How To Pimp Up Everything… For Making Your Next Party A Success!

Your menu, your plates, your house, your drinks, your desserts, your backyard… I mean everything!! 

How to pimp up everything for a successful party. The ultimate guide to pimp up your next party like a queen!

…Really!?  Yes, really!

Do you ever feel like something is missing? Could your party or dinner party have been just a little less plain and ordinary? That you wish you could find that little something that would add a wow to your party?

Well, stop searching!! You just found it! 😉

In this post, not only will I share tons of ideas, but I will also help you enhance that party or that dinner party the easy way!!

You know that I’m all about simple things! So all of these ideas are easy and simple, but most of all, they don’t cost much!

There are many possibilities to add a special touch to almost everything, from your plates, drinks, or desserts, to your house and backyard.

It is so fun to think about all the little extras we can do to make things look different. I could spend hours browsing Pinterest to find new ideas.

But, as I mentioned in one of my previous articles, I’m a little lazy. So I don’t decorate my house that much when I host a party, even though I do add some little things here and there. And I sometimes focus on my meal only! Well-garnished plates, great dishes… and, of course, a fabulous dessert!!

 

***   **   ***

The trick here is to let your imagination guide you!

If you prefer adding a lot to your decor and playing it more simply with your meal, it’s totally fine too! You host, so you choose!!

I will share a lot of ideas, but I highly recommend that you don’t do everything that’s on that list simultaneously! ha! ha! Too much could sometimes be worse than not enough…

You will quickly see that it sometimes doesn’t take much to add that special touch!!

So let’s dive into it!

10 things to pimp up to bring your party to the next level!!

1-How to pimp up everything…Your menu

Pimping up your menu is a great way to make your guests feel special. And it usually doesn’t take much to turn your meal into a piece of art!

One of the easiest ways to do so is by choosing more exotic dishes or more spectacular ones. But spectacular doesn’t mean complicated! You know that I like things to be simple, and I genuinely believe that they can be both spectacular and easy!

Choosing a particular theme for your party is a great way to add variety, and it could be a lot of fun too! But no worries, you don’t have to turn it into a Halloween party! All you have to do is select dishes according to that particular theme and maybe add a few elements to your decor to highlight that theme.

It could be a Mexican fiesta, a Mediterranean buffet, a fancy Italian dinner, or a 50’s party. No matter what you choose, you’ll surely have a lot of fun just planning it!

But on the other hand, even if you choose not to follow any particular theme, there are tons of ways to enhance your menu… and your party! 😉

Here are some of my favorites:

• Choose exotic dishes that will surely bring a little something special to your dinner.
• Don’t be afraid to do things differently; for example, why not serve brunch for dinner or a kebab fiesta? It’s always fun, and it creates a good ambiance too.
• Select colorful dishes.
• Add a bit of seafood or any other luxurious ingredient. But just a little, it’s all it takes to enhance any plate without adding too many extra costs!

And some more…

• Opt for many entrees and starters instead of the main course dish. That will allow you to taste different dishes and make each of them unique.
• Serve a special sauce made of fine liquor or wine will definitely increase flavors!
• Make sure that the wine you serve is well-paired for each dish.
• Select a more spectacular piece of meat, such as a “Carré de porc” or a leg of lamb. Even dough it’s pretty easy to make; it will impress for sure!
• Pay attention to side dishes: they are essential when it’s time to pimp up a meal. Try to stay away from the plain mashed potatoes! 🙂 There are so many other recipes to choose from.

2-How to pimp up everything…Your plates

A well-garnished plate always looks more appealing. Remember that we also eat with our eyes.

Don’t be afraid to add toppings and garnishings!… but be careful not to add too much. Your goal is to enhance the dish, not to bury it!

Also essential to add garnishing according to the taste of each plate. And even more important, don’t sprinkle too much cayenne pepper…no need to explain why! I suggest that you add a little garnishing at a time and put more if you need to; easier to add a bit more than to remove some! 😉

• Serve dip in a bread bowl or red bell pepper half or squash.
• Add fresh or dried fine herbs.
• Some lemon or lime slices, zests, or thin quarters will add color.
• Garnish the edges of your plates with spices.
• Add bacon dice ( everyone likes bacon!! ): it will add both flavor and color!
• Chopped nuts or peanuts are a great way to add texture and color.
• Croutons or chopped pretzels for a bit of crunchiness…
• Fresh cream or salted whipped cream.
• Finely chopped colored veggies, such as; red bell pepper, green onion…
• Thiny slices of colored veggies; carrots, red or orange bell pepper, green onions…
• Tomatoes or cherry tomatoes, raw or roasted, will surely add color!
• Add drops of Balsamic vinegar or glaze.
• Zucchini or cucumber rosettes for a lovely sweet touch.
• Serve a small plate into a bigger one.
• Sparkle some paprika or cayenne pepper all over the plate or on the edges.

3-How to pimp up everything… Your drinks

Nothing is better to add a festive touch than a lovely drink! If you choose a particular theme for your party, serving some drinks according to that theme would be nice. But if not, select some special ones. Have a look here to find fabulous ideas for your next drinks!  Trust me; you will discover a lot of great ideas!

But for now, here are some good tips to add a wow to your next cocktails:

• Always use pretty glasses!  You would find some old antique ones in any flea market; that is a great way to make your drinks special.

• Add some color to your ice cubes; it could be some sort of fruit, according to the drinks you’re serving; cranberries, raspberries, blackberries…
• Now, add some flavor to your ice cubes by adding a small bouquet of fresh herbs; thyme, rosemary, or cilantro are very pretty and will add taste to your cocktails.
• Or use different shapes of ice cubes, or even put a drop of food coloring.

A few other good tricks

• Add a stack or two of rosemary or thyme to each glass.
• Garnish the ring of each glass with a mix of sugar and dried herbs, or lemon, a blend of sugar and cinnamon… depending on the drink!
• Fresh fruits or mini fruit skewers are great garnishings. Peaches, berries, pineapple, or a mix of several fruits…
• Some veggies could be great too, such as; cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and asparagus; it changes from the good old celery stalk!
• You could also serve your cocktail in a fruit: oranges, grapefruit, pineapple, and coconuts are great looking.
• Use a permanent marker to create some piece of art on any plain glasses or glue some glitters and sequins.
• Lastly, you could add little umbrellas or any other small decoration… it usually brings back some good old memories. 😊

4-How to pimp up: Your desserts

Desserts… always my favorite part! I love desserts so much!! Any kind of dessert, especially homemade ones! There are so many ways to pimp up desserts…even if most of them don’t need to be pimped up; it’s always nice to add a little something to bring it to another level!

Here are some of the ones I use the most often:

• Of course, whipped cream is a good old classic, and the one I use the more.
• Cocoa powder sprinkled over the plate.
• Some coconut, toasted or not; toasted coconut will add more color, while plain coconut will add flavor and brightness to darker desserts.
• Chopped roasted nuts or honey-roasted peanuts.
• Fresh mint leaves.
• Chocolate or caramel sauce.
• Fruit coulis.
• Any chopped chocolate bar…

Need some more tricks?

• Maple sugar.
• A mix of sugar and cinnamon.
• Icing sugar gently sprinkled over the plate.
• Lemon or lime zest, or slices.
• Fruit cut into lovely slices.
• Berries.
• A pinch of cinnamon or grounded nutmeg.
• A few drops of caramel sauce.
• Lovely chocolate shapes.

… and I could continue forever! ha! ha!

I love desserts so much! So I decided to make a book to share my favorite ones! 😊

5-How to pimp up everything… Your table

The dining table is such an important part of your dinner party!

Think about how many hours your guests will sit there, so better focus on it! If I had to choose only one thing of my decor to pimp up, I would definitely choose the table! And, of course, I would choose simple things to create my decor.

But try not to overload the table! Think that you already have many items to put onto it, such as glasses, silverware, bread basket, wine, plates… so there is no need to add too much. Again, the goal is to enhance your table but keep in mind that your friends will need some room all evening long.

• Use a lovely tablecloth, according to a unique theme or not.
• Serve your plates in larger ones.
• Candles always add a bit of magic to any table.
• Small plants or seasonal flower bouquets.
• Create a unique centerpiece; it will be the main piece, and all will focus on it all evening long, so it is worth that extra effort.
• Add fresh whole veggies or fruits as a centerpiece, or make lovely smaller arrangements to decorate each place.
• Use a collection of old antique dinnerware, glasses, or cutlery; flea markets are a wonderful place to find all kinds of treasures!
• You can also use different lovely metal boxes as bread baskets.
• A nice wine carafe will undoubtedly bring a fancy classy touch to your table.
• And for another fancy touch, a lovely napkins ring and marque place are the best!

…And if you like to Pimp Up Everything but Planning is not your thing, I have an All-Included Party right here!

ha! ha! We all like when others do all the work!

 

 

6-How to pimp up everything… Your buffet table

Nothing is more appealing than a buffet table! No matter how many plates are on it, a buffet table always impresses!

Of course, if you choose a special theme, you will have to decorate your buffet table according to that theme.

But if not, try to add some elements here and there but not too many… the stars of that table are the serving plates and bowls! You don’t want to overshadow all of these magnificent dishes!! 😉 Have a look right here, where I’m sharing some more great ideas and simple recipes to help you plan your next buffet; I’m sure you don’t want to miss that!!

• Add some whole fresh veggies and fruits.
• Choose some antique plates, bowls, serving spoons, and spatulas.
• Select a pretty tablecloth.
• Use different stands, according to a theme or not, to raise plates and bowls: they could be books, travel books, recipe books, bricks, or some pieces of wood.
• A few greenery or flowers will add a bit of freshness to your table decor.
• Although candles are great on every table, they’re not the best here; security matters, but electric ones will have the same effect.
• Find the right place for each plate and bowl. Higher ones at the back or sides of the table… take time to make a plan and display all your plates and bowls before finding the best way to dispose of them.
• Lovely handmade signs are also great to bring a lovely touch and enhance your table, in addition to helping you identify each plate.

 

7-How to pimp up everything… Your decor

 

Pimping up your decor for a special occasion or dinner doesn’t mean changing everything and buying new furniture!! ha! ha! I wish I could do that every time I have someone over!! But what I mean is that adding some elements or moving some furniture or carpets would enhance your decor and make it a little more festive. It’s surprising how so little things can bring that much!

• Starting with your entrance, people have to feel right away that it’s a memorable evening! So if you chose a particular theme for that party, make sure you add some decor according to that theme in your entrance; it could be balloons, pictures, or any other trinkets.
• Again, add decoration related to the particular theme you chose in each room your guests will go to; living room, dining room, kitchen… You don’t need to put much, but just enough so you feel it’s unique.
• If you haven’t chosen any particular theme, add some flowers, plants, or candles. These are all things that add a special touch, especially candles; they always bring a little magic.

A bit more about your decor…

• Add extra cushions so people can sit comfortably on the floor. If you have ever tried that, I suggest you do! 😉 Sitting on the floor makes us feel like kids again, and it’s the perfect way to add a casual touch. And not only will adding cushions be comfortable, but it will also add the special touch you’re looking for!
• Adding a little something in your bathroom is also a good idea. Your guests will be impressed that you thought about it! … and each of them will go to the bathroom at least once, so it’s a great place to add a festive touch! Of course, if you choose a particular theme, select some elements according to it.
• It would also be great to decorate the handrail of your stairs. Greeneries or electric lanterns would create fabulous decor!
• Add one or two colorful blankets to your sofas.
• Add glass balls filled with any sparkling thing. That will add a festive touch for sure!

8-How to pimp up everything… Your house

It’s essential to make your home welcoming and guests-friendly!

Of course, you want it to be nice and clean, but above that, you want it to be practical and convenient! You also want to avoid any accidents. 😉

• Remove big plants or trinkets to ensure that nothing is in the way…
• Same for carpets that could be dangerous.
• Also, make sure that the buffet table is easy to access.
• You could also move some furniture to create a bigger space for your party.
• Add mirrors here and there to bring more light.
• Ensure that all lights are turned on; not only will it be more welcoming, but it will also be safer.
• Set a bar area so your guests feel like they are attending a “unique soirée”!
• Add a few coffee tables so your guests can put on their glasses… and don’t forget the coasters; they could be related to your party theme or not.

9-How to pimp up everything… Your backyard

If you host outside, well, you should treat your backyard the same way you would for your home. It means you will have to decorate, add lights, make it secure… you know, it has to be as comfortable as your living room… well, almost!!  ha! ha!

Here are some great tricks to help you do so:

• Add lights… a lot of lights!… I mean small lights, of course!
• Adding some candles or lanterns is a great way to turn your decor into fairy decor!
• Create lanterns using Mason jars or any other glass or jar. Citronella candles are just perfect for that kind of lantern!
• Why don’t you rent a few palm trees to create beach party decor?
• You could add pennants as well as banners to display your party’s unique theme.
• Add a few colorful blankets here and there to add color and keep your guests warm.
• Use colored plastic glasses and trays to bring some sunshine to your party.
• … and speaking about the sun, make sure that your guest will have a nice, shady spot!
• Lastly, do I really need to talk about your dog… and what a dog can do in a backyard?! I’ll let you figure it out! ha! ha!

10-How to pimp up everything… The ambiance

The ambiance is much more important than we think. But unfortunately, it’s one of the things that we often forget about! The ambiance is what your guests will remember for a long time… or not! So better pay attention to it. 😉

There are so many things to consider to create that perfect ambiance. Some are obvious, while others are only minor details, but they are all important!

Here are some of the main things we should pay attention to:

• Music is the first thing that comes to mind when we talk about ambiance! Make sure you select a playlist that all your guests will enjoy.
• Keep the sound level low so people can talk easily.
• Food and beverages also have a role to play; instead of choosing your menu to impress people, select one you’re sure your friends will like.

For a great ambiance…always think about your guests…

• Also, make sure that all your guests have fun and that they are part of the conversation.
• And if you see one of your guests alone, try to introduce him to others.
• Try to avoid conversation topics that could make them feel uncomfortable.
• Make sure that all have a glass of wine or a drink, but also make sure they don’t get drunk… what an awful way to ruin the mood!
• The best way to ensure a great ambiance is by choosing the right people to invite. If you think that someone won’t fit the rest of the crowd, just don’t invite him!! You will find other occasions to host him.
• Your guests have to feel that you are happy to host them; after all, they are the most important part of your party!! So make sure you take the time to chat with each of them; trust me, that is a small detail that all will remember!
• Never forget that it’s your party! So it’s your job to make sure that all your guests are happy! But no worries, I’m sure they will!

***   **   ***

How to pimp up everything… To conclude…

 

Can you see now how easy it is to pimp up things? 😊

It really doesn’t take much to add a special touch! And you won’t need to spend a fortune to enhance your party!

The key is to make sure that your guests are comfortable at all times and that they have fun… pretty easy to do, isn’t it?!

…Curious and want to know more? Well, here are some more tips ( and secrets!! ) on how to be the perfect hostess, I’m telling you! Your parties will never be the same!!

I hope you enjoy reading this article as much as I enjoyed writing it!

As always, I would love to hear from you. 🖤 Please use the comment box for any questions or comments, or tell me about your best trick to enhance a party. Or even better, use that comment box to share your most memorable party! What have you done to pimp it up!? I’m such a curious girl, I just can’t wait to read it!

If you liked this post, let your friends know! 😉 Please share it!

Talk to you soon!