Food, music, entertainment, guests, venue, theme – the list of requirements if you want to host a talked-about and endlessly hashtagged party might be long but, according to experts, the real skill lies in finding the right mix among the various parameters.
Social media might have upped the ante when it comes to parties, especially if your goal is to have the pictures plastered across your platforms, but apps such as Pinterest offer up millions of inspirational ideas to suit all budgets and party sizes.
We ask four party planning and hosting experts to share their tips for throwing a fabulous bash.
Set it all up
“Planning, personalisation and a curated guest list,” says event planner Victoria Harrison, owner of Flowerwall Dubai of her party must-haves. “Plus, the right catering and drinks, ensuring everyone feels comfortable. And, if possible, space for a dance floor for guests of all ages.”
During festive season, many hosts like to organise gatherings at home, taking advantage of the cooler months by throwing open their doors for garden parties. Parties at home also allow for greater personalisation and tailored experiences.
“A successful party is all about creating an unforgettable experience that feels personal and effortless, yet luxurious,” says Ayman Fakoussa, managing partner at communications and events agency The Qode. “Key components include a well-thought-out theme or concept, exceptional hospitality, a carefully curated guest list, and, of course, the environment.
“The setting should reflect the mood of the event – be it intimate and elegant or lively and extravagant,” adds Fakoussa.
From canapes to buffets
Whether offering up simple nibbles, a buffet or a sit-down meal, party planning experts agree that providing food is a must.
“If you want to be a great host, I’d say it’s absolutely vital and an important part of creating that warm, welcoming atmosphere,” says Ziying Zhou, founder of Berkeley Etiquette. “The type of food you serve depends on the vibe, the space and the size of the group.”
She suggests canapes and nibbles for casual mingling, buffets for larger groups and a sit-down dinner for smaller, more intimate gatherings “where deeper conversations or a formal vibe are key”.
Attentive hosts should check each guest’s dietary requirements beforehand and have options to suit cultural and personal preferences. “Guests will come hungry as they are expecting to be fed yummy food,” says Lorate Hamzeh, founder and managing director of The Big Moo Events. “Live stations tend to be guest favourites, as the smell of freshly made popcorn or candy floss wafting through the air can trigger happiness. It’s important to make sure that plenty of food is available at your event as people eat, drink and enjoy themselves.”
Zhou adds: “At the end of the day, food isn’t just about filling stomachs, it’s about bringing people together and making them feel looked after.”
Helping guests mix and mingle
Throwing a party often involves inviting different friend groups from different areas of your personal and professional life, and it’s the host’s job to make sure friends from work, the school run, sport and hobby groups mix, mingle and meet new people.
“I enjoy mixing and matching groups that wouldn’t typically mingle as it often leads to interesting dynamics and conversations,” says Fakoussa. “It’s about creating a setting where people are encouraged to step outside their comfort zone. One way I do this is by intentionally pairing guests with different backgrounds or interests during dinner or activities. This often sparks unexpected connections and fresh conversations.”
Have a loose plan for how the party will flow, but don’t stress if things need to shift a bit
Ziying Zhou,
founder, Berkeley Etiquette
For Harrison “the right playlist” is the best way to bring everyone together, while Hamzeh says “games are the ultimate icebreaker”.
“Fun trivia or active competitions are always the thing to do to get people to mingle,” she says. “We have giant games that we scatter around our events that help with making the environment more welcoming for those with a little social anxiety.”
Fakoussa adds: “The key is to trust the process and let the natural energy of diverse groups unfold; it’s usually the most engaging part of the evening.”
Happy host, happy guests
It’s up to the host to set the tone for the party and while you can bring every aspect together perfectly, if you’re not enjoying yourself, your guests will pick up on the vibe.
The layout should encourage guests to mingle without feeling too spread out or too cramped
Ayman Fakoussa,
managing partner, The Qode
“The key is preparation that will give you the peace of mind. Also, don’t be afraid to get some help if you need it,” says Zhou. “Try to get as much done as possible ahead of time – set up the decor, prep the food and sort out the space the day before. Have a loose plan for how the party will flow, but don’t stress if things need to shift a bit. Most importantly, remind yourself it doesn’t have to be perfect. The whole point is to have fun with your guests and creating lasting memories.”
Smaller or casual gatherings might entail less stress than large or formal parties, but having a vague outline or idea of how the event should progress is an easy way to stay on top of things and allay anxiety. “Creating a detailed timeline for the day and ensuring that everything from catering to entertainment is locked in ahead of time also helps,” says Fakoussa. “The key to avoiding stress on the day of the event is meticulous planning and delegating effectively.”
Top tips
“The number one thing to get absolutely right is the flow of the space,” says Foussaka. “Whether at home or a venue, the layout should encourage guests to mingle without feeling too spread out or too cramped. You want a space that’s just the right size – not too big, where people feel distant, or too small, where it feels crowded.”
Guest experience should be the ultimate goal for hosts, which also means not sweating the small stuff and taking it in your stride when things might not go as planned. Zhou says: “It’s about creating an atmosphere where people can relax, connect and genuinely enjoy themselves. When your guests feel looked after, it won’t matter if a minor detail goes wrong. They might forget what was on the menu, but they’ll never forget how your party made them feel or how much fun they had.”
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Match info
Champions League quarter-final, first leg
Liverpool v Porto, Tuesday, 11pm (UAE)
Matches can be watched on BeIN Sports
Defence review at a glance
• Increase defence spending to 2.5% of GDP by 2027 but given “turbulent times it may be necessary to go faster”
• Prioritise a shift towards working with AI and autonomous systems
• Invest in the resilience of military space systems.
• Number of active reserves should be increased by 20%
• More F-35 fighter jets required in the next decade
• New “hybrid Navy” with AUKUS submarines and autonomous vessels
Scoreline
Liverpool 3
Mane (7'), Salah (69'), Firmino (90')
Bournemouth 0
COMPANY%20PROFILE
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Company profile
Name: Tratok Portal
Founded: 2017
Based: UAE
Sector: Travel & tourism
Size: 36 employees
Funding: Privately funded
Global state-owned investor ranking by size
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Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
INFO
What: DP World Tour Championship
When: November 21-24
Where: Jumeirah Golf Estates, Dubai
Tickets: www.ticketmaster.ae.
Key facilities
- Olympic-size swimming pool with a split bulkhead for multi-use configurations, including water polo and 50m/25m training lanes
- Premier League-standard football pitch
- 400m Olympic running track
- NBA-spec basketball court with auditorium
- 600-seat auditorium
- Spaces for historical and cultural exploration
- An elevated football field that doubles as a helipad
- Specialist robotics and science laboratories
- AR and VR-enabled learning centres
- Disruption Lab and Research Centre for developing entrepreneurial skills
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3ECompany%20name%3A%20EduPloyment%3Cbr%3EDate%20started%3A%20March%202020%3Cbr%3ECo-Founders%3A%20Mazen%20Omair%20and%20Rana%20Batterjee%3Cbr%3EBase%3A%20Dubai%2C%20UAE%3Cbr%3ESector%3A%20Recruitment%3Cbr%3ESize%3A%2030%20employees%3Cbr%3EInvestment%20stage%3A%20Pre-Seed%3Cbr%3EInvestors%3A%20Angel%20investors%20(investment%20amount%20undisclosed)%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
Dust and sand storms compared
Sand storm
- Particle size: Larger, heavier sand grains
- Visibility: Often dramatic with thick "walls" of sand
- Duration: Short-lived, typically localised
- Travel distance: Limited
- Source: Open desert areas with strong winds
Dust storm
- Particle size: Much finer, lightweight particles
- Visibility: Hazy skies but less intense
- Duration: Can linger for days
- Travel distance: Long-range, up to thousands of kilometres
- Source: Can be carried from distant regions
Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
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The biog
Name: Salem Alkarbi
Age: 32
Favourite Al Wasl player: Alexandre Oliveira
First started supporting Al Wasl: 7
Biggest rival: Al Nasr
Living in...
This article is part of a guide on where to live in the UAE. Our reporters will profile some of the country’s most desirable districts, provide an estimate of rental prices and introduce you to some of the residents who call each area home.
Jawan
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Company%20Profile
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The Birkin bag is made by Hermès.
It is named after actress and singer Jane Birkin
Noone from Hermès will go on record to say how much a new Birkin costs, how long one would have to wait to get one, and how many bags are actually made each year.
Profile of Tarabut Gateway
Founder: Abdulla Almoayed
Based: UAE
Founded: 2017
Number of employees: 35
Sector: FinTech
Raised: $13 million
Backers: Berlin-based venture capital company Target Global, Kingsway, CE Ventures, Entrée Capital, Zamil Investment Group, Global Ventures, Almoayed Technologies and Mad’a Investment.
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%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3EEngine%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.0-litre%20twin-turbo%20V6%20and%20electric%20motor%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20power%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20700hp%20at%207%2C500rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EMax%20torque%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20720Nm%20at%202%2C250rpm%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETransmission%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Eight-speed%20dual-clutch%20auto%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3E0-100km%2Fh%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%203.0sec%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3ETop%20speed%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3E330kph%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EPrice%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20From%20Dh1.14%20million%20(%24311%2C000)%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EOn%20sale%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Now%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
In numbers: PKK’s money network in Europe
Germany: PKK collectors typically bring in $18 million in cash a year – amount has trebled since 2010
Revolutionary tax: Investigators say about $2 million a year raised from ‘tax collection’ around Marseille
Extortion: Gunman convicted in 2023 of demanding $10,000 from Kurdish businessman in Stockholm
Drug trade: PKK income claimed by Turkish anti-drugs force in 2024 to be as high as $500 million a year
Denmark: PKK one of two terrorist groups along with Iranian separatists ASMLA to raise “two-digit million amounts”
Contributions: Hundreds of euros expected from typical Kurdish families and thousands from business owners
TV channel: Kurdish Roj TV accounts frozen and went bankrupt after Denmark fined it more than $1 million over PKK links in 2013
SCHEDULE FOR SHOW COURTS
Centre Court - from 4pm (UAE time)
Angelique Kerber (1) v Irina Falconi
Martin Klizan v Novak Djokovic (2)
Alexandr Dolgopolov v Roger Federer (3)
Court One - from 4pm
Milos Raonic (6) v Jan-Lennard Struff
Karolina Pliskova (3) v Evgeniya Rodina
Dominic Thiem (8) v Vasek Pospisil
Court Two - from 2.30pm
Juan Martin Del Potro (29) v Thanasi Kokkinakis
Agnieszka Radwanska (9) v Jelena Jankovic
Jeremy Chardy v Tomas Berdych (11)
Ons Jabeur v Svetlana Kuznetsova (7)
How to watch Ireland v Pakistan in UAE
When: The one-off Test starts on Friday, May 11
What time: Each day’s play is scheduled to start at 2pm UAE time.
TV: The match will be broadcast on OSN Sports Cricket HD. Subscribers to the channel can also stream the action live on OSN Play.
Cry Macho
Director: Clint Eastwood
Stars: Clint Eastwood, Dwight Yoakam
Rating:**
The years Ramadan fell in May
HEADLINE HERE
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- It can be as long as you link
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Heavily-sugared soft drinks slip through the tax net
Some popular drinks with high levels of sugar and caffeine have slipped through the fizz drink tax loophole, as they are not carbonated or classed as an energy drink.
Arizona Iced Tea with lemon is one of those beverages, with one 240 millilitre serving offering up 23 grams of sugar - about six teaspoons.
A 680ml can of Arizona Iced Tea costs just Dh6.
Most sports drinks sold in supermarkets were found to contain, on average, five teaspoons of sugar in a 500ml bottle.
Company%20Profile
%3Cp%3E%3Cstrong%3ECompany%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20Astra%20Tech%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EStarted%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EMarch%202022%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EBased%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EDubai%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFounder%3A%20%3C%2Fstrong%3EAbdallah%20Abu%20Sheikh%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EIndustry%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20technology%20investment%20and%20development%3Cbr%3E%3Cstrong%3EFunding%20size%3A%3C%2Fstrong%3E%20%24500m%3C%2Fp%3E%0A
UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
COMPANY PROFILE
Name: HyperSpace
Started: 2020
Founders: Alexander Heller, Rama Allen and Desi Gonzalez
Based: Dubai, UAE
Sector: Entertainment
Number of staff: 210
Investment raised: $75 million from investors including Galaxy Interactive, Riyadh Season, Sega Ventures and Apis Venture Partners
CONFIRMED%20LINE-UP
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Greatest Royal Rumble results
John Cena pinned Triple H in a singles match
Cedric Alexander retained the WWE Cruiserweight title against Kalisto
Matt Hardy and Bray Wyatt win the Raw Tag Team titles against Cesaro and Sheamus
Jeff Hardy retained the United States title against Jinder Mahal
Bludgeon Brothers retain the SmackDown Tag Team titles against the Usos
Seth Rollins retains the Intercontinental title against The Miz, Finn Balor and Samoa Joe
AJ Styles remains WWE World Heavyweight champion after he and Shinsuke Nakamura are both counted out
The Undertaker beats Rusev in a casket match
Brock Lesnar retains the WWE Universal title against Roman Reigns in a steel cage match
Braun Strowman won the 50-man Royal Rumble by eliminating Big Cass last
Our legal columnist
Name: Yousef Al Bahar
Advocate at Al Bahar & Associate Advocates and Legal Consultants, established in 1994
Education: Mr Al Bahar was born in 1979 and graduated in 2008 from the Judicial Institute. He took after his father, who was one of the first Emirati lawyers
The Baghdad Clock
Shahad Al Rawi, Oneworld
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