I've hosted my share of birthday parties at Ampersand Bakehouse. We rent out the main café for first birthdays, princess parties and tween pizza parties after the escape room across the street. Some of these events are attended mostly by children, while others (like first birthdays) are mostly adults. No matter who is attending, there are five things that I always double check before the party begins. 

Related: Book Your Party at Ampersand 

1. Create a Clutter-Free Entryway

We've all been to the house party where you can barely get in the door because of the pile of shoes (or winter boots). Taking time to clear the area by the front door and add extra storage if needed. Pro tip: you're already at the party, so remove all of your outerwear (not your guest's coats) to a room that won't be in use. This way your guests know where their coat is and won't have to find you just to get their lip chap.

2. Elevate Your Bathroom Experience

Let's be real—every guest will make a bathroom visit at least once. Depending on how far your guests are traveling, this might be the first room they look for. Beyond the obvious scrub-down, remove your personal items and especially that damp shower towel that leaves guests questioning which cloth is meant for hand-drying. Place a discreet but visible small waste bin for menstruating guests, and have a candle going to maintain freshness throughout the party.

3. Curate Your Sonic Atmosphere

There's a reason café environments feel so effortlessly cool—the carefully selected soundtrack creates instant ambiance. Whether you opt for ready-made Spotify playlists or craft your own music selection to complement your party theme, background music fills those potentially awkward silences when conversation momentarily lulls. The right playlist transforms your space without any decorating required.

4. Strategically Position Refreshments

Kitchen parties happen for a reason, everyone ends up congregating around the food. Make this work to your advantage by placing refreshments where you want the party to happen. Have a big kitchen? Set it up on the kitchen table. Want the party in the living room? Set the food out on the coffee table. Unless you want to spend your party explaining the food, it's best to write it out little labels and include any dietary considerations. And don't forget the hydration station—whether it's an Instagram-worthy beverage dispenser or simple water bottles.

5. Make Waste Management Intuitive 

You likely have awesome friends, and they're going to want to do their part to keep things tidy. If your garbage can is tucked away, pull it out for the party so people can easily throw things away. If you have specific bins for recycling, be sure to add a sign to avoid the late-night sorting session no host deserves.

With these five essential things double-checked, you're free to focus on what really matters—connecting with your guests and creating memories rather than worrying about logistics. What's your must-do task before guests arrive? Let me know in the comments!