A Great Party Starts with the Guest List...and Invitations

I actually once threw a party that no one came to. No, really. One holiday season, I decided at the last minute to have a little dessert open house to use up this huge basket of baked goods a corporate client had sent me. So, I decided I'd spread the word by phone and invite people to drop by. Two problems...I picked the Saturday night before Christmas, a night that EVERYONE seems to have commitments for. Oh, and it sleeted and iced over early in the evening. So, I sat there all night by myself eating mini fruitcakes and chocolate chip bars.

So, I've learned my lesson. I probably couldn't avoid similar weather disasters, but I send out "real" invitations now. And I give people plenty of time to plan ahead. And insist on an RSVP, even if that means I have to follow up and pester them.

For our Halloween Fright Fest, we send the invitations out a month in advance. I've certainly used paper invitations (even engraved) for other occasions, but for this one, we've found it's easiest to use Evite.com. It's free and you can use their pre-designed templates. I picked one with a gargoyle on it this year, but they have twenty or so others just for Halloween. As well as ones for baby showers, tailgate parties, housewarmings and just about every other event you can dream up.

They go to e-mail addresses and you can see when people open them. If you have an address wrong, it will bounce back immediately for you to correct. And you can even send reminder notes out to those who haven't replied yet. It keeps a running tally of yes, no and maybe responses. You can also set it to e-mail you when you get a new RSVP. Makes it quite easy to keep track of things.

Now, invitations are important not only in giving the who, when and what, but also in setting the mood for your party before it ever begins. You can let people know dress code, what kind of activities to expect, and if you'd like them to bring anything along. As an example, here's the text we included in this year's invite. The other details are elsewhere on the page, but this is a way to personalize things. I think this does a great job of presenting important information in a fun and creative way.

It's time for the FIFTH ANNUAL FrightFest. There will be food and drink, fun and games, and a surprise or two. Get in the spirit and wear your best costume--there WILL be prizes!We'll have beer, wine, soft drinks, and food. Feel free to bring a treat on a plate (or a trick in a bottle) to contribute if you'd like...P.S. No need for a babysitter..bring the kids along too! They're guaranteed a prize!

So, take your time in writing this part. Set the mood for your party--whether casual and festive or more formal and elegant--and set the rules. And even bribe them as necessary. Somehow telling people there will be prizes for the best costumes motivates them to join in the fun.

So, you have a great invitation ready. Now, who are you going to send it to? The great hosts and hostesses of history know that chemistry is key. If it's a small party, maybe you shoot for a group that has something in common. People who work with you. Folks with a love of fine wine. Even people who have gone on great trips recently. Could keep the conversation rolling. For our Halloween party though, where we expect almost a hundred people, we throw a wide variety of folks into the mix and watch the fun. People from work meet family members. Neighbors meet college friends. It's great.

So, create your own chemistry and bring people together. The right invitation could be just a mouse click away. With a successful party right on its heels.