Happy Halloween!

Dear Gala Guru,

For Halloween last year,  my wife and I threw a party with over 70 guests.  It was so much fun to see all the costumes.  There was catering, music, and prizes for the best costume.  The costumes were so great! Everyone participated.  We hired a photographer who captured every detail of the event. Close to the end of the long evening, everyone started to take off their masks.  As we looked through the photos a week later, we realized that there were four people we did not recognize, and neither did our friends.  We questioned everyone to see if the mysterious people were friends that came with other guests.  No one knew who they were.  The photos show them dancing, eating, and drinking at our bar.  We think we had a couple of party crashers.  Is that possible?  How can we avoid that this year?

Martin B.

Dear Martin,

Talk about a trick and treat.  It is totally possible you had a couple of party crashers, and it sounds like they really enjoyed your party.  Who knows how they heard about your party or if they were just doing a drive-by?  What better way to sneak in unnoticed than in costume?

Although it may be funny now, I think you’re very lucky.  The thought of strangers roaming around unsupervised inside your home is scarier than any haunted house.   

The best way to avoid the same issue this year is to establish a “by invitation only” policy. When guests arrive, they must produce their invitation or remove their masks and reveal themselves to you.  Pretty simple.

I hope you have more treats than tricks this year! “May the spirits be with you… just not too close!”

Remember, there is always a reason to celebrate!

The Gala Guru

www.thegalaguru.net