1. Music is half the party

Put some effort into the playlist. Don’t make it too chaotic in the beginning, but don’t let it drag either. I like to think of the music as an extra guest at the party – fun and uplifting, but not the one stealing all the attention.

2. Don’t let anyone stand around awkwardly

No one should have to feel lost in the first ten minutes. A warm welcome, a cold pre-drink, and something salty to snack on when they arrive goes a long way. A bowl of chips is seriously underrated.

3. Turn off the ceiling lights

Kill the overhead lighting, light some candles, and use lamps in different corners of the room instead. Everyone looks better, the vibe gets softer, and the whole party feels better instantly.

4. Messy beats perfect

It doesn’t have to be perfect – actually, it shouldn’t be. But spend five extra minutes on the table setting. A tablecloth from Mindatt, a few candle holders, and something green picked up from the park (or the nearest ditch) can do wonders.

5. Don’t be stingy

It’s better to stock up on more affordable drinks than to be too careful with the expensive stuff. The same goes for food. A slightly elevated pre-drink is always nice, especially if you can prepare it in advance. Keep it simple, the less time you spend in the kitchen once guests arrive, the more fun you’ll have. Takeaway pizza is absolutely acceptable if you throw some basil on top.

But most importantly!

Throw more parties. Life is short, and no one cares about a little dust in the corners. A smoke machine is always a good idea.

Text by: Frida Karlström
Photography by: Louise Ljung and Alice Johansson