If you haven’t already noticed, many of my little Party Tip Tuesdays are about ways to ease the party planning stress while freeing up your time so you can actually enjoy your own party.  And without fail, I’m back today with another one for you!

As hosts and hostesses, we’re often tempted to wait on our guests hand and foot to make sure everybody’s happy and satisfied.  We’re innate people-pleasers when it comes to hosting!  But if you find yourself doing this every time you host a party or entertain guests, without fail, you’ll be stuck in the kitchen getting something for someone and miss the funny story your crazy cousin is telling about the time he broke into Sea World and rode a dolphin.  What?! (Um, I’m sure that happened.)  Anyways, the moral of the story is, if you’re constantly waiting on your party guests, you’ll miss the grand story and all the other fun happening at your own party.

So, one way you can avoid missing out on your own party is to not spend the entire night preparing drinks for everyone.  Plan ahead by setting up a self-serve drink station with buckets of beer, wine, soda, and bottled water on ice.  You can also make a specialty cocktail or party-themed beverage in advance and serve from a punch bowl or fun beverage dispenser.  For example, pitchers of Electric Lemonade or Sangria both work great for upcoming summer get togethers!  This way, you don’t have to attend to everyone’s empty cups. Just monitor the beverage station and refill ice every once in a while instead. Lastly, provide a variation of cup sizes and fun drink accessories like straws, drink stirrers or bright Cocktail Parasols. Everyone likes their drink prepared differently and providing options to personalize their beverage can create a great activity for guests.

In conclusion; don’t be a hostage to the bar.  Plan ahead, sit back, relax and enjoy your own party!

- Colleen