Q & A: The Best and Worst Parties I’ve Hosted or Attended

The Worst Party

What is the worst and parties you’ve attended or given as well as what made them so?

Wondering

Dear Wondering,

The worst I hosted was for my daughter’s 12^th birthday party. My planning focused on all the invitees: gift bags, a variety of games with prizes, birthday cake, candles, and the lot. The one thing I didn’t plan well was to make sure that my daughter was the center of attention. I expected her to be a cohost and cater to the guests. Not good. Huge mistake!

This was her special occasion, her party. Children want to feel as if their birthday party is all about them. They need to win some of the prizes. They need to be the center of attention. They need to feel special. So, this was a good lesson for me.

Message to daughter: Sorry, Shannon. You are special to me.

The Best Party

One of my dear friends hosted a wonderful dinner party for a group of ten exceptional people. We all knew and had affection for each other.

Inviting such a group was a recipe for success from the beginning, but what made the event memorable, was how my friend, the host, treated us. For example, he took the time to spend a few minutes talking one-on-one to me. He took my hand, led me to the couch, sat with me, and asked very sincerely -- with good eye contact -- how I was and what was going on in my life. It was very touching. I knew how much he cared. That was special.

Most sincerely,

Rebecca

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Using Teachable Moments When Planning & Hosting Parties

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