Entertaining at home, as wonderful as it is, sometimes just doesn’t cut the mustard. For some parties, the location and limitations of your own home make it necessary to rent an outside facility to host a party. You can still be the host with the most, however, and make the party your own by being prepared, knowing all you can about the location, and adding your own personal touch.
There are definite advantages to having a party at an outside location, especially children’s parties. Restaurants and activity centers for children are equipped to handle large groups of rowdy youngsters and have ready-made entertainment. Children’s parties at Chuck E. Cheese, Gatti Town and other kids’ entertainment centers are some of the easiest you’ll ever have for your child and his friends.
With that concept in mind, restaurants open up rooms for adults to host parties, with many amenities provided.
Here are 6 things to remember when entertaining away from home.
Check it out ahead of time
You may have heard that a particular restaurant is fabulous for private parties, but unless you see it yourself, you may be setting yourself up for disappointment and disaster. Choose a site carefully, check out the location where your party will be, including parking, entrances and restrooms. If you can picture your party guests having a great time there, then book it.
Make invitations clear
Be sure all of your guests know the name and location of the party, including a full street address and driving directions, if possible. If you’ve always held Kevin’s birthday party at home and now you’re having a shindig at the Children’s Museum, be sure that fact is big and bold on the invitation.
Show up early
Just as you would start working on your party early in the day if you were hosting in your own home, you’ll need to get a head start on setting up the party at an outside location. Arrive at the location about an hour before it’s to start and you’ll have plenty of time to get things set up and greet any early arrivers.
Know what’s provided and what’s not
Talk to the managers of the party location and ask specifically what they provide. If you’re bringing your own food, will they provide plates and utensils? Who is responsible for setting up and cleaning up?
If you’re paying for your guests to have soft drinks, but there’s a bar at the restaurant, make it clear to your guests that there is a cash bar and they’ll have to pay for their own alcoholic beverages.
Make the room your own
If the location managers will allow you, add your own personal touch by bringing your own decorations, balloons, tablecloths and centerpieces.
Plan for special circumstances
Some outside party locations don’t offer the comforts of home and that can be hard on guests who are elderly, handicapped and require special services. A house party at your own home may drag into the night with guests cozying up on your couch and having “one more cup of coffee.” While a party at an outside location often has a set end time. Be sure the party location has adequate access, comfortable seating, restroom facilities and other amenities to meet the needs of your party guests.
