Punch bowl

Setting out a punch bowl full of fragrant and mysterious liquids always goes down a treat.  It’s easy to manage as you can make up bulk batches quickly and easily, refill in seconds, and people will tend to keep re-use their glasses automatically, rather than setting them down on a table and then taking another freshly refilled glass.  This means less washing up for you, and a constant supply for the thirsty (and infrequent) requirements of your guests.

Give a struggling student some pocket money

Hire casual help.  Just one or two extra pairs of hands will do, and if you ask around friends and family, you’re certain to source a reliable person who’ll take cash in hand for a few hours of tidying up, serving canapés and generally assisting you with proceedings.   You won’t regret it when you realise how much how effortless your function is while running it, you’ll be able to socialise more during it, and of course – it’ll be so much easier to clean up after it!

‘I’ll have to hire a babysitter…’

To keep kids entertained, there’s a very simple solution that could cost you nothing at all.  Taking an idea from Toy Story, simply source some large empty cardboard boxes, and using basic felt tips and a few glued-on extras, re-create the Saloon from the film’s globally-recognised opening scene.  Children and adults will all instantly recognize this familiar sight, and as long as there are enough toys, crayons and a safe surrounding, children will be entertained for hours.  If you can, it’s well worth hiring a babysitter to supervise this corner of the room – purely so the adults can relax, safe in the knowledge that their little ones are well looked after.  It’s even better if you can hire someone well-known throughout your group of friends for extra reassurance.

Fondue

This is an ingenious way of having a never-ending hot snack at your party.  If you don’t have a set, ask around – this is a classic 70s accessory and you’re almost guaranteed to know someone who owns one – particularly if they got married in this decade, as it was a classic vintage wedding present.  Before the party, you can simply chop a large selection of meats, breads and pretzels, which can be replenished in seconds and always look fantastic.  There’s something altogether more fulfilling about a hot snack – and if you can stretch to having both a cheese and a chocolate fondue, you’ve managed to inexpensively provide both sweet and savoury treats at satisfying temperatures.

Capturing the moment

If you’re planning to take photos of your party, try and make sure that you get at least one photo of every guest, or a group shot of your entire party together. This way, you can use that photo as a gift in the thank-you cards you write if your guests are bringing gifts, or simply as a hand-out to show your appreciation for their coming.

Dress the space

Having a colour scheme can make all the difference in the world to the look and style of your party.  Use inspiration from what you already have, rather than deciding what colours you want and then trying to fit your environment around your ideas.  Hunt around the house for objects, fabrics and furniture that share common shades, and use them in your party space.  Then, you can just go to the market (commercial shops are often three times the price) and buy flowers that match, then perhaps look around for coloured candles, and of course, balloons are inexpensive yet effective.  All of a sudden, you’ll find you have a themed space, and the kitchen your guests have become so accustomed to suddenly seems like a whole new venue.

We’re here…

Make an ‘entrance’.  Convert your porch, gate or driveway into a mini portal into your party.  Again, simply using balloons and flowers does make an impact, but you could also get creative with some lighting, or perhaps move all of your potted plants into one place for a big splash of colour and fragrance. Using fabrics also works well and gives a real sense of occasion.

Culinary treats on a modest budget

Shop-bought canapés can cost a small fortune.  Caterers are also expensive, and if you’re planning on hosting a smaller event, the costs can mount up to more than the service is worth.  Why not buy a packet of smoked salmon, cream cheese, melba toast and some fresh chives – coming to about £10 – then you can quickly craft at least 25 servings of professional-looking treats in very little time and really not much skill.  Another great way to save money is by making up a batch of simple tomato salsa and serving it on small slices of baked baguette (bruschetta), dressed with some fresh herbs.  In summer months, small glasses of ice cream are also a guaranteed crowd pleaser and incredibly easy to make.

Dress the part.

Don’t be afraid to go all-out with what you wear to your party.  Even if you’ve instructed a ‘smart casual’ dress code, it’s always a good idea to just make slightly more effort than you expect from your guests.  It puts everyone in the mood for a party, and you’ll feel more confident – which rubs off on your guests and makes for a great atmosphere.  Also, you’ll be glad of it when the photos come out, and you can incorporate your colour scheme into your outfit for that extra attention to detail.

Preparation

Make the drinks beforehand, have the table tidied up the table as you serve them.  It means your hired help won’t have to pour drinks (thus avoiding possible disasters, always a good idea if they’re inexperienced), and your guests can be greeted seamlessly.  If you’re having an outdoor summer party, a great tip is to find some cupcake holders than fit in with your colour scheme, and cover your drinks with them until they’re served.  If it’s appropriate, you can make holes in the top of them for straws.  This keeps wasps and other nasties away, so you won’t find any horrible wriggling surprises when you hand your friends their first tipple of the night.

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