Six Ways to Make the Most of a Party
By Allana Baroni
Provided by Modern Mom
Many people feel stressed around the holidays and turn down invitations. This season, try to accept an invitation that you might have turned down in years past. Think of parties as a great adventure, a night to shake up your weekly routine, an opportunity to meet new people. Who knows, you might even chance upon your future best friend!
Keep these tips in mind and you're sure to have a smashing time at any fete.
- Go with a relentlessly positive attitude, and leave the details of your money woes and relationship issues at the door. Everyone has problems, but parties are a place to forget them for a while.
- The quickest way to become the center of attention is to allow others to shine. Listen, make eye contact and don't interrupt. Try not to outdo your cousin's story about jogging in the park by bragging about your upcoming triathlon.
- Bring along an emergency party pouch with things you may need when visiting the homes of family and friends. Include items such as hair spray to tame your locks, safety pins for wardrobe malfunctions and non-drowsy Claritin if you're an allergy sufferer — nothing ruins the mood like sneezing and watery eyes!
- Have hot topics on hand for discussion. If you are not one to keep up on the news, check it before you head to the party. Or keep it light by checking entertainment news — it never hurts to know the "Top 10 List" from the previous night's David Letterman show.
- Wear something unique, it gives other guests a reason to come chat with you. A slogan T-shirt, an heirloom broach, signet ring or flower in your hair will become conversation pieces.
- If you really want to have some fun at a party play a mingle game. Make a plan to meet at least two or three new people by the end of the night. Try and guess what everyone at the party does for a living by asking questions like: Can you wear what you are wearing now to work? Do you travel? Is your job creative?
Make sure you flatter other guests by suggesting professions that are at least a touch glamorous. Nobody wants to hear that they look like a waste management executive!
Allana Baroni is a television personality and special events producer. She is the author of several books including Simplify the Holidays, Simplify Your Wedding and Flirtini: A Guide to Mixing and Mingling (available on Amazon.com). She frequently appears on Oprah, The Today Show, Live with Regis and Kelly, CNN, Access Hollywood and Extra. For more on Allana, check out her website at www.getsocial.com
