How to Organize a House Party
Growing up, my parents would host house parties all the time. The weekends were the perfect time for my parents and their friends to get together and for us kids to have fun. My parents know how to host house parties, and whoever comes is entertained and always feels welcomed.
House parties are informal gatherings, and it’s a way to get together with people who matter and share a good moment.
Here are some ways you could plan your house parties.
Plan your house parties during the weekend. If the party is during the night, then Friday and Saturday are preferred. For house parties during the daytime, Sunday brunch or even luncheon are ideal.
Once you have chosen a day and time, create your guest list. For house parties, it is best to have a limited number of guests. I would say 15-20 is a good number. Remember, you don’t want to overdo it; the more people you invite, the more management is required. Since this is an informal party, you can ask your guests by calling or texting. Invite your guests at least two weeks before the party.
After selecting the date of your party and inviting your guests, start planning the menu. You want your menu chosen a week before the party and the food prepped 2-3 days before. The appetizers should be made on the day of the party, at least 2-3 hours before your guests arrive. If you are having catering, then the food should come at least 4 hours before, and you want to keep the food warm in the oven. Have your drinks and appetizers ready before the guests arrive.
With house parties, I would suggest finger foods; you want to keep the menu convenient so your guests can eat and mingle simultaneously. You could also offer a sandwich platter or variety of sliders. If you want a more elegant touch and a cozy feel to your party, then casseroles are great or even a roast or lasagne. The menu complements the theme and style of the party.
As for the music selection, choose something upbeat. You don’t want something so loud that people can’t hear each other or too mellow. Create the playlist at least two days before or ask a friend, whose taste in music you apprecitate, make one for you.
On the day of the party, create an open space in the common area, such as the dining room; push the dining table against the wall and line up the chairs. Have enough seats for your guests to move from one area to another and still be able to sit; your guests shouldn’t feel like they are playing musical chairs. You want to allow your guests the convenience of walking around and not feel confined to one area.
Decorating is optional, but if you do plan on decorating, then keep it simple. Maybe have a few floral arrangements and a few decorative pieces, such as a centerpiece on the dining table to bring the entire room together.
Inform your neighbors you will be having a house party and that there will be music; let them know how long the party will last, but do end the party at a decent time. Go an extra step and invite your neighbors over; if you’re new to the neighborhood, this is a great way to make new friends.
On that note, do keep the sound to the music tolerable and ensure that your guests aren’t disruptive. Remember, it’s a house party and not the club.
During the party, delegate tasks and ask a family member to help serve drinks and appetizers. Ask your best friends to help set up the table for dinner. Ask that one friend with great taste in music to DJ.
Be sure to interact with your guests; after all, they are there to spend time with you. You also want to have some entertainment for your guests, such as games or even karaoke.
Towards the end of the party, arrange the desserts; since we are keeping the menu simple, bite-sized pastries will do the trick. You can have truffles, dessert shooters, and mini cupcakes. The Possibilities are endless.
House parties are an excellent way to spend quality time with those who matter. Remember, the most essential step of any party is to have fun!
I want to know about your very first house party! What was something you did that was fun? What kind of music did you play?
I hope this blog helps you plan your next house party.
Until next time!
