What do party animals like doing? They love to let their hair down and have a ball. But the ambience must be right to nudge them into doing this. Do the following and you will lure your invited guests into the full party spirit.

• Weed the garden and, if necessary, plant new flowering plants and other saplings some weeks in advance. Anticipate when your plants will flower and fix the date of your party accordingly.
• Give your garden furniture must be given a fresh coat of paint and refurbish if necessary – don’t forget umbrellas if the party is during the day – canvas canopies in case of rain are a good investment.
• Repair stone walls, paint gates and railings if necessary. Check out flower pots and change damaged pots. Re-pot plants which have outgrown their pots.  Clean and paint pots where necessary.
• Create a water feature. Water has a soothing effect on people. You can find the steps to guide you online. The only investment is a small water pump and some water plants. If you feel ambitious, then you can even go for a small waterfall. For help, check out 'six steps to creating a water feature'.
• Put tiny light bulbs in your trees. Garden centres supply a variety of outdoor lighting.  Remember to switch them on at dusk. Lights go towards creating the right atmosphere.
• Try to provide as many chairs as possible – have some folding ones as back up if you need space. If the gathering is small, have a chair for every guest.
• If you’re providing food, arrange small tables for four around the garden. Mix your guests up in such a way as to have compatible fours sitting at tables. Put their names on the table. People like meeting up with new people. Avoid a long table as this slows down socialising and makes the party drag.
• Have food and drinks serving tables which should be 1m X 1.5m and no bigger. Have them manned by experts/ friends or family. Jostling to get food and drinks may sour the fairy-tale effect of the party. Include a special dish and drink to stimulate interest and create conversation.
• If this is important to you, put a definite time on your invitation card and mention the time when the party finishes. Send out the card with a map to your house. Make as many personal phone calls as you can. Make your guests feel special before and during the party.
• Take care over your guest list. Compatibility is of utmost importance for comfort and enjoyment. Invite a 'special' or 'surprise' guest if you can - I'll leave this one to your imagination.
• Arrange for a musician or singer.  Think of creating a relaxed harmonious atmosphere to entertain your guests while they are at dinner but let it be only for a half hour.  Think of who you know who could do this (a friend or friend of a friend). They can afterwards join in the party.

• Hope for the best but prepare for the worst. Make provisions indoors in case it rains. Or have that canopy at the ready.

Create an atmosphere which is soothing yet stimulating and you will have a party which will be remembered.

Debjani Sengupta is an Indian expat living in the Netherlands. 

[Copyright Expatica 2008]