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SINGAPORE: Going out and painting the town red can be overrated.
For one thing, graffiti is frowned upon in this country.
We love our nights out, but sometimes, just sometimes, there's a point beyond which the jacked-up cover charges, sozzled teenagers and music fit to raise cadavers back to life in the average nightspot begins to look less appealing than, say, cleaning the lint out of your navel.
That's probably one of the reasons why, despite Singapore's burgeoning nightlife scene, the house party is rising in eminence and popularity.
It's a pleasant, cosy alternative for those weekend evenings, should you be feeling all clubbed out of late.
Think about it — in the comfort of your own home, you already have all the ingredients for a great party: Your prized CD collection, your favourite nibbles and your best friends.
And, sometimes, a Roman bath.
THE PLAN
"I once converted a friend's indoor swimming pool into a Roman bath," said Michel Lu, owner of restaurant Cicada and gastrobar Privé. "Using special effects lighting, smoke machines and a sound system. And I had about 100 guests of mixed nationalities, backgrounds and industries dressed up in togas."
It’s all about making sure everyone has a good time, said professional party planner Hannah Chong. As the woman behind Heaven's Gift, a wedding consultant service, she's organised countless beautifully put-together get-togethers.
Her advice for a successful home party? For one thing, it's very important to keep your guests' profiles in mind, since the mood of the party will be very much dependent on their characteristics. For example, if your crowd consists mainly of families, you could plan activities that would be friendly and interesting for them, such as a game of Charades.
And if theme parties are your thing, be creative and work with what you have on hand.
"Recently, I organised a youth picnic at the gardens, and I called it 'The Hats Day’," Hannah said. "We sent out invitations requesting all to come dressed in their favourite hats and attire. And to ensure all could participate, we also took along a range of hats."
Cute.
But parties require work, you protest. True, but throwing a house party doesn't have to be an Olympic workout.
Take it from Willin Low, chef and owner of restaurants Wild Rocket and Relish, and the bar Wild Oats, who has some useful tips for cutting corners in style.
"Don't be afraid to delegate," the 36-year-old chef told Today. "You are not a restaurant, so do not feel that you have to act as one. Get different friends to help out. Get someone to bring chilled champagne - this will save you more room in the fridge for important stuff like vodka jelly; get someone else to bring ice - there is never too much ice at a house party.
You get the picture.
"This will free up more time for you to snooze before the big event. Eyebags are okay after a party, not before."
THE AMMUNITION
Munchies and nibbles are usually the highlight of any party. Make sure you keep in mind the dietary requirements or preferences of all your guests - you don't want anyone to feel left out, or, for that matter, sent to A&E because of the offerings on the table.
You can make things easier on yourself with ready-made food. Willin's advice: "Always have some chips and dips ready on hand because these need very little effort to prepare, and when friends arrive, you can just throw these out to keep them busy while you prepare the other stuff."
When it comes to drinks, save time and effort so that you can enjoy yourself at your own party and pick drink recipes that allow you to prepare ahead, chill, and serve. Ken Loon, co-owner of Klee, a bar that specialises in wines and cocktails, recommends punches as your best bet. Spike to taste, of course.
And keep an eye out for fruits that are in season when you're out grocery shopping so you can incorporate them into your drinks, making them both tasty and pretty.
HE SECRET WEAPON
Michel — who knows a lot about how to throw a fabulous party, seeing as he's been the host of many himself — had another piece of advice. "People make the party," said the 41-year-old man behind Centro. "So make sure your guest list is as fun and glamorous as it is diverse, as diversity makes for interesting conversation.
For a fabulous house party, "invite fabulous guests", he said.
Yes, people — and not just Nigella Lawson-types — are giving new meaning to the terms "homeboy" and "homegirl".
A house party can be a simple and fuss-free affair. With some strategic planning and preparation, you can come home from work on a Friday night, grab a few things out of your refrigerator, throw some ingredients together and be all ready for a nice little shindig.
Just remember, said wedding consultant Hannah, that "your party tells a lot about you, so be bold about sharing who you are. As much as we want to be creative to meet our guests' profiles and needs, the celebration is after all a reflection of the host."
So, this weekend, don't bother asking me out. I'll be washing my hair — and then getting ready to answer the door. - TODAY/fa
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