Meetup organizers are always looking for interesting and inspiring ways to get their communities together. But sometimes the most effective method is also the simplest: a party! Everyone loves a good party. The fun and informal setting is perfect for celebrating birthdays, holidays, and milestones. Although some of the best parties are thrown for no reason at all other than relaxing and socializing.
One of the joys of attending a party is making new friends, which is easy to do when everybody’s enjoying themselves in a no-pressure environment. As the host of a party, you have both the responsibility and the privilege of introducing different groups of friends to one another.
An excellent party is one that feels natural and takes on a life of its own. The conversation is flowing, every guest feels included, and there’s an almost magical buzz in the air. But don’t just cross your fingers hoping to capture lightning in a bottle—there’s plenty you can do to make sure your party is a hit! Follow these guidelines and your party is guaranteed to be a memorable one.
Tips for planning, throwing, and enjoying a great party
With just a little effort and some outside-the-box thinking, your party will be a success from start to finish and leave your guests wondering when the next one will be. Here’s some advice to make your party a smash:
- Pick a date early — The best way to ensure high attendance at your party is by choosing a date and time well in advance. Share the details with your guest list at least a week or two before the party, but no more than a month out. You don’t want to leave too little or too much time between your invitation and the event itself.
- Consider a theme — Introduce a unique aspect to your party that will get people excited to attend. It can be as simple as preparing a signature cocktail, or as involved as hosting a Greek Gods & Goddesses costume party. The possibilities are endless! Your theme can be expressed in food and drink, decorations, activities, music, attire, and more. Think less about choosing the right theme and just do anything that sounds fun. It won’t make or break the party on its own.
- Remember music and lighting matter — Have you ever walked into a party, a bar, or a restaurant and felt something was just a little bit off? That little something that’s hard to put your finger on is usually the ambiance. It’s the mood, the atmosphere, the vibe. You can influence these intangible characteristics with a little forethought about music and lighting. Make a playlist beforehand, listen to it, and imagine you’re at the party. Does it feel right? As for lighting, it shouldn’t be too bright or pitch black. Some cheap string lights will go a long way!
- Remember too much is better than too little — When it comes to refreshments, it’s better to over-prepare. It’s a party, so embrace the excess! Running out of food or drink may be the number one cause of a party losing its momentum.
- Give people something to do — People like to contribute. Before the party, you could ask invitees to bring food, drink, games, or even items of decor. If a few guests arrive early, make them feel involved by giving them simple tasks to help you set up. During the party itself, you can plan for specific activities that align with your theme, whether it’s a blind wine tasting, a dance-off, a talent show, or anything else suitable for your group.
- Take an active role in introductions — As the host, you are the bridge connecting different friend groups who may not know each other well, if at all. To get all of these people having a great time together under one roof, you should facilitate introductions, especially if you notice little side groups not interacting with others. People aren’t generally standoffish, they’re probably just a little shy. You can act as a positive social model and help them circulate.
- Be careful not to micromanage — There’s a subtle difference between good hosting and being overbearing. Once you’ve done your planning for the party and it gets underway, get ready to expect the unexpected and be okay with it. Parties are a living, breathing thing. They rarely go exactly how you think they will. So don’t force anything—if you notice people are really into dancing, don’t kill the momentum with a new activity just because it’s on the docket.
Ways to practice your party hosting skills
Be a party researcher and attend some parties! Check out different kinds of events and see what works. Cast a wide net and attend things like this Bollywood Dance Party on the beach in Chicago, a vintage trolley party through the streets of Dallas, or a Denver stoplight party (where the color of your clothes matches your relationship status).
When you begin hosting parties yourself, start small. Your first event doesn’t have to be a blowout. Dip a toe in with a small get together, then slowly increase the size of the event by asking guests to bring a friend or two next time.
You can even get hands-on hosting experience by becoming a co-organizer of a Meetup group, so that you’re collaborating with others and the responsibility is shared.
Last modified on June 7, 2022
