Using Your Senses to Plan a Party

By StaR DusT

Let your senses be your guide when planning your celebrations.   You’ll find that they can you create a satisfying and entertaining event for you and your guests.

1.  Sight. What will your guests see?  Your decorations create the event’s atmosphere and help set the mood.  If you want your party to be festive, hang up colorful balloons and streamers.  If you want a peaceful atmosphere, candles and bubbles floating in the room will relax your guests.  Your decorations and party goods should be cohesive.

2.  Sound.  Play music at your events.  Even if your guests won’t be dancing, music fills the silence and provides entertainment.  It, also, contributes to the mood of the event.  Playing jazz or classical music sets a different tone than heavy metal music.  If you’re throwing a children’s party, play music that they’ll be able to sing.

You should plan activities that will encourage conversation and laughter.  There’s nothing like the sound of the human voice.

3.  Taste.  What refreshments will you serve?  Cake, ice cream, hamburgers, chicken, grilled fish, or salad have their place at different events.  Serving grilled fish might not go over well with a group of toddlers but could be a delicious dish for a mature palette.  The foods you serve will depend on the age of your guests, the time of the event, type of event, and your budget.

4. Smell.  Many of the scents at your party will come from the foods and snacks served.  These scents can contribute to the party’s atmosphere, too.  For instance, the aroma of popcorn and cotton candy will excite children and many adults, especially if the event is a carnival.

5.  Touch.  What will your guests do with their hands?  Will they make crafts?  Will they play games?  Will the children have to hold hands for circle games?  Will teens play Twister?  Will your guests receive hugs or handshakes?  Will they throw balls or toss pies at a human target?  Will children hit a piñata?  Make certain to consider the sense of touch.  If you don’t, a void will exist in your party.

Once you’ve planned your event with the senses in mind, your party will have a feeling of completion.

July 6th, 2009 by Yolanda D. Young | Posted in Party Planning, Tips | (1)