How To Create More Meaningful Gatherings
Hey party people, it's your favorite social savant dropping knowledge bombs on how to turn your gatherings from "meh" to "hell yeah!" So, buckle up because we're about to dive into the art of throwing a kickass event without losing your sanity or breaking the bank.
1. Gratitude — It’s Not Just a Buzzword
Let's get one thing straight - if you're hosting a gathering, it's not just about stuffing your face with snacks and getting your mocktail drank on. Express some gratitude! If you’re an attendee, thank your host for putting up with your unruly crew and if you’re the host, thank your guests for gracing your event with their divine presence and let them know why it’s important they showed up. A simple "thanks for coming" goes a long way, people.
2. Intentionally Connect
Ever been stuck in a one-on-one conversation at a gathering? I feel like we all have been. Then we get home and wonder what the hell we talked about, who we saw, and what value that gathering added to our lives. I challenge you to break free from the monotony and intentionally interact with at least three different people. Who knows, you might meet someone with a killer sense of humor, a bizarre talent, or the networking mastermind you’ve been looking for!
3. Bring Everyone Together
Don’t host a gathering and be a social hermit. Bring everyone together. Just as it’s important to express gratitude, it’s also just as important to bring the whole crew together to let them know the reason for the event and create a deeper connection. The whole point of a gathering is to create a sense of community. Throw some icebreakers into the mix or create a group activity. It's not rocket science; it's human connection. It’s what we all crave.
4. Spice Things Up & Make Fun Rules
Make your event memorable with some fun rules. Set a dress code that's so absurdly funny, it'll leave everyone scratching their heads. Pick a theme for your guests to participate in. How stinkin’ funny would it be if everyone showed up in ridiculously big derby hats?! This would open up so many opportunities for new conversation. Or try banning certain topics from conversation. We spend all day talking about our kids, parent drama, or other random topics. Try saying those conversations are off limits to dig deeper into the conversation topic bin. Trust me, people will remember your event for years to come.
5. KISS (Keep It Simple, Stupid)
Decorations? Keep 'em simple. No one cares about that DIY Pinterest crap. As for the food, let's be real - nobody can taste the difference between your grandma's secret mac 'n' cheese recipe and the deli's special. Save yourself the stress, pick up some macaroni from the deli, and call it a day.
In conclusion, throw a gathering that doesn't suck the life out of you. Show some damn gratitude, mingle with more than your bestie, build a community, make some ridiculous rules, and keep things simple. Your social life will thank you. AND you will make some freaking meaningful gatherings.
Now go forth, party planners, and create gatherings that people will talk about for years - or at least until the next one. Cheers to another year of rocking the social scene! 🥂
