Whether you are planning a party for yourself or a surprise bash for a loved one, you want it to be unforgettable. Birthdays, weddings, seasonal occasions and other special times are all made that bit more memorable with a gathering of your nearest and dearest, and naturally, you’ll want to entertain them. There are a number of ways you can turn your party from a run of the mill event to a fun-filled spectacular.

Read on for five of the best suggestions, and let your imagination take over from there!

Carnival fun

We all remember fun afternoons spent at the fair, going from stall to stall in an attempt to win a prize. Why not set up your very own funfair in your garden, with popular attractions such as a coconut shy and a hoopla to keep your guests entertained? Or perhaps you would all prefer to play ‘shoot out’ games or test your strength on a high striker. You’ll all be able to revisit the fun of your youth and your guests will be talking about your carnival themed extravaganza for months to come!

Strike a pose!

If you are planning an unforgettable event, then something that allows you or your guests to keep a memento of the party is a great idea. Photo booths are becoming an increasingly popular choice at parties, with the photographs either being taken home by the guests or collected and put into an album by the host – meaning that those special moments will never be forgotten.

Whether it’s a tipsy kiss or friends piling on top of each other to get into the picture, these snapshots will make for fun viewing afterwards. So say cheese, and strike your very best pose!

Food & drink

Everybody knows that one of the best things about going to a party is sampling the food and drink. So make your party stand out from the rest by providing your guests with food and drink that is in a league of its own.

If your guests have sweet teeth, then old-fashioned treats like candyfloss machines and pick n’ mix stands will get people talking (and eating!). You can also lay on a lavish spread of food, or perhaps even hire a bartender to make cocktails for your guests! Whatever you choose to do, remember that providing great food and drink is one of the easiest ways to win your guests over.

Oh I do like to be beside the seaside!

Recreate the magic of a trip to the seaside with some fun attractions for your guests to enjoy. Nothing conjures up childhood memories of a holiday at the coast like a donkey ride, so why not hire a donkey or two (from a reputable provider) for your guests to interact with. Or what about a photo cut out, perfect for getting people together to pull funny faces and recreate the fun of a seaside trip. You may not be beside the seaside, but some of the magic can be bought to your own party!

Thank you for the music

Perhaps the most well-known and well-loved addition to any party has to be the DJ. Playing music ranging from the classics of yesteryear to today’s chart hits, there’s no easier way to get everybody singing and dancing. Combined with some disco lighting, or maybe even a specialist dance floor – there’s no more tried and tested way to make your party a hit.

Time to get planning

So now that you have some inspiration for your own party, there’s no reason for you to ever throw a less than spectacular bash again! Whether it’s one of our suggestions or one of your own ideas, prepare to be the talk of your circle of friends for years to come!

James Sinclair is the Managing Director of The Partyman Company based in Basildon, Essex which provides Photo booths for hire and many other fun additions to parties across the UK.