If you live in the beautiful and cultured Sonoma County, then you are likely well aware of all that the area has to offer in terms of vineyards, hiking trails, and scenic landscape. But if you’re sick of hosting wine dinners and you’re looking for a unique way to entertain your friends and family, you might find yourself racking your brain for a solution that doesn’t revolve around the vino that this California county is famous for. So if you need some inspiration for a fabulous party that will stand out in everyone’s minds for years to come, here are just a few unique entertainment ideas that will wow your guests and have them clamoring for you to host more soirees.
- Murder mystery. There’s nothing quite as much fun as dressing up for an era-specific murder mystery. And you don’t have to wait for Halloween to host one, either. While you could certainly buy one of the boxed sets to get things going, a flair for the dramatic and a talent for plotting could provide the skills you need to set up your own elaborate murder mystery. And since most of the boxed versions only accommodate a handful of players, you may have to wing it, anyway. You’ll need a backdrop (the roaring twenties, the cold war, etc.), character backgrounds for each player, snippets of information to hand out at opportune moments, and of course, a handful of people who are in on the plot. It’s a lot of work, but it will definitely yield a fun and memorable evening for all in attendance.
- Scavenger hunt. Remember how much you loved this type of game when you were a kid? Why not give it an adult twist? Now that everyone can drive, you’ll be sending guests hither and yon to secure wine labels from specific vineyards, take digital photos of Jack London’s house, and pick up some artisanal cheese from a local vendor. If you play it right, you can actually have guests assemble an entire meal by the time they return! And of course, you’ll have to provide a prize for the winner, so make it a wine tasting for two at the vineyard of their choice (or have the whole party meet at a predetermined vineyard once they’ve got everything on the list).
- High tea. You can sip a beverage of a different sort when you opt to host a high tea instead of a tasting party. This elegant affair is very specific in its traditions, so inform guests beforehand of how to dress (ladies must wear gloves, for example) and then teach them how to properly drink tea and nibble crumpets once they arrive. Not down with traditional British tea? Try the intricate Japanese tea ceremony instead.
- Singing waiters. If you’re going to bother to hire a catering company for your lavish affair, why not mix the entertainment with the food service? Having a wait staff that sings and dances to entertain your guests is definitely a great way to spice up your average dinner party and make it a night no one will forget.
- Interesting entertainers. If you’re tired of the same old bands and DJs that you’ve used a dozen times, consider hiring a magician, a comedian, or a troupe of celebrity impersonators to entertain at your party. It will definitely be a step outside the ordinary and it could just make your party the event of the year.
Leah Gallin writes for Noel Qualter a popular magician Kent that performs at parties, weddings, and corporate events.
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