Published On: 14 June 2022Categories: Blog6.9 min read

If you’re planning on throwing a private party in Oxshott, you’ll want to make sure that everything goes off without a hitch. From the food to the entertainment, there are a lot of things that can make or break your event. That’s where Vanilla Bean Catering comes in. We’re experts when it comes to catering for private parties, and we can help ensure every aspect is a success!

Distractions At Home

Hosting a private house party can be seriously good fun. Everyone is relaxed and can let loose – enjoying the event to the fullest. Chances are they will be familiar with the surroundings and other guests, so you tend to get a relaxed and positive atmosphere.

However, be mindful of the typical distractions found in a home. The TV is one of those things that when presented with the option, people are likely to get lost in front of it. This can take away from the socialising and mingling you really want at a private party in Oxshott.

So, try to ensure the TV is either covered or moved to another room. This way you can be sure everyone is present in the moment and not distracted by a football game or classic film that’s streaming.

Nail The Food

One of the most important things to consider when planning a party is the food. We may be biassed, but I’m sure plenty of guests will agree!

You’ll want to make sure that you have plenty of options. This includes thinking about dietary requirements, allergies and preferences. Here at Vanilla Bean Catering, the team can take care of all your food needs, from appetisers to main courses to desserts. We’ll make sure that everyone has something unique and delicious to enjoy.

Even if you are not opting for the full silver service sit-down meal, we can lay on canapes galore. Our artistic touch ensures your guests will be served food as they’ve never seen before. We don’t just want our menus to taste the best – they need to look the part too! Just take a look at these…

Another top tip is to not skimp on the drinks. Private parties are all about enjoying yourself, and that includes letting loose with a few drinks. Make sure you have enough alcohol and non-alcoholic beverages to keep everyone happy throughout the night.

Why not make it even more high-ball and get our professional bartenders in to make people’s favourite tipples right in front of them! It adds another element of entertainment and ensures that everyone is getting the right measures too!

A bad experience with food or drink can completely ruin the whole event for a lot of people. It’s all part of the atmosphere and links the party together. So make sure you get these bits right and you’ll be well on the way.

Get The Playlist Right

A Private party in Oxshott is definitely made or broken by the music choice. It can set the tone for the entire night, so it’s important to get it right.

A great playlist will have something for everyone. This means having a good mix of genres, tempos and artists. You don’t want your guests getting bored, so make sure there’s plenty of variety.

Also, be careful not to have any tracks in there that could kill the mood entirely. Going from a really upbeat dance track to something slow and sombre may deter people from the dance floor for good!

If the idea is to get people up and moving, ensure the music reflects that. Having said that, if you’re looking for a more formal theme with a sit-down meal and conversation, ensure your music reflects that.

Maybe opt for more instrumental covers or acoustic background ambience. Otherwise, people may be put off by the noise level and inability to hear themselves think.

Another top tip is to generally avoid playing songs with explicit lyrics. Not everyone wants to hear language like that at a party, so unless you are certain everyone attending really likes that kind of music – we’d advise you to steer clear.

Meet & Greet (Where Possible)

Now, we understand that if you are expecting 200 guests, all at varying times of the night – you’re not going to stand at the door waiting to say hello to each one! However, a private party in Oxshott may involve some people you’ve not seen in a while or aren’t particularly familiar with.

In this circumstance, it sets a really friendly tone when you can say hi to as many as possible and even introduce those who aren’t familiar with other groups of your guests.

You’ll want to be careful not to spend too long with any one person or group as you don’t want to leave others feeling left out. But just a quick chat will do wonders for the overall atmosphere of the evening and make everyone feel more comfortable in each other’s company.

The Perfect Party Space

As a professional catering company, we have spent years refining our partner venues to ensure we are offering the highest quality and broadest range there is around. We have some amazing spaces on offer but even if you’re looking elsewhere – it’s important to get the space right.

A lot of the time, private parties are hosted in someone’s home. If this is the case – you’ll want to make sure there’s enough room for everyone to mingle without feeling cramped.

However, outsourcing the space is the best way to allow for more guests and create a VIP atmosphere.

If you’re planning on having a dance floor – make sure there’s enough space for that too! Nothing kills the mood quite like being squished up against other people when all you want to do is let loose on the dance floor.

Also, take into account any external factors such as weather and noise restrictions. You wouldn’t want your party to be cut short because it’s getting too cold outside or because your music is too loud for neighbouring buildings.

A lot of our venues are out in the beautiful countryside in and around Surrey. This means you have plenty of space for marquees alongside indoor space. This way you can make the most of the sunshine in the summer but easily retreat inside if it gets too chilly.

Check out some of our recommendations:

Start As You Mean To Go On

In truth, the first 5 minutes of a private party in Oxshott can make or break the experience. If the venue is dead with nothing to do when you walk in, chances are it’s going to feel very awkward and people may want to walk right out! That’s why we suggest trying to kick it off with a bang.

One great way to do this is with a fun activity or game. This could be anything from a casino table to some garden games. It really depends on the theme of your party and what kind of atmosphere you’re going for.

This is also a great ice breaker for guests who may not know each other very well. It gives them something to chat about and eases any awkwardness they may feel about being in a new environment with new people.

Alternatively, start the night off with a drink in hand and invest in a fun photo booth as you enter. Everyone can have fun with this and it’ll give them something to remember the event with too!

Your Next Private Party In Oxshott

At Vanilla Bean, we understand that no two parties are the same. That’s why we work with our clients to tailor our services specifically to their events.

We offer everything from a simple drinks reception to the organisation of the whole event! Whatever you want us to do to make your day more enjoyable, we will. So get in touch today and let’s discuss what you need!