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THE INSIDERS GUIDE:
HoW TO ThROW A FLAWLeSS pARTY
From curating themed menus to all-nighters in Ibiza, we ask industry experts to share their secrets
OSMAN AHMED, FASHION FEATURES DIRECTOR, iD
What is the best party you have ever attended?
One of the best parties I ever intended was one thrown for Lunar New Year by my friend Lex Shu Chan, who is possibly one of the visionary hostesses I know. She plans the most intricate, narrative-driven queer raves in buildings in central London that are about to be torn down, with everyone — and I mean everyone — contributing something to the mix. Set designers, DJs, mixologists, chefs, sound engineers, architects … everyone pitches in to make it happen, the idea being that it takes a village to throw an epic party. The more you contribute, the more people you can bring, and the more enjoyable it is. I even worked a shift at the bar. It had all the ingredients to a night for the ages: creativity, dancing, great music, beautiful people, naughtiness and, of course, unforgettable looks.
What is your no.1 rule when you’re hosting?
Don’t be precious and don’t be cheap. No one throws parties to save money or wake up the next morning in a tidy house. I always think a good host has a generosity of spirit. It’s what people remember, and it comes back around. And for god's sake, let people smoke inside!
Where is your favourite destination or place to party?
In London, it has to be Loulou’s. It can feel like a labyrinthine Aladdins Cave with surprises at every corner. Elsewhere, it’s at home in Ibiza, starting with dinner at sunset and dancing until sunrise.
OSMAN’S TOP PARTY PICKS
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JACOB MALLINSON BIRD AKA DINAH LUX, ARTIST AND PERFORMER
What piece of advice when hosting has always stayed with you and how do you create the ultimate evening?
One thing that I always try to do is to make everyone I interact with feel like they’re special and really belong there. I know that clubbing, especially queer clubbing, can be quite intimidating, and seeing a drag queen mincing toward you may be similarly so…! But if that kind of shy person you end up going over to feels like they’re in the right place, they’re so much more likely to have a great time and remember their night for all the right reasons. And by the same token, if anyone isn’t acting the way they should, it’s important to stick to a zero-tolerance policy for all racism/homophobia/transphobia/sexism/ableism etc – an instant boot!
How do you get yourself in the party spirit when getting ready?
I always think that the more effort you make getting ready the more fun you’ll have – go big, look amazing, and hopefully everything else will fall into place. There is a radical power to glamour! I normally make sure I have plenty of time to get ready, shove on some camp classics, indulge in a pre-club cocktail, and take my time painting my face to perfection, and then it’s all good!
Where is your favourite destination or place to party?
Undoubtedly, partying in New York will always have a special place in my heart. The first time I went there back when I was 19, my eyes were opened to the kind of queer nightlife and glamour I’d only ever seen in films/magazines etc. And every time you go out you know you’re going to see nightclub royalty, these living legends who live such unimaginably glamorous nightlives (how Amanda Lepore is still going out every night of the week I’ll never know).
DINAH’S TOP PARTY PICKS
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ABISOLA OMOLE, CEO & CRATIVE DIRECTOR, ARVA
What was the first dinner party you ever hosted?
Unofficially when I was about 15 I had 3 friends over for a dinner party & movie screening of camp rock 2. Naturally, there were camp-themed dishes (burgers, hot dogs etc) and smores for the dessert. I was a kid so it was low key. I went hard with the theme and hosted it in my parent’s conservatory so it had an indoor/outdoor feel. There were blankets, rattan table settings & random camp items dotted around the table and room (flasks, red cups etc) I was essentially basing it off of the first camp rock film. Officially maybe 4 years ago when I first got my studio and I hosted some friends for a brunch themed dinner party.
What can we all do to curate the perfect table?
This is hard as I feel like it depends on the situation, each one needs something different. I suppose my common thread is incredible crockery. I think what I display the food on is just as important as the food and I want the cookery alone to evoke wonder or conversation. As people eat I want them to really be impressed and enjoy the art that is present/holding their food.
Where is your favourite destination or place to party?
Usually, I hold dinner parties at my E10 studio, it’s open, has great acoustics and it’s where I house my crockery collection. Otherwise, I’d like to host events in peculiar or fun spaces like a closed theme park or a shopping mall.
ABI’S TOP PARTY PICKS
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