When you are hosting an event you want your guests to have a good time and remember it for all the right reasons. After years of working in the events industry Allens Hire have learnt some tricks of the trade that will help you put the wow factor into your events.
Come up with a concept or theme
Choosing a theme or a concept will help you plan your event and keep consistency. It does not have to be elaborate like a Prohibition Party or cowboy hoedown – it can be something as simple as a colour or a combination of colours such as lilac and plum. If your party does have a theme then ensure it’s clear to your guests whether a costume is appropriate. There is nothing more embarrassing than arriving at a party not appropriately dressed.
Make sure the opening drink is one to remember
The first drink sets the tone of the party. If you start with a cocktail make sure it works with your theme or concept. For example if you have a prohibition theme begin with an era appropriate cocktail such as French 75 (champagne, gin, lemon juice and sugar) or a whiskey sour (Bourbon, lemon juice, sugar and a dash of egg white). Attention to detail is important, make sure it’s served in the right glass – the glamour could be lost if French 75 was served in a long glass rather than a champagne flute.
Show stopper table layouts
Food is at the centre of most events. So a show stopper table layout should delight and enchant your guests. Using coloured water glasses can add an accent of colour to the table and brocade linen can give a subtle touch of elegance. When decorating a table, the centrepieces should be the focal point where everything marries together – but be careful! You don’t want the guest on the other side to be obscured by a large vase of flowers. Above all make sure your layout works with your concept or theme.
If your event is centred on canapés you can still make the bar tables look stunning with the right linen and your canapés can look even more appetising on an interesting and unusual tray.
The food
Food can make or break a party and it needs to work with your concept or theme. If you are throwing a prohibition event your guests may be surprised if they are served Indian food. Always ask for a taster before committing to a caterer- and then you can decide if it will work or not.
How your food is displayed can be just as important as the quality of the ingredients. Choose china that will compliment your food and wow your guests.
Entertainment
Once the dinner plates have been cleared away, keeping your guests entertained is imperative.
When it comes to music, booking an appropriate band or DJ will keep your guests dancing until the wee hours. So make sure there is room to dance – a designated dancefloor is a good way to do this. However, remember to put aside some quiet space where guests can retreat to if they wish to socialise or network without distraction. If you are hosting or planning an event this year and you are interested in catering equipment available for hire, Allens Hire has an extensive list of options for you to browse through. If you would like further information or to discuss options and ideas for your event, please call our London office on 020 8574 9600 or email [email protected]. If you are based on the South Coast, please call 02380 652316.
