By Serene Grace Horn features@algarveresident.com
Serena Grace Horn works at Pure – Vilamoura’s latest social hotspot – where she juggles a busy social life in the Algarve with her drama studies and family. Each month, she looks at the joys of life in the sun, both in the bar and out.
A question I have often heard asked at Pure is how we make our events successful and if it was a ‘nightmare’ task to put it all together?
Well, yes, there is a certain amount of work and the days ahead can be filled with dread; but if you keep it simple and know who you want to please and the best way to do that, then I guess it really is a doddle. Here’s what I’ve seen and heard…
1. Plan ahead. Parties always take longer to organise than you initially think – ideas often change as you seek advice from friends and family. Another factor is that the venue may have restrictions on timing or on what you can serve – at Pure the team are always very flexible and will try to accommodate your requests.
2. Make an action list and ask the following questions:
a. Is the occasion going to be informal or a rather more formal sit down occasion?
b. How many people will attend? Take into account school holidays and other times when people are away so as to avoid declines on your invitation. Once invitations have been sent out you can ring and gauge their enthusiasm for the party.
c. What is your budget? Unless you make a clear and detailed list, you will certainly be surprised when you add up all the costs. Therefore plan ahead.
3. Now you can get into other details…
a. Will you serve canapes or perhaps a buffet?
b. Maybe a sit-down dinner in the evening, or a day BBQ in the summer. Look at the type of people coming, what they’d enjoy, and of course the weather! Nothing worse than a soggy burger, is there?
c. Establish the preferences or special requirements of your guests. For example, will there be any vegetarians, or do any of your guests have any food allergies? The attention to detail will earn you plenty of gold stars!
5. What about drinks? The special cocktail menu is particularly successful here at Pure, and Rosé wine is always a hit in the summer. Provide non-alcoholic versions – just because you’re driving doesn’t mean you don’t want something glam in your glass!
6. Think how much involvement you personally want to have, or do you want to have a caterer or venue that can take all that pressure off you? If you’re holding it at home, do you really have enough glasses, plates and even chairs?
7. Then there’s the entertainment? If you make the right choice, it’ll go down brilliantly, if you misjudge who’s coming, age groups, interests, etc. then prepare for a long few months of misery! At Pure we know plenty of different acts so we can help find the right entertainment for you.
8. If you’re thinking of going for a theme and want guests to turn up in the spirit of the occasion, just remember that while you have a clear picture in your mind, they may not – so give them plenty of notice to sort out costume hire.
10. Be personal. This is the key that often goes unturned. Greet everyone, make sure you chat again during the event, and if it’s a sit-down meal personalise each place.
11. Consider transportation as a primary factor. Make sure your guests aren’t left walking for ages due to lack of parking, provide good directions and if you are expecting a fair crowd, think about arranging transportation.
12. Make sure the little ones are taken care of. Unless you have stressed it is an ‘adult only’ event, you know they’ll turn up. Arrange some kind of care or entertainment for them so the parents will have a chance to enjoy themselves.
The team here at Pure are a friendly bunch and always happy to give some pointers on making your party special. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, come and party with us – we definitely have a good time and, if you want to meet some new friends, then check out our ‘Message Night’. You come along, get given a number and if you see someone you’d like to talk to, then give your number and theirs to the barman and he’ll sort the rest. A great way to meet new people, or even someone special!
In my next feature, I’ll be looking at the art of cocktail making, so be sure to join me then – it certainly promises to be refreshing!
Pure Vilamoura, under the Olympus Hotel, is open from 8am to 2am daily. Telephone 00351 914 520 159 or 00351 918 534 143 or email pure.vilamoura1@gmail.com
