Posted by Debs Shilling
Party season is almost here and around this time of year I’m often asked what the secret of a standout event is. When it feels like we’re all on a socialising hamster wheel, how do you make your do special - whether it’s a full-on Christmas bash for a global company, or a small get-together at home?
Since Entertee Events launched in 1998 we’ve been privileged to be at the helm of some pretty spectacular parties: from Prince’s last UK show at the Hop Farm in 2011, to an intimate and heartwarming Bar Mitzvah bash for a north London family; from high art and fashion in royal parks, to sweaty stoner-rock gigs in Camden nightclubs.
I’ve learnt that events are all unique in terms of their guests, location and theme - the more unusual and eclectic you can make these elements, the more likely you are to have a party that gets talked about. A decent budget helps, too - money can’t buy you love, but it can buy you better wine.
But experience has also taught me that it’s not always about how big and loud you make it, how pretty the room looks or how spendy the bubbles are. It’s about how personal it feels. Your party will be memorable if everyone leaves feeling like they’ve been treated with care and attention, regardless of how many tealights in jam jars you string up.
The principle holds true whether you’re the Prince of Monaco or a guest at a garden party. When someone has gone the extra mile for them, human beings feel buoyed. Sadly there’s no secret recipe for creating this feeling - it’s really just about being kind and thoughtful.
Some of the ways we’ve achieved it best over the years include wrapping cosy blankets around the partygoers standing outside on a freezing cold December night (smokers have feelings too!), and pressing bottles of water into our guests’ hands as they leave, so they can re-hydrate in the cab, and feel human-ish the next day.
So to answer the question, whatever your event this party season, make it personal.
Debs x