In the first two articles of this series, you've set up your entranceway, taking your guests' needs into consideration, and you've addressed the party spaces, taking your own needs into consideration. Now it's time to prepare the fun zones in your space. Learn how to create activity zones within your party space, to customize the way that your party flows.
Activity Area
If you will be having an activity area (board games, TV, videogames, dancing, etc.), make sure that these spaces are functional. Even though you may not be offering F&B here, dry snacks like chips, nuts and candy are a thoughtful preparation. A trash can is a necessity here, and bottles of water will give welcome relief to the parched partier.
Although you don't need to create conversational groupings in the activity area, it's a good idea to offer additional seating for those who are cycling in and out of the games. I like to use stools in these spaces, as they are casual and light enough to be moved easily, and they don't take up a large footprint.
If TV is one of the activities offered, turn it on and tune it to an appropriate station ahead of time. Believe it or not, guests are often leery to be first one to turn on a television or open a bottle of Coke. So be a good host, take the stress out of being a guest, and make the party space as welcoming as possible.
Outdoor Fun
If you will be using your outdoor space, consider setting up a couple of zones.
Vary the number of outdoor options, based upon the number of guests you have. In an ideal situation, you will create dynamic groups of players, cycling from one activity to the next.
As in the activity area, don't forget to provide refreshments that won't be negatively affected by the outdoors. I usually provide a cooler with bottled water ---- soft drinks are a no-no outdoors, since bees, wasps, and flies will be attracted to the sweet scent. If your guests want something more substantial, they can step inside to the F&B center.
Music
Take advantage of music to set the mood in your fun zones. Energetic music --- whether it's rock, country, hip-hop, or bluegrass --- will get your group into a partying frame of mind. Studies have shown that people talk, eat, and move in time to ambient music. So, if you want your group to be up and energetic, select music with a similar tempo.
Taking this idea one step further, you can create personalized zones within your party space. Activity and outdoor areas can be up-tempo, while dining areas can be a little more laid back. (Keep in mind that people tend to eat more food, at a quicker pace, when fast music is played. So, you may want to slow the music in the dining areas, to keep your food consumption down, while also encouraging your guests to linger and converse during the meal.)
The party space is your customizable area. You can dictate the way that your function will flow, just by planning ahead. Take advantage of all your zones to maximize your guests' enjoyment.
© Text by Janice Benoit, [May, 2006]. Photo by ClickArt. All rights reserved. Any unauthorized use will constitute an infringement of copyright.
