How to Have a Great Party

Party people! Is there anything better than a great party? Having all of your friends together having a great time is really tough to beat. Though it can take a fair amount of planning and organizing, putting together an awesome party isn’t as complicated as you may think. To make it easier for you, we’ve put together a helpful list you can use to throw a party people will be talking about for years to come.

Method 1
Method 1 of 9:
Put together a rocking playlist for the party.

  1. Image titled Have a Great Party Step 3
    2
    7
    1
    Collect a bunch of songs you and your guests will love. Create a playlist on a music app like Spotify or iTunes for your party. Think about your general audience to help choose the music. You could also reach out to people coming to your party to ask what they’d like to listen to. Add your songs to the playlist so all you have to do is hit play once the party gets started.[1]
    • You can also check out some of the premade playlists on Spotify or iTunes and either use them or add songs from the list to your own playlist.
    • Another option is to hire a DJ to handle the music for your party.

Method 2
Method 2 of 9:
Make batches of cocktails or mixed drinks ahead of time.

  1. Image titled Have a Great Party Step 2
    0
    4
    1
    Have them ready so you don’t have to play bartender during the party. Use a large pitcher or a punch bowl and mix together a giant version of a cocktail you want to serve at your party. You could also make a few different drinks to give people some variety. Have them ready in advance of your party so all you need to do is place them out and let people serve themselves![2]
    • A basic rule of thumb for stocking up enough alcohol for a party is to have 3 bottles of wine for every 4 people or 3-4 cocktails per person.[3]
    • Try making tasty party classics like rum or tequila punch, margaritas, or sangria.
    • If you want a non-alcoholic option, a big bowl of punch is always a hit.
    • Be sure to add a ladle if you’re using bowls!

Method 3
Method 3 of 9:
Put out a bunch of tasty snacks for people to munch on.

  1. Image titled Have a Great Party Step 4
    0
    7
    1
    Finger foods and small appetizers can liven up any party. Hearty but simple appetizers such as finger sandwiches, pizza, and bruschetta are sure to be a hit. For simple protein choices, go with small but tasty options like meatballs, chicken wings, or even sushi. Dips and spreads are also a simple item that you can pair with things like chips or crunchy fresh vegetables. If you’re hosting 10-12 people, go with about 5 appetizer choices. For about 25 people, put out 9 choices, and for 50 or more guests, serve around 13 appetizer selections so everyone has plenty to snack on.[4]
    • If you have a bunch of people coming and you’re worried about running out of food, stock up on cheaper items like potatoes and bread so everyone has enough.
    • Come up with a menu that reflects the energy of the party you want to throw.[5] For instance, if you’re having a fun, casual get-together, you could put together a menu that includes sandwiches, french fries, crunch veggies to snack on, and lots of tasty dips.

Method 4
Method 4 of 9:
Greet people and offer them a drink.

  1. Image titled Have a Great Party Step 5
    0
    9
    1
    Start the party off on a high note for each person. Avoid any awkwardness and make your guests feel immediately welcome by greeting them at the door. Offer them a drink, and point them toward the food so they feel comfortable and relaxed.[6]
    • While the party is getting started, hang out by the front door so you can greet each person as they arrive.
    • For instance, you could say something like, “Hey Tom! It’s great to see you. Do you want a beer or a soda? The snacks are in the kitchen. Come on in and have some fun!”

Method 5
Method 5 of 9:
Let your guests know what to expect as they arrive.

  1. Image titled Have a Great Party Step 6
    1
    8
    1
    Let them know about any special events or rules. If you have any fun events planned such as a karaoke competition or a dance off, let your guests know about them so they don’t miss anything. Additionally, if you have any ground rules such as no underage drinking, or if there are any rooms that you don’t want people to go into, tell people as soon as they get to your party so everyone knows.[7]
    • You can also make sure that anyone who’s drinking has either a designated driver or a way to get home such as a ride-sharing app like Uber or Lyft.

Method 6
Method 6 of 9:
Introduce people you think would get along.

  1. Image titled Have a Great Party Step 7
    0
    2
    1
    Connect like-minded people so they can have fun together. Help them get the conversation going by giving each person a little bit of info about the other. Once the ball gets rolling, you can leave them to talk and get to know each other.[8]
    • For instance, you could say something like, “Hi Chris, this is Anna. Anna this is Chris. I think both of you guys are super into CrossFit, right?”
    • Stick to easy, open-ended questions that encourage people to talk. You could ask something like, “How do you guys like the wings? What do you like to cook?”

Method 7
Method 7 of 9:
Check in with people during the party.

  1. Image titled Have a Great Party Step 8
    0
    2
    1
    Make sure they’re having a good time and don’t need anything. Walk around during your party and ask people if there’s anything that you can get them. Remind them where things like the bathroom and kitchen are, as well as any special events or games you have planned. If someone seems like they may have had too much to drink, try getting them some water and make sure they have a safe way to get home.[9]
    • You want everyone to have fun, but you also want your guests to be safe!

Method 8
Method 8 of 9:
Play party games to keep up the energy.

  1. Image titled Have a Great Party Step 9
    0
    2
    1
    Choose easy-to-explain games that you can break out at a moment’s notice. If your party is starting to lose a little steam, kick things up a notch with a fun game like “Never Have I Ever,” “Truth or Dare,” “Charades,” or even “Musical Chairs.” Get everyone who wants to play involved and don’t stress too much about winners and losers—just keep it fun![10]
    • You can also try the “Telephone” game where you gather people in a circle and whisper a phrase in another person’s ear. They can then whisper it to another person and it goes around to the last person to see what the phrase has changed into.
    • If you’re feeling a little daring, you could even try playing a classic game of spin the bottle.

Method 9
Method 9 of 9:
Relax and let the party happen naturally.

  1. Image titled Have a Great Party Step 10
    0
    1
    1
    Have some fun and enjoy catching up with friends. It may seem obvious, but with all the focus on getting your party to be fun, you can forget to actually enjoy it yourself. Once the party is going, just let it go. Grab some food and a drink and have some fun yourself![11]

Community Q&A
Did you know you can get expert answers for this article? Unlock expert answers by supporting wikiHow

  • Question
    Should I get my party catered?
    Natasha Miller
    Natasha Miller
    Professional Event Planner
    Natasha Miller is an Event Planner, Chief Experience Designer, and President of Entire Productions, an event and entertainment production company based in San Francisco, California. Notable clients Natasha has collaborated with include Apple, Google, Gap, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Salesforce. Natasha and Entire Productions has been awarded Inc. 5,000's "Fastest Growing Companies in America", Entrepreneur Magazine's 360 List of "Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America." Entire Productions is also a Certified Women Business Enterprise. Natasha is a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI).
    Natasha Miller
    Natasha Miller
    Professional Event Planner
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    If you don't want to worry about feeding your guests or you're going to have a large guest list, it's probably a good idea to get your party catered. Just keep in mind, caterers will often bring more food than is necessary, so it's really important that you get a good headcount for your guest list.
  • Question
    How can I brainstorm fun activities for my party?
    Natasha Miller
    Natasha Miller
    Professional Event Planner
    Natasha Miller is an Event Planner, Chief Experience Designer, and President of Entire Productions, an event and entertainment production company based in San Francisco, California. Notable clients Natasha has collaborated with include Apple, Google, Gap, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Salesforce. Natasha and Entire Productions has been awarded Inc. 5,000's "Fastest Growing Companies in America", Entrepreneur Magazine's 360 List of "Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America." Entire Productions is also a Certified Women Business Enterprise. Natasha is a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI).
    Natasha Miller
    Natasha Miller
    Professional Event Planner
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    Grab a few friends and just sit down for an hour or so with a stack of post-it notes. Jot down every idea that you come up, and start mapping them out on the wall. Group similar ideas together and soon you'll come up with a kind of roadmap for the party based on which ideas you identify with and which ideas don't sound feasible.
  • Question
    What makes a party great?
    Natasha Miller
    Natasha Miller
    Professional Event Planner
    Natasha Miller is an Event Planner, Chief Experience Designer, and President of Entire Productions, an event and entertainment production company based in San Francisco, California. Notable clients Natasha has collaborated with include Apple, Google, Gap, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Salesforce. Natasha and Entire Productions has been awarded Inc. 5,000's "Fastest Growing Companies in America", Entrepreneur Magazine's 360 List of "Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America." Entire Productions is also a Certified Women Business Enterprise. Natasha is a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI).
    Natasha Miller
    Natasha Miller
    Professional Event Planner
    Expert Answer

    Support wikiHow by unlocking this expert answer.

    If everyone has a fun time and your guests enjoy themselves, you had a great party. Don't try to overwhelm yourself throwing the world's greatest party of all time. Think about your guests, plan some fun activities, take your time decorating and setting up, and you'll have a fun party.
  • Question
    How do I keep people out of my room if I don't have a lock?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Hang a sign saying "No Entry" on your door. Put a bell on the door so if someone tries to go in, you'll hear it. You could put something very heavy in front.
  • Question
    What if I want it to be a secret and only the people I invited to know?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Make proper invitations and tell your friends it's a party that is on a need to know basis only. If they ask why, then just explain that you want the party to remain a secret so that nobody else feels left out or upset (or whatever the reason is). If anyone tells others, you can choose whether to disinvite them or just get on with it. Realize that the moment you keep a party a secret, it will be hard for those who like to blab to keep it secret, as it feels powerful for some people to reveal all.
  • Question
    What are good party games for children?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Good party games for children include hide-and-seek, scavenger hunts, duck-duck-goose, dress up, and freeze dance for younger kids. And for older kids: truth or dare, fun challenges, and charades.
  • Question
    What should I do for the guest's dogs when I'm having a party?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Set up an area for them to play, and leave some water out for them. You can have some treats available for them as well.
  • Question
    How do I deal with uninvited guests?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Politely ask them to leave if they're not wanted under any circumstances. Or, if you just forgot to invite them, say sorry for forgetting them and let them in without acting sheepish. They'll forget that you left them out once they're having fun.
  • Question
    What music should I play during a super bowl party? Also, what food should there be?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    Just bring whatever you’re friends like. Make sure that there are no allergies. Finger foods are always a hit as people need to eat in front of the television. As for music, play the latest trending songs that you hear on the radio or on the go.
  • Question
    What are some fun party activities for children?
    Community Answer
    Community Answer
    For younger children, try active games like: whacking a pinata or Pin-the-Tail-on-the-Donkey. For older kids, try strategy games, like scavenger hunts or charades.

Warnings

You Might Also Like

Enjoy Your Birthday
How to
Enjoy Your Birthday
Have a Great Time at a Frat Party
How to
Have a Great Time at a Frat Party
Plan a Birthday Party
How to
Plan a Birthday Party
How to
Make a Blindfold
Hold a Farewell Party
How to
Hold a Farewell Party
Plan a Party
How to
Plan a Party
Decide Who to Invite to a Party
How to
Decide Who to Invite to a Party
Host a Good Party
How to
Host a Good Party
Throw a Party
How to
Throw a Party
Invite People to a Party
How to
Invite People to a Party
Plan a Surprise Birthday Party
How to
Plan a Surprise Birthday Party
Plan a Small Balloon Release
How to
Plan a Small Balloon Release
Work Out Catering Quantities
How to
Work Out Catering Quantities
Make an Outdoor Canopy
How to
Make an Outdoor Canopy

References

  1. ↑ https://www.boston.com/culture/entertainment/2016/02/27/how-to-create-the-perfect-party-playlist-according-to-one-of-bostons-own-djs
  2. ↑ https://www.seriouseats.com/2019/05/how-to-batch-cocktails.html
  3. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/entertaining/party-planning-checklist
  4. ↑ https://www.bhg.com/recipes/party/appetizers/appetizers-only-dinner-party-finger-food-ideas-more/
  5. ↑ http://thoughtfullysimple.com/10-simple-steps-to-prepare-for-your-party-guest-post-by-listplanit/
  6. ↑ https://www.scienceofpeople.com/throw-a-party/
  7. ↑ https://adf.org.au/talking-about-drugs/parenting/talking-young-people/safe-partying/hosting-teenage-party/
  8. ↑ https://www.thekitchn.com/the-right-way-to-introduce-guests-to-one-another-at-a-party-220817
  9. ↑ https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/Partying-safely
  1. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/holidays-entertaining/entertaining/party-games-ideas
  2. ↑ http://thoughtfullysimple.com/10-simple-steps-to-prepare-for-your-party-guest-post-by-listplanit/

About This Article

Natasha Miller
Co-authored by:
Natasha Miller
Professional Event Planner
This article was co-authored by Natasha Miller. Natasha Miller is an Event Planner, Chief Experience Designer, and President of Entire Productions, an event and entertainment production company based in San Francisco, California. Notable clients Natasha has collaborated with include Apple, Google, Gap, Louis Vuitton, Tiffany & Co., and Salesforce. Natasha and Entire Productions has been awarded Inc. 5,000's "Fastest Growing Companies in America", Entrepreneur Magazine's 360 List of "Best Entrepreneurial Companies in America." Entire Productions is also a Certified Women Business Enterprise. Natasha is a member of Meeting Professionals International (MPI). This article has been viewed 580,969 times.
1 votes - 80%
Co-authors: 66
Updated: August 25, 2021
Views: 580,969
Categories: Party Planning
Article SummaryX

Before you can throw a party, find a space to have it in -- the size of the space will help you decide how many people to invite and what budget you'll need. If the space allows it, encourage your guests to bring a +1. Once you determine how many guests you’re having, purchase food and beverages for everyone to enjoy and consider what activities can be done in the space. For easy clean-up, purchase paper plates and disposable cups. To learn more about how to decorate for special occasions or what music to play, read the article below!

Did this summary help you?