10 Ingredients For The Perfect Party

1- Venue You have to make sure the venue suits the party you are putting on. No good doing a 21st when you are miles away from being able to hit the town after. In reverse, you wouldn't want to have a 60th birthday when you walk out to a high street full of teenagers being sick. Think of parking and transport and don't forget to make sure you have a license in place. House parties tick most boxes but if you can push guests outside you will risk less damage inside.

2- Guests Yes unfortunatlely the people you choose to invite do have an impact on your night. Don't feel like you have to cater to their tastes, because all you really need is a handful of friends and family who know how to party and that will rub off on everyone else. Consider your music levels and seating areas for those that just like to talk.

3- Entertainment This is where you will go around in circles trying to come up with something Fresh and original however less can be more. Squeeze too much into a night and it can have a negative effect with guests not having enough time to mingle and relax.

4- Music Not many parties will be without music, so you either trust your DJ will know what he's doing or for home parties just make sure you have a good variety. Although linking with number 2, there is always that one person who knows how to work the funky chicken to a bit of Mozart.

5- Decorations Although not required. Your decorations can create an atmosphere. We are so used to seeing decorations that even a balloon can make us feel like it's time to party. The colour schemes can also control what scene you want to set. If you have Black, Gold and silver for example you are suggesting a more sophisticated event, where as a colour mix of everything shouts "Let's Get Drunk!!"

6- Novelty Extras Once again not required, but hiring equipment is a great conversation starter and ice breaker. An example of equipment hire is having a photo booth or chocolate fountain. One of our favourite ideas we have seen is having a cocktail making table, where you have various ingredients all labelled up and about 5 recipes on show. Then your friends can have a great laugh making their own.

7- Drinks This moves us on to the next point. Drinks don't have to be alcoholic, but a good variety is needed. For most parties now, guests bring their own drinks, but even still, stock up on Juices and Pops to go with what they have brought. Usually there are enough beers, wine and coke, so save something for when people have gotten bored of the common choice.

8- Food It's always a good idea to have a few nibbles out. You can choose something healthy with fruit and salads or go for a good old fashioned buffet with cocktail sausages, chicken dippers and pizza. Either way most of your guests would have eaten by the time they go to your evening party, so nibbles are fine. Salty foods are usually used at bars, because they make you thirsty, which leads to more drinking!

9- Party Games It can be good fun if you have one or two silly games ready to play. These can be drinking games, but even a pop quiz or karaoke can break the night up. Most holiday parks will have adult game shows on offer during their evening, because it is a tried and tested method of entertainment. Link this with Number 3,6 and 2. Think of your guests, don't put too much emphasis on a game and this could be the novelty hire equipment you have chosen.

10- Think of the children Children are always buzzing when it comes to parties, because they are overwhelmed by being in a big social atmosphere, but this will always wear off and there will come a time when they may seek attention or get very tired. Have a room or area ready for the children. Some weddings and large events hire children's entertainers or an item such as a bouncy castle to keep the children happy. If nothing at all just dance with them from time to time and maybe bring out a toy or game around 9:00pm to 10:00pm, as this is prime "children are now bored" time.

I hope you have enjoyed reading our top 10 ingredients. Visit www.buildyourparty.co.uk for more party ideas and fantastic prices on party planning