Just because your soiree might be small, informal or on a budget, doesn't mean that you need to blend in with all the other functions out there! Here are some small tips, tricks and ideas that will help your party stand out from the others!  

1. Indulge your guests in a cocktail on arrival

Everyone is accustomed to having their standard beer, wine and spirits allowed on the tab but not many people splurge on a mixed cocktail for their guests. If buy your cocktails in advance and in bulk, talk to the venue about the best price they can do for you. You can choose your favourite from their list and get a bunch of the same one made, usually for a very reasonable price!

Other options are to consult with the bar staff about your preferred flavours and your budget and have them come up with your very own cocktail for the night (name it after yourself!) or to hold your party on a cocktail special night when bars are offering 2-for-1 or half price. i.e. The Apartment has $8 cocktails every Thursday night, all night!

2. Theme your party a little bit

We're not talking about a full on dress-up party here, but some of the more classy themes we are seeing emerging include New York Night (think a Sex and the City dress code and cosmopolitans all round!), Touch of Sparkle (Bubbly and sparkly eyes/accessories/tops) or Masquerade (consider hiring in a face painter to paint the masks directly onto your guests faces at the event for a bit of interaction and something novel)

3. Motif your menu

Finger food can get a bit blah if you order a mix of everything. If you look through a venue's offered canapé selections, you may find a way to theme your food instead of your whole party.

For instance: Kiddie Party Comfort Food can be sausage rolls, party pies and fairy bread (cost effective!) or run with an Asian theme (most venues offer spring rolls, wontons and curry puffs on their menus) or even consider just doing desserts and sweet treats for your guests as most people will have eaten by the time your Saturday night party rolls around.

4. Inject some novelty

There are plenty of ways to give your guests a lovely experience. Hire in a palm reader, a manicurist and masseur or even a burlesque dancer that will act as a great talking point and ice breaker between guests.

http://www.venues2events.com.au/venue/the-apartment/7083/?fromSearch=1