So you want to throw a party. Where do you start? 

Go to the experts. Freddy Godinez and Alexander Stabler of Las Vegas-based design consulting company Fredric Alexander (fredricalexander.com) bring a wealth of professional experience to the table. 

To make entertaining more manageable, they say it’s best to first be intentional about what kind of gathering you’re trying to throw. What is the purpose of the get-together? 

“Consider what the goal should be for how you want guests to experience the event or space,” Godinez says. “How do you want them to gather? And how can people move through the space as they’re experiencing the event? That helps dictate how you decide these small details that will complement everything.”

Once you have that down, you just have to focus on the five senses. 

“If you think about these senses, you’re going to create an experience that will be memorable for your guests. And it will take you through step by step to make sure you have everything you need,” Stabler says. 

SIGHT 

“There’s a shift in energy when you walk into a room where the lighting has been thought of.It’s the first thing that sets the tone,” Stabler says.

You can utilize the lamps you have in your home. Bring bedside lamps out to your kitchen counter. Maybe pull out your Christmas lights and string them around the room. Or bring in a disco party projector to create a fun and playful atmosphere. Get creative. There’s just one thing to avoid: “We recommend no overhead lighting. It’s for cleaning and interrogations. It’s not for entertaining,” Stabler says. “You want to create layered lighting that feels warm and inviting.”

SOUND 

Do not underestimate the importance of the sense of sound. Whether you have a movie playing in the background, a well-curated playlist or a live DJ, you want the sound level to be appropriate for the goals of the gathering. 

“It depends on the type of event you want to have. If you want to have that music turned up in a way that brings the energy, you can do that. For more of an intimate gathering, you want something low that sets the vibe where people can talk,” Stabler says.

If you do go the playlist route, a word of advice: “Please make sure you are ad free. Nothing ruins a vibe like ‘Five dollars off on your next burger at In-N-Out.’” 

SMELL

The sense of smell can really elevate guests’ experience. If you’re going to serve home-cooked food at an event, have the food warming in the oven, Stabler says. 

“It hits emotional sensors and memories for people. It always feels welcoming,” he says. 

If your home or venue is big enough, different rooms can have different smells. Create a sense of luxury in the powder room or guest bathroom with a bouquet of fresh flowers. Burn a scented candle where guests are relaxing and chatting. 

Just remember: you don’t want different scents to clash. “Consider having scents that complement one another,” says Godinez. 

TOUCH

Card and board games, paper hats, confetti and other party props ... party planners have a lot of options for connecting with guests through the sense of touch. One important opportunity is in the vessels you are serving your food and drink in. 

“Real glasses, real plates, real silverware. I think plastic plates feel cheap and tacky. And it’s not good for the environment. Cloth napkins are so elevated. There are biodegradable spoons and forks, or you can pick up reusable spoons and forks and eclectic plates and have fun with it,” Stabler says. 

You can also bring a variety of materials into the space to give guests different textures. Elevate your couch by bringing extra pillows or, if you don’t have a ton of seating, put some pillows on the floor. If you have a patio, put a blanket on each chair. These details create a cozy atmosphere.

TASTE 

To quench guests’ thirst, consider creating a signature cocktail for each party. And it doesn’t have to be complicated. Just one of the cocktail ingredients, simple syrups or maybe a garnish can tie to a theme. 

It’s essential to pre-make the cocktail in a large batch, so you’re not burdened with bartending while you try to host a party. Another alternative is to leave ingredients and maybe a recipe at the bar for guests to make their own concoctions, Godinez says. 

Whether you’re catering or home-cooked food, make it something you want to eat. That helps you narrow down what to serve, and adds some personality to the food.

“Remember this is your event. You want to enjoy it. So do things you enjoy and love. And that applies to the food, too,” Stabler says.