Planning and hosting a party is essential, but did you know the ambiance of your party is just as important? You could have followed the Basics of Party Planning step by step and crossed your T and dot your I, but if the ambiance of your party is off, then your whole party is bound to be mediocre at best.

Each party has its ambiance, its mood, if you will.  Each party has a script, and the ambiance is the main character.  As the host, you decide what sort of mood you want to create for your party and how you want your guests to feel about your party.

Here are 5 simple steps to take when creating the ambiance of your party

1. It’s All About the Theme!

When choosing the theme for your party, ensure it reflects the occasion.  If you are planning a baby shower then you want to choose a theme that is lively, fun and entertaining. If you are planning a Christmas party, then you want your theme to be festive and welcoming. 

Your theme will help you decide on the décor, menu and even the kind of music you play. By tying the theme to the event will help you lay the groundwork for what kind of mood you want for your party.  Think of the theme as the background story.

Remember, don’t limit yourself to the same common popular themes. Themes for your party can be anything; from color schemes to your favorite movie. You could even take inspiration from your culture to create a theme for your party.

2. Location, Location, Location

The location of your function plays a vital role in creating the overall ambiance. The location creates the backdrop for the party’s ambiance.  When choosing the venue for your occasion, make sure it reflects the theme.  For example, if you are planning an intimate romantic wedding reception, you wouldn’t want to have it in a hotel’s grand ballroom but rather in a beautiful garden or a rustic barn. 

3. Good Lighting is Everything

The lighting is essential to the ambiance of your party.  The right lighting encompasses everything from the intensity (do you want bright and bedazzled or dim and magical?) to helping people feel the music. Have you noticed that during the first dance the lights are dim but when it’s open dance floor, the lights are dancing.  Even if the festivity is taking place in your home, you want the lighting to be welcoming and not like your guests are walking into a horror movie unless it’s a Halloween party and you’re going for the spooky feel. The lighting is the stage for your party’s ambiance.

4. The Menu is Art

Get creative with the menu. Select a menu that reflects not only the theme of your party but the mood as well. Use your menu to paints the party’s ambiance.  Nowadays there are variety of ways to enhance the party’s atmosphere with food; you no longer have to opt for the traditional buffet or sit-down meal.  You could have a live crepe making station or a parfait bar.  Maybe have a donut stand.  Along with what you serve, you want to also pay attention to the presentation. Remember, we eat with our eyes first, so you want the food displayed in a way that it attracts your guests towards it.

5. The Music is Mood

You have the theme, the location and even a creative menu, now let’s talk music.  The music selection is what helps set the mood of your party.  Even if it is a house party, you want to have the right music in the background.  When selecting the playlist, ask yourself, how do you want your guests to feel? Do you want them to feel energized and chatty then play upbeat music. If you want them to feel more relaxed, then you want soft music. The music sets the tone for the party.

The ambiance of the party is main character of your party.  It’s what helps your guests see the vision of the event.  By creating the right atmosphere, your guests will experience each and every moment as you want them to.

The best part of it all? Have fun while you’re doing it!

I hope this blog helps you create that perfect ambiance for your party!

Until next time!