Throwing a party

Members have consulted us when they're organising parties because:

• We can book a venue and all the extras, including entertainment and accommodation
• They know what kind of party they want but not where to have it
• We organise so many parties that we constantly have new ideas on where to go and what to do

There's no big secret to throwing a successful, memorable party, but it helps if one element ─ whether it's the setting, food or entertainment ─ stands out. We've set up parties in casinos and burlesque clubs, booked chef's tables at leading London restaurants, including the Maze Grill and Launceston Place, and hired Stacey Solomon to perform at a member's 30th birthday, with a meet and greet afterwards for guests.

It may seem like common sense, but think about who is attending the bash. A typical 30th birthday party, for example, would have a mix of friends and family. In such cases, we've helped members plan a two-tone style event ─ such as a champagne reception in a top restaurant, followed by entry into an exclusive club ─ which caters for all the guests.

Every member has a unique set of party requirements and our events team is here to make sure that they get exactly the kind of party they want. The priority for our team is thinking of any details members might forget, from accommodation for distant relatives to frozen lime in the margaritas.

Initially, the most important thing to consider is what kind of budget you want to spend per person. If a member has a rough idea of this and the number of people they want to invite, we can start planning.

One member wanted to throw a special party for his daughter's 18th birthday but wasn't sure where to start. After talking him through a range of options, we organised a full day of partying: a mixology session followed by a trip to see Chicago in the West End and a meal at Asia de Cuba. Not all of the party guests had turned 18, so we made sure that non-alcoholic drinks and cocktails were available ─ a detail the member was particularly pleased we picked up on.

As well as sourcing the best caterers, tracking down gifts, hiring fancy dress and printing invitations, we can gain access to very exclusive ─ and sold out ─ venues and events. One of our members wanted to have an intimate birthday celebration and we managed to get her inside an industry-only Capital Radio bonfire party, where James Blunt performed for just 50 guests.

Insider tips:

• The kind of party members throw depends on the time of year. If it's around Christmas or New Year, it's more of a challenge to find an available venue, but by using our contacts and events knowledge, members have a much better chance of getting the venue they want.
• We can help members throw parties at home and abroad. When members have a wedding overseas, for example, the team can help them identify local specialists, explaining exactly what party services they offer and making bookings on their behalf. Whether you want a wedding cake crafted in the finest bakery in Madrid or a local steel band to perform at their Caribbean birthday party, we can make it happen.
• If hosting a party at home, remember to have an area for smokers and enough toilet roll.
• If members don't want to spend too much on their budget, it's a sensible idea to coincide their birthday with an event already taking place ─ this way the entertainment side is covered. We've organised a private box for members at several gigs at the O2, including Pink and Rihanna.
• Send invitations early, even if all the details are yet to be finalised. This way guests will pencil the event in their diary.
• Are younger children welcome at the party? Friends with younger children won't mind if not, but they should get plenty of warning so they can organise a babysitter.