Alright, so you’ve decided to throw a party. Don’t panic. You’re about to become the master of ceremonies, the queen/king of cocktails, and the person everyone secretly wants to be (even though you’re wondering if you should just order pizza and call it a day). Here’s the thing: hosting can be a breeze. It’s all about the vibe, not the size of your cheese platter. Let’s break it down, one chaotic but totally achievable step at a time.
1. Start with a Plan (No, You Can’t Just Wing It)
Sure, spontaneous is fun… for like, five minutes. But if you don’t want your guests wondering why there’s only three bags of chips and a half-empty bottle of wine to share, you’ll need some structure.
- Set the date and give people enough notice. No one likes those last-minute “Hey, I’m having a thing, come over now” texts. (Well, except your one friend who never has plans.)
- Theme or no theme? A theme can make things fun and focused. But if you’re like “Nah, that’s too extra,” cool. Just make sure your party doesn’t feel like a random meeting of strangers at the DMV.
- Guest list vibes. You know who shouldn’t be in the same room. Like, if your drama-prone cousin and your “speak my mind” bestie might cause an episode, maybe keep one of them on the bench.
- Write (or type) out the plan! We like to use a spreadsheet planner to keep plans and contacts organized. Depending on the size of the party, we’ll write things out. We like to use this spreadsheet to plan the party out. Then we can reference it anytime.
2. Food: Feed ‘Em, or They’ll Leave
It’s 2024, and no one’s got time for a nine-course meal. Keep it simple, but don’t let them starve. A few crowd-pleasers, maybe a signature snack or two, and you’re golden.
- Finger foods are lifesavers. Anything that people can eat while holding a drink in one hand and gesturing wildly with the other? Perfect.
- DIY snack stations are a party host’s best friend. It’s like you’re feeding them, but they’re actually feeding themselves. Genius.
Pro tip: Have some options for the gluten-free, dairy-free, other allergens crowd. A little variety goes a long way.
3. Drinks: The Liquid Glue That Holds Parties Together
No one’s saying you need to channel your inner mixologist, but having more than a sad six-pack of beer is key. Plus, there’s something about a signature cocktail that screams “I totally have my life together.”
- Stock the basics: Beer, wine, maybe a couple of spirits. Have non-alcoholic options too, because hydration (and sober friends) matter.
- Signature drink? Yes, it’s extra. But it’s also memorable. And you know your friends will Instagram it, giving your party free promo. Win-win.
- How much to serve? A beverage calculator is perfect for calculating how much and of what you might need based on hours and number of people. Typically guests will drink 1.5 drinks per hour.
4. Ambiance: Light It Like You’re on a Rom-Com Set
No one enjoys a party under blinding fluorescent lights unless they’re vampires. A few well-placed string lights or candles can transform your space from “corporate breakroom” to “Instagrammable chic.”
- Music matters. Create a playlist ahead of time or go with a streaming service’s party mix. Just make sure it’s something that vibes with the crowd—and for the love of all things good, no party killers like elevator music.
- Decorate, but don’t stress. Throw up a banner, some cute napkins, and call it a day. People aren’t expecting you to turn your living room into Studio 54.
5. Games or No Games?
This one’s tricky. Some parties thrive on structured fun. Others? Not so much. Know your crowd. If they’re into games, have something lined up (think Cards Against Humanity or a cheeky round of “Never Have I Ever”). If not, let the convo flow naturally.
Bonus tip: Drinking games are great. Until they’re not. Set a chill tone if you’re not looking to wake up with the scaries the next day.
6. Survive and Thrive
Remember, this is supposed to be fun. So don’t sweat it if something goes wrong (because something will). Someone’s going to spill wine, someone will arrive an hour late, and someone will inevitably ask you “Where’s the bathroom?” when they’re literally standing right next to it.
Smile, pour yourself a drink, and join the chaos. You’ve got this.
Hosting isn’t about perfection—it’s about having a good time and making sure your guests leave with stories (the good kind, not the “I can’t believe they ran out of chips” kind). So own your role as the party MVP, and most importantly, enjoy yourself. Because the real secret to a great party? It’s all about the host having fun.
Cheers!