TOP TIPS & IDEAS FOR THE PERFECT LEAVING PARTY

Want to throw a leaving party that’s truly memorable? Whether you’re saying bon voyage, good luck or goodbye, hosting a special send-off to show someone just how much they’ll be missed is a touching gesture they’ll really appreciate. Or perhaps you’re planning to host your own goodbye party – what better way to start your journey to a brand new place?

A river cruise would make for a special send-off

Decide is whether it’s going to be a surprise party

When organizing a leaving do, the first thing you’ll need to decide is whether it’s going to be a surprise party. If you want to go down that route, work with the guest of honor’s partner or close friends to ensure their schedule meshes with the planned party time, and make sure everyone you invite knows the party is a secret. It’s also a good idea to arrange for someone to accompany the guest of honor to the party so you’ll know what time they’ll be arriving.

A surprise party could be a lot of fun

Hold a party close to the date of departure, but not too close

When it comes to the guest list, your guest of honor’s Facebook or Twitter contacts are a great place to start. As a general rule, leaving parties should be held as close as possible to the date of departure, but not so close as to create a problem for the person leaving.

Why not to throw a themed leaving party?

Feel free to get creative when it comes to choosing a theme for your leaving party – popular ideas include ‘bon voyage’, ‘The Amazing Race’ and ‘come as your future self’.

Cocktails at the Princess of Wales will take your leaving party to the next level

Hiring the right space for a leaving party

When hiring space for your event, make sure it can easily accommodate the number of guests you plan to invite. You might like to kick the party off with a cocktail or drinks reception – pre-arrange a bar tab so ordering drinks is quick and easy. From chic cocktail emporiums to cooler-than-cool hipster joints, London has one of the best drinking scenes in the world, which means you’ll have plenty of great venues to choose from.

Choosing the perfect menu

Share plates are an obvious choice when it comes to catering for a leaving party. Canapés, party boards and platters are perfect for tasty, informal dining.

Good things really do come in small packages at the Foundling Museum

Choosing a space for hire that offers local dishes or drinks is a fun way to celebrate the place your guest of honor is saying goodbye to. Alternatively, if your guest of honor is moving or traveling overseas, you may want to choose a menu with an international theme or with dishes from the country they’re going to. Or, for bonus points, serving some of your guest of honor’s favorite foods is a touching gesture they’ll be sure to appreciate.

No going away party is complete without speeches

Prepare to tear up or get a little emotional because saying goodbye is never easy. But, in the end, showing someone just how much they’ll be missed as they embark on a new chapter is a really special way to say farewell and wish them the best of luck for their future endeavors.