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Party Architecture: How To Throw the Best Party… Like Ever

Maxwell Ryan
Maxwell RyanCEO
Maxwell left teaching in 2001 to start Apartment Therapy as a design business helping people to make their homes more beautiful, organized AND healthy. The website started up in 2004 with the help of his brother, Oliver. Since then he has grown ApartmentTherapy.com, added TheKitchn.com, our home cooking site, and has authored four books on design. He now lives with his daughter in a lovely apartment in Brooklyn.
published Dec 23, 2013
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A great dinner party at Faith’s house… (Image credit: Rachel Joy Barehl)

Thinking about throwing a holiday party, but are worried about it being blah? I got together with an old friend in 2007 and put together this simple primer, which we’ve been updating and collecting comments on ever since. Are you hosting one this season and need last minute pointers? Here’s Party Architecture to the rescue…

Here are the four PILLARS of good Party Architecture: Density, Structure, Lighting & Flow. Personally, I think that the guest list is the most important element of a good party, BUT after that, if you have nothing else, go for good drinks and great lighting. Everything else will fall into place.

Party Architecture

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Step One – Density

People make a party. But how many should you invite?

The right density — the number of people in the room — depends on the type of party, and, to a lesser extent, the mood you want to set. more…


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Step Two – Structure

Last night two friends threw their first party since they finished renovating. Everyone was impressed by the colors, the windows, and the furniture. But the party itself felt a little blocked.

Why? more..


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Step Three – Lighting

“Turn down the lights Turn up the music Let’s just be together tonight” – Neil Diamond

Take it from Neil, lighting is essential when creating the right mood at your party. more…


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Step Four – Flow

 Flow is that feeling you have when a party is going well: guests mix, enjoy what you’re offering, and maintain the buzz of many conversations. You know it when you see and hear it.
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(Images: 1. Erin & Danny Living Together in Only 500 Square Feet House Tour, 2 & 5. Cheyenne Weaver’s Gilded Simplicity, 3. Shutterstock, 4. Shutterstock)

 

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