7 Dec 2015

HOW TO: PARTY AT HOME

party home casa festa francinesplaceblog

A little guide for your home parties. // Una piccola guida per le vostre feste casalinghe.

Let's be honest: at 20 years old weekends were made of (super) late nights out, clubs,
drinks and friends. So fun! But, growing up, coziness (and laziness) conquered us
and now our Saturdays look more like horror movies marathons, red wine and boyfriend
(if present).
Yeah, like that the only thing that didn't change is drinks.
Of course sometimes it happens to end the Saturday with a wild night, but the morning after 
we feel like: oh my, I am too old for these things!
In my case, I stopped going to clubs because I were tired of them and, maybe because
of age and growing responsibilities (yes, like home bills to pay) I prefer, now,
spending relaxed quality time with my beloveds.
Weeks are always full of things to do, that on weekends I just need to switch off everything
and enjoy a dinner and lots of talks.
I like especially evenings at home: I love preparing food for my guests, setting up the house
and enjoying the evening in a familiar atmosphere.
This is why, this year, I decided to celebrate my 22th 27th (ha!) birthday at my parents' home,
enjoying an happy hour with my family and close friends.
If you like the idea of partying at home too (and saving lots of money), I am here, today, 
to show you my personal tips. Read below!

//

Siamo onesti: a 20 anni i weekend erano fatti di ore (molto) piccole, locali, drink e amici.
Divertente! Crescendo, però, l'intimità della nostra casa (e la pigrizia) ci hanno conquistato,
così che adesso i nostri Sabato sera sembrano più una maratona di film horror,
vino rosso e fidanzato (se esistente).
Esatto, tipo che l'unica cosa rimasta uguale sono i drink.
Ovviamente a volte capita di finire un Sabato con una notte un po' pazza, ma la mattina
dopo siamo: oh cielo, sono troppo vecchia per queste cose!
Nel mio caso, io ho smesso di andare per locali perché ne ero letteralmente stufa e,
forse, per l'età e nuove responsabilità (eh già, le bollette da pagare) preferisco, adesso,
passare del tempo di qualità in relax con le persone che amo.
Le settimane sono piene di cose da fare e i weekend non voglio altro che
staccare il cervello e godermi una cena e tante chiacchiere.
Mi piacciono particolarmente le serate a casa: adoro preparare il cibo, sistemare la tavola,
e godermi una serata in un'atmosfera familiare.
Ecco perché, quest'anno, ho deciso di celebrare il mio 22esimo 27esimo (ah!) compleanno
a casa dei miei genitori, godendomi un aperitivo con la mia famiglia e gli amici.
Se anche a voi piace l'idea di una serata casalinga (e di risparmiare un sacco di soldi),
sono qui, oggi, per darvi i miei personali consigli. Leggete sotto!

***

1)
CHOOSE WHERE // SCEGLIETE DOVE
If it is Spring or Summer your garden or veranda are perfect, but if you don't have them
you can opt for creating a pretty corner like this one
If it's cold (as it was on my birthday!), your livingroom will be good! // Se è Primavera o
Estate il giardino o la veranda sono perfetti, ma se non li avete potete optare per ricreare
un angolo come questo. Se invece fa freddo (come al mio compleanno!), il
vostro salotto andrà benissimo!

2)
SET UP A TABLE // PREPARATE UN TAVOLO
A table will be necessary. You will put on it a beautiful table cloth, dishes, glasses, cutlery, napkins 
for your guests, all well displayed and easy to take.
You can opt for (pretty!) plastic ones, but remember about the Planet: for once
you can hand-wash your glass flutes! // Un tavolo sarà necessario. Lo coprirete con una bella
tovaglia, poi ci metterete piatti, bicchieri, posate e tovaglioli per i vostri ospiti,
tutti ben sistemati e facili da prendere.
Potete optare per quelli di plastica (ma carini!), però pensate al Pianeta:
per una volta potete anche lavare a mano i vostri calici di vetro!



3)
CHAIRS // SEDIE
Set up some chairs so that, couting also your couch, you will have as much seats as
your guests number. Display them in little groups, so that your guests can create
conversation groups. A party at home is not like a dinner: your guests can change seat or stend up, 
they are free to do what they want. No need to say that the most popular place will be the table! // 
Prendete un po' di sedie così che, contando anche il vostro divano, avrete tanti posti a sedere 
quanti saranno gli ospiti. Disponetele in piccoli gruppi, così che i vostri ospiti
potranno creare tante diverse conversazioni. Una festa a casa non è come una cena: gli
ospiti possono cambiare posto o stare in piedi, sono liberi di fare come preferiscono.
Inutile dire che il posto più affollato sarà quello intorno al tavolo!


4)
WHAT TO EAT // COSA MANGIARE
Because we are here to plan a party at home, not a dinner. So...the tip is: differentiate!
Let your guests pleased with various options of food. But the keyword is: simplicity!
Opt for a pasta, sandwiches, pizza, canapés, olives, pretzels, cheeses and what you like most.
Your plates will be easy to prepare and will satisfied each guest's taste!
Don't forget about some sweets and fresh seasonal fruits. // Perché siamo qui per
organizzare una festa, non una cena. Quindi... il consiglio è: differenziate!
Lasciate i vostri ospiti contenti con diverse opzioni di cibo. Ma la parola d'ordine
è: semplicità!
Optate per della pasta, panini, pizza, tartine, olive, salatini, formaggi e tutto ciò che vi viene in mente.
I vostri piatti saranno facili da realizzare e dovranno soddisfare i gusti di ognuno!
Non dimenticate qualche dolce e frutta di stagione.


5)
WHAT TO DRINK // COSA BERE
Yay! We are at a favourite point. What to drink on a party at home? Of course
you don't want to transform your party in a all-drunk situation, but offering some drinks
on a happy hour is a must in Italy (do you remember?). I opted for three different drinks: 
Martini, red wine with orange juice and Proseco wine.Yes, you red well. Orange juice! Delicious.
Don't forget about non alcohol drinks and water! // Yee! Siamo
a un punto preferito. Cosa bere durante una festa a casa? Ovviamente non vogliamo
trasformare la festa in una situazione tutti-ubriachi, ma offrire qualche drink a un aperitivo
in Italia è un must (vi ricordate?). Io ho optato per tre diversi drink: Martini, vino rosso con aranciata
e Prosecco. Sì, avete letto bene. Aranciata! Delizioso.
Non vi dimenticate di servire anche acqua e drink analcolici!


6)
MUSIC & LIGHTS // MUSICA & LUCI
Create the right atmosphere with some background lounge music and suffused lights. 
If you have the chimney and it is cold, light a fire! So cosy and magical! // Create
l'atmosfera giusta con della musica lounge di sottofondo e luci soffuse. Se avete un camino
e fa freddo, accendete il fuoco! Così intimo e magico!


howto party home festa francinesplaceblog

Voilà! Done! I am sure that now you will look differently at parties at home, because, if
well organised, they have nothing to envy out parties! // Voilà! Fatto! Sono sicura che ora guardarete
in un altro modo alle feste a casa perché, se organizzate bene, non hanno nulla da invidiare 
alle altre!

xx

32 comments:

  1. bellissimo posto

    http://bellodiesseredonna.blogspot.it/

    ReplyDelete
  2. You know I have a party at home when classical music is playing and Im dancing around like no one is there...because no one is there haha

    It looks like marvelous party you threw, so fancy and soophisticated. Definitely more elegant than the BBQ music hangouts I go to hahaha <3
    xx Bash | Hey Bash | bloglovin'

    INTERNATIONAL GIVEAWAY

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha your comment made my day! Thank you :)

      Delete
  3. I loved this post! Great tips, thanks for sharing! :)
    http://priscillaeliodoro.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  4. Parties at home are such a blast just because of the atmosphere, I feel. You've done a wonderful job at laying out the pop up table, and I love the simplicity in the elegance of all these, Elisa. I'd love to go to a home party you throw one day! ;)

    May | THE MAYDEN | Bloglovin'

    ReplyDelete
  5. this looks so cute! i do still like to go to the club haha but i also love a night at home as well :)

    danielle | avec danielle

    ReplyDelete
  6. Absolutely agreed, when you get older, stumbling through clubs drunk at 5 am doesn't sound appealing any longer. I prefer chilled evenings at home with friends just like the one you described!

    Linda, Libra, Loca: Beauty, Baby and Backpacking

    ReplyDelete
  7. Such an awesome post with great tips.
    My blog: RumelaTheShopaholic

    ReplyDelete
  8. You are so right! Coziness and movie marathon is better than clubbing since I have grown up! Lovely tips ♥

    summerdaisy.net

    ReplyDelete
  9. You have done a wonderful job throwing your party, everything looks so inviting and cozy. Thx for sharing your tips.
    xox
    Lenya
    FashionDreams&Lifestyle

    ReplyDelete
  10. I love the display table, looks like it was the perfect party! Have a nice weekend :)

    http://www.mintnotion.com

    ReplyDelete
  11. I love this.Sometimes it's just nice to party in the comfort of your own home.Nice tips
    sophieatieno.blogspot.com

    ReplyDelete
  12. I love this post! Great tips. Also, love your bookshelves! Absolutely amazing!
    WritingMonique

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much! We have so many books haha (the most are my dad's!)

      Delete
  13. It must be wonderful to be your guest as you know it very well to be the host! Thanks for sharing the helpful tips.
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

    ReplyDelete
  14. It must be wonderful to be your guest as you know it very well to be the host! Thanks for sharing the helpful tips.
    xx from Bavaria/Germany, Rena
    www.dressedwithsoul.com

    ReplyDelete
  15. The joys of getting older eh!? I can't do crazy nights out, even if it's sporadic. Give me pizza, vino and movies any night.

    Sxx
    www.daringcoco.com

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Haha yes, I think so. Vino, movies and pizza sound perfect!

      Delete
  16. aahh so great and well put together! :D

    Have a great week!
    Animated Confessions

    ReplyDelete
  17. This place is a perfect get together and to celebrate your bday.
    I'm happy to see your growing and some changes with blog as well.

    The Bandwagon Chic | Instagram | Bloglovin | Snapchat: bandwagonchic

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, your comment made me so glad!

      Delete
  18. i so very much prefer the cozy home parties as well :)

    ReplyDelete