Her favourite part of putting together a party is to always inject unexpected details and an element of surprise. “It’s hard to actually nail what it is,” she admits, but her most memorable party moments include a drag queen who got the whole room dancing, synchronised swimmers with fireworks set off in the sky, and a dinner set on a black sand beach, to name a few.

Shen-Tel has a few tips and tricks up her sleeves, but every party extraordinaire has also had their fair share of challenges, herself included. “The seating plan is one of the most crucial parts of planning,” she says. “You need to take into account the shape of the table and who your guest will engage with naturally. It can take me hours to get it right, it’s quite like a social jigsaw puzzle. Lifelong friendships often can be formed at a party where the seating plan was executed perfectly.”

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For someone who has learned the art of it all, what would possibly be her go-to party formula? “50 per cent amazing food, 20 per cent jaw-dropping table setting, 20 per cent impeccable planning, five per cent kickass music, and five per cent accidental madness.”

Circus-themed parties, fine art-themed soirées, masquerade birthday bashes à la The Phantom of The Opera, Tunku Elana Khyra has truly done it all. One glance at her Instagram feed and you can immediately get the feeling that this young royal is full of vigour, and excitement for life and laughter.

“Setting the theme is the first step to a fantastic party. Make it absurd, but with lots of flair,” Tunku Elana shares. “I’m a self-prescribed maximalist. I go all out with my outfits and make-up. I love getting personal by making my own costume, like my Frida Kahlo flower crown! I once threw a party where I printed money bills with my face on it. You know what they say, do it right or don’t do it at all,” Tunku Elana fondly recounts. Even though she advises that it’s best to plan ahead and allow ample notice for a party, there were also times when she had to improvise. “My friends and I once had an impromptu party in a bathroom that was surrounded by mirrors. Take every opportunity and make it uniquely yours,” she says.

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While others talk about setting the tone, planning the food menu and being strategic about the space, Tunku Elana feels very strongly about having the correct music, as it gives the guests a feel of the moment. “I always consult my incredibly talented friends who DJ to put together a bangin’ playlist, and they always show up with their decks, smoke machines, light and lasers, massive speakers, dance-worthy tunes and funky dance moves,” she says. “I love a funky, groovy sound,” she admits.

Having been in the creative industry for more than 25 years, Neal has translated his well-trained eye for ad visuals into magical party-throwing. A believer that having a clear intention for a party from the getgo will make your gathering less one-size-fits-all or bland, Neal filters it down to the question of “What can I do to make my guests have a good time?” He says, “Throwing a good party requires empathy!”

Taking two main elements—chemistry and imagination—into play, Neal explains that every great party is built on this. He decides on a theme and makes sure every sensorial contact adds to it. This runs the gamut from the look and feel of the dinner table, food menu, scents in the air, dress code and the guests invited. “Look at your guest list and imagining how they’ll get along can lead to a very multidimensional night. Two people may have similar styles and aesthetics, though one expresses it in interior design and the other, in travel experiences, which can trigger a potentially rich conversation,” he says.

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When it comes to choosing an aesthetic, Neal prefers to keep his palette clean, leaving all the rich colours to the food and allowing it to take centre stage. “I have a bias towards a monochromatic aesthetic for the table settings, leaning towards charcoal and white. Warm lighting always enhances the mood. A touch of colour—usually aligned with the occasion (red for Chinese New Year, for example)—completes the look,” he says.

Having said that, planning the table setting down to a tee is also key to throwing a fabulous party. Do all elements complement each other? Does the setup allow for easy movement to reach across the table? Does the seating arrangement allow for rich exchanges? “Everything ultimately revolves around the table, and thus must be the focus of attention,” Neal says. The essence in every party is boiled down to the food and company, but Neal argues that one can always take it up a notch by making it a full sensorial experience. “If you intrigue with elements of sight, scent, sound, touch and taste, you’re bound to leave an impression.”

This feature is part of Tatler Malaysia's Occasions supplement. Click to read more on Magzter.

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