How to Host a Party as an Introvert
Feeling overwhelmed at the idea of entertaining this holiday season? Discover how to host a party as an introvert and nail your Ina Garten era.
Maintain a Small Guest List>
Pick a Chill Theme>
Have a Designated “Recharge” Zone>
Use Easy Activities to Break the Ice>
Don't Try to Be Everywhere All at Once>
Plan a Low-Maintenance Menu>
Wear a Comfortable Outfit>
Recognize the Needs of Fellow Introverts>
Set a Clear End Time>
Welcome to the holiday season, when introvert woes multiply thanks to the pressure to socialize, be merry, and maybe even entertain at home. But while the latter is a tall order for a person who prefers solitude and quiet, it’s not an impossible task. Read this guide on how to host a party (and completely nail it), tailored especially for introverts who require order and the occasional time alone.
Maintain a Small Guest List
First things first: guest lists shouldn’t be driven by guilt, obligation, or utang na loob. It’s your party, so feel free to consider your needs, such as your budget, idea of fun, and peace of mind. Invite people you actually want to celebrate with to minimize social stress. Having fewer guests also means fewer people to clean up after and, overall, a more manageable operation.
Pick a Chill Theme
If you’ve never hosted a party before, don’t try to overdo it with an over-the-top theme. Try one that’s relaxed and won’t require much energy and brain power, like movie night, game night, or blind karaoke. These themes will put your party on “autopilot” and your guests will pretty much entertain themselves.
Have a Designated “Recharge” Zone
Hosting a party as an introvert can mean having to ignore your own boundaries for an evening. To make things more tolerable, give yourself a designated space to decompress and recharge. It should be an area that’s completely detached from the festivities, such as a bedroom. If that’s not available, find a person who comforts you instead and consider them your “safe space.”
Use Easy Activities to Break the Ice
Parties are fun, but let’s face it, they do come with a lot of social pressure. As the host, it’s your responsibility to make sure that everyone is comfortable and no one feels left out. To break the ice, set up fun, interesting activity corners throughout your space. Build an arts and crafts station, a DIY charcuterie board station, or a look-at-all-these-embarrassing-photos-of-us station. This will help keep the conversation flowing without much effort.
Don't Try to Be Everywhere All at Once
If you’re a people-pleasing introvert, you might feel obligated to circle the party nonstop to see how everyone is doing. This will only leave you feeling drained, with no energy left for fun. Instead of trying to babysit your guests, remember that they are adults who should be able to look after themselves. Once the conversation, food, and drinks start flowing, you can relax.
Plan a Low-Maintenance Menu
The idea of a low-maintenance menu may go against your Filipino urge to make callos, meatloaf, or, heck, ube halaya, but try to find a compromise. When it comes to serving food under pressure, try not to pull a Nara Smith and, instead, heed the wisdom of Ina Garten: store-bought is fine. Mix homemade treats with easy courses that you can order from your favorite Instagram sellers, such as baked goodies, food trays, and other desserts.
Wear a Comfortable Outfit
If Charlotte York was never your fashion inspo, don’t start wearing tweed co-ords now and risk overstimulation. Choose a comfy party outfit that you can run around in and lounge in, like a roomy dress or even an ugly Christmas sweater.
To make sure your hair and skin are just as low maintenance, use products that care for them over time. Try Cream Silk Vitamin Boost Standout Straight Conditioner, which gives hair 10x more vitamins and leaves it straighter, smoother, and softer with continued use.
Meanwhile, get that holiday hostess glow by using POND'S Bright Miracle Ultimate Clarity Day Serum, which helps repair the skin with niasorcinol, making it spotless and radiant.
Recognize the Needs of Fellow Introverts
Sis, you are not alone! Your guests likely know and love you, and some of them may even be like you. If you’re worried about how to host a party, they’re probably worried about how to not be awkward at your event. So, look out for each other. Some things that kindred spirits might appreciate include ample solo seating areas, a familiar or chill playlist, and low-noise areas where people can chat. Now that’s an introvert-friendly party.
Set a Clear End Time
Sometimes, the good old “Welp, it’s getting late” just doesn’t work. To keep your guests from overstaying their welcome, specify an end time on your invitations. If they don’t leave anyway, give them something to do. For example, ask them to help you put away some empty glasses and other minor chores. Another trick is to ask them if they’d like to have a cup of coffee “before heading out.”
There are no rules on how to host a party, let alone how to host a party as an introvert, but the tips above can help you navigate the task with a bit more confidence and ease. Remember that it’s your house and your event – so go with what feels comfortable and right for you and your guests.
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