Planning a small event at home

Whether it’s a birthday bash, a special family get-together or even a wedding, you can give meaningful events the personal touch by hosting them in your own home or garden.

With a bit of planning, you can ensure everything goes smoothly and everyone has a great time.

First, the essentials: consider approximately how many guests and what type of party you will be throwing. Think about your theme, should you want one, and the date – are there any key seasonal events to avoid, or which could complement your event?

Then start getting into the details and make a list of everything you’ll need to organise or arrange. That could include everything from catering, to any signage required to ensure your guests know where to park. Remember, take a few moments to check that you would be covered by home insurance - should there be any damage, does your policy include event cover of any sort? It’s important to find out. 

Crucially, don’t feel you have to do everything yourself. Otherwise, it can soon become stressful, and you won’t enjoy the event you’ve put so much work into arranging. 

For a start, much can be hired, whether it’s decorations or extra chairs for guests. For a larger celebration consider involving an event planner to liaise with suppliers, or use a catering firm, which will have the added advantage of providing waiting staff who can bar tend, serve and tidy up post event. If you don’t plan to pay for staff, you could enlist helpers - friends or family, who could lend a hand before, during, and after your event.

For a garden celebration, lawn games and illuminated pathways add a nice touch, while shelter and blankets are useful standbys if the British weather lets you down. If you’re not green fingered, or simply too busy, consider hiring a gardener ahead of your event to make sure your garden looks at its best. If you choose to have a marquee in your garden, ensure you have adequate insurance cover in place. 

If you're planning a sit down meal, inside or out, setting the table in style can really add to the feeling of a celebration. Consider a statement floral piece or unique table dressings.

Finally, check your insurance. When your home or garden is full of guests, you will want peace of mind that any accidents or incidents are covered. 

With NFU Mutual Bespoke Home Insurance you can be safe in the knowledge that you are protected when hosting a celebration such as a wedding day, civil ceremony, anniversary, birthday or religious festival. We offer enhanced contents cover one month before and after a special event up to £30,000, for gifts and additional provisions. In addition we can cover your liability as the homeowner.