Atmosphere is everything with just about any home, gathering or party. If the atmosphere is lacking, chances are enjoyment levels will decrease. So what is a host to do when throwing a house party with various atmospheric elements?
Here are three major areas that will instantly boost your party’s atmosphere and how to achieve the best fit for you.
Music
Music is a universal atmosphere booster. From movies to weddings to graduations and Saturday mornings, music can set the mood for any occasion. But how do you decide what sound is best for your party? Figure out what tone you want to set and what vibe your home gives off.
If your home is filled with warm tones and neutral colors, opt for something mellow like quiet jazz or soft ambient music. If it’s robust and full of bold colors and statement pieces, try going big with brass bands or distinguish your style with a few lesser-known artists. As long as you keep the music low enough for guests to have comfortable conversations, your selection will increase the mood tenfold. Just make sure it matches the tone you want to convey.
Theme
If you’re still having a hard time deciding on a music choice, try figuring out your theme first. What will your party be about? Is it just a relaxed gathering or a large celebration? Is it something more? Regardless of what it is, your theme will help you set the mood.
For more relaxed gatherings, soft lighting, relaxing music, accessible snacks and an inviting color scheme such as earthen tones or warm reds and oranges can get your guests in the mood. For gatherings with a lively pulse, try bold colors with contrasting accent colors, music with a nice beat and themed snacks or dishes for your guests to enjoy. You may even want to set up a few party games for your guests to get some of their buzzing excess energy going.
Décor
Parties don’t necessarily need to be decorated according to a party store pamphlet, though those decorations also have a place. In fact, you’d be surprised what you can do with décor already in your home.
Perhaps you have a set of decorative dishes adorning a sofa table, but there’s an empty spot on a shelf. Try moving the dishes to the shelf and use the sofa table as both décor and a place for some of your snack spread. Tie curtains in the open position to let in a little more light and give your room a more relaxed yet neat appearance. Curtains at the corners of your window give you a more traditional feel, while curtains tied open in the center can give you a more accented appearance.
If you’re looking for bigger party theatrics, try getting single color streamers that match your home’s color scheme. You can even use streamers, banners and party table cloths as accents to your home’s natural schema during your event. This works as an atmosphere enhancer and a way to display some of the more nuanced portions of your home.
About the Author
Jamie Jamieson
Professional Association National Association of Realtors (NAR) New York State Association of Realtors (NYSAR) Hudson Gateway Association of Realtors/ Hudson Gateway Multiple Listing Service Education I hold an A.A in Italian Studies and an A.S in Accounting as well as being one of few students accepted into the Cambridge University International Student Study Program abroad as a returning student in 2011. Community Involvement I am proud to serve on the Home & School Board for St. Augustine School in Ossining and maintain the role of a Girl Scout leader. I am an active member of the community assisting in a variety of fundraising efforts. Personal I am a young and energetic agent who prides myself on providing personalized service with honest representation whether you are buying or selling your home. My expertise of the river towns, attention to detail and excitement for real estate are a few of the many assets I will bring to you. I will utilize my eagerness and market knowledge of the area to build lasting relationships with all of my clients that will extend far beyond the closing table. Be at ease from start to finish with my help. In my spare time, I love exploring the Hudson Valley with my husband, three children and our dog, Pippin. I love scoping out the infinite restaurants, farmers markets and other fabulous activities this exciting county has to offer. Experience Before joining William Raveis Legends Realty Group I started my career with Hudson Homes Sotheby's International Realty team. Prior to real estate, I had a remarkable 15+ year career in Restaurant Management/Hospitality including Ruth's Chris Steakhouse, Rivermarket and several establishments in Newport, Rhode Island. My experience in that field provided me with the foundation of excellence in customer service. Areas Covered All of Westchester County and parts of Putnam County.