If anyone knows how to throw a party, it’s Bronson van Wyck. The New York-based event planner is the mastermind behind every A-lister’s extravaganza, from Barack Obama to Beyoncé. His first book, “Born to Party, Forced to Work,” out this month, invites readers to step inside a world of lavish celebrations, from spectacular weddings to decadent masquerade balls. His mantra? “Too much of a good thing can be wonderful.”
3 PRO TIPS FOR SEASONED HOSTS
1. Lighting is everything. It’s going to make people look great, or it isn’t. Hospitality means making people feel good and everyone feels better when they look their best. The best way to light a room is the simple rule of three: three sources from three directions in three colors. You must light from above, below and from the side. Overhead lighting (a chandelier) provides the foundation for all the other light in a room. Gentle side lighting (sconces, candles) gives life to the human face. Light from below lifts and firms. Votive candles are the simplest way to get this effect. Always quadruple the number you think you’ll need.
2. Keep the surprises coming! When planning events, my rule of thumb is to have something new happen every twenty minutes. Guests should always be kept guessing. A surprise musical performance takes an event to the next level.
3. Seating can play a key make-or-break role in the success of your event. With the stroke of a pen on a place card, you can frame an entire evening. Spreading the most interesting guests around the room creates multiple anchors for the social energy that is the nectar of a great night. And because most people are either talkers or listeners (only the rarest individual is both, and he gets invited everywhere), apply the same principle at each table. Irresistibly charming guests always find each other.
3 BEGINNER TIPS FOR
FIRST-TIME HOSTS
1. Greet guests at the door with a shot. My go-to is tequila! Nothing gets the party going like a little liquid courage.
2. Keep salty snacks stocked around the room. My personal favorites are candied bacon, homemade kettle chips, and spiced nuts. Salt makes you thirsty, if you’re thirsty you drink more, and when you drink more you never know where the night could go. No party is complete without some good gossip the morning after!
3. Have Spotify or Pandora playlists ready for a variety of moods. Music sets the tone for the night so you’ll get guests in your desired mindset right away. That being said, don’t be afraid to mix it up throughout the night. A Madonna mix is like an instant shot of adrenaline.
A GUIDE TO HOSTING WITH BRONSON VAN WYCK
From his dream dinner party guests to the hosting mistake to avoid, here’s everything you need to know from the seasoned party planner.
THE MOST MEMORABLE PARTY IS...
I WOULD LOVE TO PLAN…
MY DREAM DINNER GUESTS ARE...
THE BIGGEST HOSTING MISTAKE IS...
