How to Survive Hosting a Memorable House Party

A seasoned event coordinator and hospitality expert, Ferin Azman shares with us her tips and tricks to organising a memorable gathering that celebrates closeness, minus the chaos.

- Nazurah Yusof

Every festive season typically comes with multiple invitations to open houses. We’ve all been there – a crowded space packed with strangers, crumbs on the floor, and if the rambunctious children and their screams aren’t enough to tip you over the edge, from the corner of your eye you spot a candy wrapper tucked behind a decorative pillow. For these reasons, many Malaysians at times shudder at the idea of hosting or even attending get-togethers. Ferin makes it clear that although it is not as easy as it seems, with careful planning and positivity, a party can be a pleasurable occasion for all. I sat down with Ferin on a rainy afternoon over an aromatic cup of kopi kampung, as she gave me the rundown on what it takes to be the perfect host.

Plan Ahead

Well-versed in the nitty-gritty of festive functions and fruitful soirées, Ferin explains that to materialise a successful party, it is crucial to envision your event. “I suggest taking your time to plan this properly – what you want, and how many people. Visualise how you want this party to be. Once that’s written down, you will know how to adjust and plan accordingly,” she shares. “Have a theme. It’s then easier for you to prepare the food as you can start listing down what appetizers, main courses and desserts you want,” Ferin continues.

After assembling your guest list, it’s time to send out appropriate invitations that will incline your guests to attend. “The invitation sets the first impression for a function. So, you should prioritise it once the guest list has been decided. Include proper names or titles in the individual invitations,” she advises.

Handle Your Guests