and make them clear to your guests.
Remove anything you cant live without from the space people will be in.
Have a charger station.
Choose an outlet someplace that makes sense and put a few chargers there for people to use.
Obviously it should not be near food or drink stations.
In closing, let me leave you with the memory of an event I think of often.
It was the early aughts, and I was in my twenties.
I was running a gigantic Lobster Festival in Scottsdale, Ariz.
There was some debate over who would have to do it.
At least, so Im told, as my memory is delightfully clean of the event.
