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Whether your banquet is big or small, at some point you will need the assistance of others.  

Given that many venues are booked years in advance, the highest priority when planning a banquet should be given to selecting and reserving a site for your event. Here we will review key criteria in choosing a facility, the types of venues available, and things to look for during an in-person inspection.

Although there are some similarities to planning a cocktail or dinner party, organizing and hosting a banquet event presents a number of unique challenges and details.  This is the first of a series of blogs on how to plan a banquet.

And like all party planning, the first step is to establish a few basic fundamentals. For banquet planning we start with:  purpose, dress, budget, number of guests, and date & time.

The party host assumes responsibility as the ultimate authority and decision-maker for the evening.  Wield your power to deliver an enjoyable and memorable event for each guest. 

This is a big task, but achievable by breaking it down to four segments of capability:

1. Attitude
2. Tasks
3. Etiquette
4. Interaction

Party lighting is often overlooked as a powerful decorating option with the ability to create dramatic visual displays, as well as affect the mood of your guests. The right lighting will achieve practical and aesthetic effects that add another dimension to your event. Take a little extra time to plan lighting for your party with a variety of types, methods, and options to add interest, effects and ambiance for little extra cost.

If you want everyone clamoring for an invite to one of your events, fill your party with little surprises and unexpected pleasures and you will soon gain the reputation of hosting marvelous parties. We have outlined some strategies along with a few of our favorite unique party ideas to inspire your creative juices.

I’m sure you’ve noticed that the most fabulous parties seem to unfold naturally and effortlessly, but the key is careful planning and preparation long before the first guest arrives. Many hosts develop this skill with years of experience, but with our top 10 secrets to fabulous parties, you can host an exceptional party next week!

Whether you are a group of 4 dining out or you are hosting a dinner party for 12, planning your dinner seat arrangement will enhance conversation and fun for your guests. Contrary to popular belief, the success of a dinner party is more about the guests and conversation than what you serve.

Step-by-step instructions on building a party music playlist that will:

• set the mood,
• increase the energy level over the duration of the party,
• take your guests on an emotional ride of rises & falls, 
• interject humor & smiles,
• surprise & entertain each guest on a personal level,
• reinforce your theme.