Parties are a great way to unwind with family and friends after a hectic week at work. Especially when the weather in the UAE turns hot, staying indoors and throwing a house party is often the perfect solution. To help you host a party in the UAE without breaking the bank, here are a few tips you should consider.
- Set Your Budget and Purpose for the Party
- The Invitations!
- Set Your Party Theme
- Carefully Plan the Foods and Drinks
- Set the Party Decor
- Declutter and Clean Your Space
- Let the Fun Begin with Adding Games to Your Party
- Account for Children
- Prioritise Yourself and Stay Calm
- Close the Party Decisively
- FAQs
Tips to Host a Party in UAE
Follow these ten important tips to throw one of your best house parties in the UAE and ensure the event is a resounding success.
1. Set Your Budget and Purpose for the Party
First things first, consider the occasion. Whether it’s a birthday or just a casual get-together, knowing the purpose of your party helps you plan it better.
Next, determine how much you’re willing to spend – AED 200, 500 or over 1000? Setting a clear budget helps manage expenses and prevents any unnecessary disputes with your partner.
2. The Invitations!
After setting the budget, it’s time for invitations! Remember, it is 2024, and along with so many other things, your party invites should also be upgraded!
- Electronic Invites: Paperless invites are very popular these days. They are easy to track and RSVP to the guests. Also, they will send automatic reminders as the event date nears.
- Facebook Events: Another digital option is creating a Facebook event. Add a photo, provide details, and post it. However, this works best if all your invitees are active on the platform.
- Paper Invites: Old school but our personal favourites! Paper invites are a way to show your creativity and add a personal touch to the invite.
Consider the Timings!
Send out invites 2-3 weeks before the party to give your guests enough time to clear their schedules.
3. Set Your Party Theme
Every party should have a theme to make it more exciting and fun. Choose something that will excite your guests, whether it’s a 90s throwback, a Disney-themed bash, or a sophisticated cocktail party. Themes make your event more fun and create lasting memories for everyone involved.
4. Carefully Plan the Foods and Drinks
The biggest challenge of hosting a dinner party is figuring out the menu. Here are a few ideas for serving food:
For the Food
- Heavy Appetisers: Prepare a variety of 3-7 filling appetisers and place them on the kitchen island.
- Buffet Style: Ideal for larger parties, buffet-style serving is stress-free. Just prep the food in advance or order from a local restaurant.
- Potluck: If you’re hosting a smaller group, ask each guest to bring a specific dish.
- Sit-down Dinner: This is great for intimate gatherings of fewer than 10 guests. Consider catering or hiring a private chef for a special touch.
For the Drinks
For larger parties, consider setting up an open bar or serving pre-prepared drinks in pitchers or dispensers. Make sure you have enough options for alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks.
5. Set the Party Decor
Your party decoration should reflect your theme. Whether you go all-out with decor or keep it simple, it must match the vibe you’re going for.
For instance, a boho chic theme can be entirely different from your Spring-themed event. Plus, decor doesn’t always mean big banners and too many balloons.
- Add a WOW factor. This should be the centrepiece of your party. It could be a large nacho bar, a chocolate fountain, or a photo booth with props.
- Balloons: Balloons don’t have to look cheap. Opt for clear balloons with glitter or lights.
- Chalkboard signs: They can add a touch of personality to the event., specially when placed near the entrance or food tables.
Simple touches like fresh flowers, candles, and the right lighting can also make your space look elegant without going overboard.
6. Declutter and Clean Your Space
This is obvious, DUH! Before the party, declutter and organise your home to create a functional, welcoming space. Move unnecessary items to free up space for your guests.
Keep in mind key kitchen organisation tips and get rid of all extra items, such as frames, candles and appliances not in use.
Pro Tip!
If you have a small space, consider rearranging your furniture, too. Make use of storage space ideas for small homes to organise everything better. You might not notice these tiny changes in your house, but your guests definitely will!
7. Let the Fun Begin With Games and Music
A party isn’t complete without entertainment! Whether it is fun games, activities, or a grooving playlist, something purposely planned should allow everyone to entertain themselves in the gathering.
Whatever you decide, music is a must! Create a playlist in advance and set up a Bluetooth speaker. Other entertainment options include:
- Tic tac toe
- Ring toss
- Card games
- Trivia
- Karaoke
- Craft corners
8. Account for Children
If your party includes kids, make sure you have a separate sitting space for them. Of course, you don’t want them to balance that bowl of soup on their laps. Also, some activities should be kept to keep the kids entertained. They get bored quickly and ask their parents to leave for home and you don’t want that, right?
However, if you want to exclude kids from your party, be clear on the invitation.
9. Prioritise Yourself and Stay Calm
The best hosts appear calm and put together. Take some time for yourself before the party starts – take a shower, style your hair and choose a great outfit.
As guests walk in, be ready to offer them drinks and encourage them to help themselves. Then, pour yourself a drink and enjoy the party, too – something many hosts forget to do!
10. Close the Party Decisively
As the party winds down, gently guide your guests toward the end. Offer a final drink, share a few memorable moments, and thank them for attending. If hosting at home, walk each guest to the door to say goodbye. As they leave, offer a small keepsake or treat to wrap up the evening.
FAQs
Here are some hotels and resorts in Dubai that offer great party venues:
– The Westin Dubai Mina Seyahi Beach Resort & Marina
– Sheraton Mall of the Emirates Hotel Dubai
– Millennium Plaza Downtown Hotel
– FIVE Palm Jumeirah Dubai
– Media One Hotel Dubai
– The Meydan Hotel
Dubai has a diverse and vibrant party scene. The city offers upscale clubs, rooftop lounges and beachside bars. Tourists can visit popular party sites. For instance, resorts and hotel at the best beaches in Dubai like Nikki Beach, White Dubai and Iris Dubai offer a lot of party spots.
Hosting a party in the UAE can be an unforgettable experience, especially when you plan and execute it well. With these tips, you can throw a fantastic party without overspending or stressing yourself out.
Remember to stay flexible and adaptable, as you may encounter some unexpected challenges and last-minute changes. Here’s to hosting a remarkable party!