Hosting a Party 101

When throwing a party as a young professional the guest list may consist of new friends, co-workers, or guests of friends. Beer pong, keg stands, and sticky floors are very college, and not necessarily appropriate around colleagues.  Below are my 6 pieces of advice on how to host a great party at your house and avoid waking up to a disaster in your living room.

1. Greet Everyone – When you are throwing a party you want to make sure that you make a conscious effort to greet every single person who enters your home. This is not only polite but it also allows you to inform them where the bar is or where they can put their coats.  Additionally, if friends bring guest this gives you a chance to introduce yourself and also introduce different friend groups to each other so that they can meet new people.
2.  Set Up a Bar  – 
• Invest in wine glasses!!! Serving wine in a solo cup is blasphemy… 
• Have a pitcher of water out and available for designated drivers or people wanting to take a break from drinking (I add lemons, limes, or cucumbers to make it a little more fun)
• Have an ice bucket, mixers, cocktail shaker, straws, and cups set out by the liquor
• Either store  beer in a cooler or in the fridge (Clean out your fridge before the party so there is room for whatever your guests bring)
3. Serve White Wine, Beer, and Vodka – if you provide you guest with clear liquids to drink there will be less of a chance your carpet or couch gets stained. Having a lot of people over means that accidents will very likely happen and instead of ruining your night, a spill is something that can be cleaned easily and not a high stress issue.
4. Provide Snacks – It can be as simple as cheese and crackers or chips and salsa or as complicated as baked brie and mini quiches. I recommend using disposable plates and napkins but if you happen to forget to purchase them, set your plates out and just make sure and load them in the dishwasher as they start to collect by the sink. Run the dishwasher before you leave for the bars or go to bed so you can unload it in the morning and refill it with wine glasses and serving dishes.  (Stemware is fragile, but these stabilizers help keep them in one piece in your dishwasher)
5. The Basics –
• This should go without saying but clean your room/bathroom, make your bed, and give people directions so they know how to get to your place and where to park.
• Coat Closet – coming from Florida this was a new concept to me. Make sure you have room/empty hangers in your coat closet for people’s jackets. If you don’t have a coat closet or there isn't room set people’s coats on your perfectly made bed.
• If you attend a party at someone else's house don't forget to  bring something. Never show up empty handed! If its a friend's party ask what they need, if it's a stranger bring a bottle of wine, beer, or snacks. 
6. Asking People to Leave – This is sometimes a very awkward time as the host. If you are hosting a pre-game just start asking people when they want to leave for the bars. Once they finish their drinks they will want to head out as well. If the party goes super late just start cleaning up. People will see that and get the hint that you’re ready for them to head home.

Best of luck hosting your next party!

$teph

First Impressions

First impressions seem like a fitting topic to discuss in my first blog post. This topic is also perfect timing since it is the start of 2014 and we all have resolutions that we are looking to keep. This may mean working out, traveling to new places, finding a better job, or just being better in every way. Regardless, you will probably meet lots of new people this year and since studies have shown that people decide how they feel about you within seconds of meeting you, you should definitely be prepared.

Below are my five steps for having the best first impression:

1. Smile - This goes without saying. Obviously you shouldn't look like a sourpuss when being introduced to someone new. But a lot of us have a terrible RBF (resting bitch face). Pick up your phone and take a selfie of yourself without looking at the camera or thinking about smiling. That is what you look like when you are driving in your car, texting on your phone, and sometimes meeting new people. Not as attractive as your gorgeous smile right? Make sure to be aware of it next time you meet a stranger.

2. Shake Hands - I know shaking hands can be intimidating and sometime super awkward. But you know what is worst? That half raised, arm by your side hand wave that we sometimes do (Exhibit A). That doesn't look very confident or professional. So instead reach out and shake their hand ESPECIALLY if it is in an interview or professional environment. This sounds weird but practice with your friends or parents. Girls tend to shake hands weakly and boys too tightly which are both turn offs.

Exhibit A:

3. Say Their Name - How special do you feel when someone remembers your name and how awful do you feel when you can't remember theirs? "Heyyy YOU" is a very obvious tell-tale sign that you have no idea who they are. Make someone feel special, important and respected by repeating their name throughout the conversation and again when you say good bye. It is perfectly fine to ask them to repeat it within the first time meeting and totally not ok three weeks later.

4.Business Etiquette - This rule has to do with any professional interaction especially when interviewing or starting a new job. The people you meet at work have the influence to shape and help you build your career. If they remember you as the wrinkled blouse and unsmiling new girl you are pretty much guaranteed to have to work even harder to win them over in the long run. So be polished, do you hair (no messy buns), stand up straight, and don't curse or use abbreviations . Sounding like a valley girl will not help you move up in your company.

5. Be Unforgettable - This step has to do with when you spot Mr. Wonderful out at 1:00 AM or at a friends pre-game. The key to reeling him in is confidence, which he should notice immediately when meeting you. If you are too afraid to approach him and talk then you will never end up in your perfect picket-fence house. A huge group of girls can be beyond intimidating even to a Channing Tatum look-a-like. But if you make the move to approach him, smile, and be yourself you will be one step closer to reeling him in. I know walking up to a boy and introducing yourself may seem absolutely impossible for you and that is ok. Maybe have a mutual friend introduce you. But nothing is more of a guy magnet then confidence.

Now go out there and blow people away so they all know immediately what an amazing person they just had the privilege to meet.

Be better in every way,
$teph