Are you planning a party for somebody, but don’t want to overdo it?
The days of the large house parties seem to be fading if you are above the age of 17, and in 2025, a lot of people are aiming to host intimate parties, which have a guest list of well under 10 people. This is obviously ideal for those who are older or introverted, and whether it’s a small dinner, a private backyard celebration, or a gathering in another location, you need to get your mind whirring on everything that can make this successful, as simply putting out some alcohol and playing music isn’t going to pull it off!
Look for a Cozy and Inviting Setting
Ambiance sets the tone, and when it comes to looking for private party venues, most people aim to choose somewhere that is accessible or very specialized. If you are looking for an external venue, smaller settings often have softer lighting options as well as flexible decorating, which will make you and your guests feel at home. You can even use things such as candles (LED’s only, as you don’t want to be starting a fire!), string lights, or even small floral centerpieces, which will add warmth without adding clutter. Try to avoid scattered seating and opt for one long table, which will promote togetherness.
Choose the Guests Carefully
In college, a friend of a friend of a friend turning up was no big deal. However, with intimate parties and events, you need to curate the guest list carefully. An intimate event will thrive on the chemistry between all of those who are there, so try to invite people who share common interests and will complement each other’s personalities. If you are planning a party for an introverted person, unless they are enormous fans of somebody who has an extroverted personality, this guest can become quite awkward. Of course, you should try to add a few extroverts with quieter guests if you can, as this will keep the flow going, but try not to invite any overwhelming guests.
Keep Food and Drinks Simple and Special
When planning larger parties, food selections are based on price, as it can seem that you are having to feed the 5000. However, with an intimate event, you can skip over looking through complicated menus and focus on dishes that you or other attendees can prepare in advance. That way, you’re not stuck in the kitchen. It also bypasses the need to hire an external catering team, which can be costly. Try to serve a signature cocktail or mocktail and offer shared platters. Why not even try a potluck where everybody brings their own dish?
Small Things!
With a smaller-scale gathering, you get to add smaller things, which can make the event feel more special. This could be handwritten place cards or a playlist that is tailored specifically to your guests, as well as parting gifts. You can even offer shared activities and a round of storytelling, which will help break the ice and bring everyone together.
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