Looking to host a party on short notice? Sunset Magazine learned a few tricks on throwing a 'Sunset Secret House Party' through Palm Springs’ Modernism Week this year. Learn their tricks to throwing a house party even if you're short on notice after taking a peek at their desert shindig.

Party Tip #1: Don’t worry about making it a huge gathering; keep the guest list to your favorite people. Bring a fun group of people you care about rather than focusing on numbers. 

Party Tip #2: Consider a co-host to get your ideal space

We don’t all have the perfect place to throw a party, but we’ve all got friends that have a party perfect backyard. Ask them to co-host the event with you, just be sure to bring everything needed so your friend doesn't have to do any other work. 

Party Tip #3: Create colorful cocktails (with fun coasters)

The party always gets started when you have a colorful cocktail in hand. For Sunset, it was an Aperol Spritz, thanks to friends at Campari. The bright orange hue  matched the vibrant colors of Palm Springs, setting the tone of the party. Fun tiles like these from Fireclay provided a perfect spot for guests to sit their drinks while mingling. 

Party Tip #4: Add life to the party with florals or foliage.

Nothing adds life better than some greens, whether it be to your home or event. Sunset gave Best Day Ever Florals an idea of what the event space would look like, and let them take it from there, creating desert arrangements that perfectly complimented the landscape.  

Party Tip #5: Have an easy and fun activity planned

West Perro put together a DIY craft station where guests could build their own desert-inspired mini wall hangings out of clay pieces and wood beads. By being a little creative in your crafting station, guests are left with an extra memorable experience. It isn't every day you get to create your own wall hanging. 

Party Tip #6: Bring a little something extra to the table in the form of a simple & affordable memento.

The crafting didn’t stop until the party was over, but guests took home more than just their wall hanging creations. West Perro also brought air plants and palo santo that guests could tuck into their crafts or take home. 

Party Tip #7: Keep portions to small bites that guests can enjoy while walking, standing, or even crafting.

People are often mingling at parties, and can be too involved in conversation to sit with their food. Get some light bites that are easy to eat while standing, like these Mini Key Lime Tarts (recipe here) from Melvyn’s in Palm Springs.

Party Tip #8: Upgrade your plateware (and keep it disposable.)

Plain paper plates can be a little drab for decor, but using formal dishes can make clean up more difficult  Sunset eliminated these challenges with our tableware, using our Manhattan Dark Green Watercolor Plates and Striped Napkins with sleek design details.

Party Tip #9: Have a party favor that ties into the affair. 

When you throw a party at an A-frame house, a party favor doesn’t get more on-theme than a book on A-frames (and it fit perfectly into a Fireclay tote that mimicked the home’s signature shape). 

Party Tip #10: Have the perfect playlist to set the tone. 

Curate a great playlist yourself, or borrow Sunset's laid-back edition or hip-hop version so you can choose your own party vibe.