Party Divas

[Kimmyt]

So this year I am throwing my first ever official homeowner schnazzy New Years shindig at my place with the Boy. I am excited and just slightly scared shitless that no one will have fun.

I know that will not be the case, because there will be plenty of fun drinks and games like drunken ping pong and drunken DDR (all breakable things moved away) but I am still slightly nervous.

So anyone have experience throwing fabulous parties and care to share some tips?

K.

 

[Kiragirl]

have good music and munchies, no kids

 

[Pequenita]

drunken DDR

That's all you need, really.

 

[cyn]

Get as much done as you can BEFORE the guests arrive.
Wear comfortable clothes and shoes if possible.
Have lots of club soda on hand for people - and for getting out stains.
Make sure you have enough dishes, glasses and cutlery.
Take a nap in the afternoon so you're full of energy at party time!

 

[SkiNurse]

Incoporate a couple of good friends to help you set up (and to have pre-party cocktails!)

If you have people bring food, DON'T LET ANYONE BRING CHOCOLATE FONDUE FOUNTAIN!!!! Unless THEY are willing to baby sit it. Believe me, the mess is not worth the yum!

Paper plates, plastic cups.

NO KIDS if this is going to be an adult drinking party...you want your guests to be relaxed.

Do a white elephant gift exhange...anything goes. I got a bowling ball/bag last year!

Make sure you provide some non-alcoholic alternatives. AND, don't hesitate to take a friend's keys from them!

 

[tradygirl]

Don't stress about who might not or does not show up. Have a drink, turn up the music and dance with your man before before your guests get there. All your worries will fade away.

It sounds like you have some activities planned = excellent icebreakers for people that don't know each other. Try to take the time to introduce new people when they first arrive, so they're not wandering around aimlessly.

Don't overdo it with the food, decorations, etc. Everyone is really there for the company and all that other stuff is just accessory and really only just stresses you out.

 

[Lori_K]

...and drunken DDR (all breakable things moved away)

Ok, my curiosity is up. I get the drunken part, but what is DDR?

 

[Pequenita]

Ok, my curiosity is up. I get the drunken part, but what is DDR?

Okay - I'm so embarrassed that I know this -- but keep in mind I've never partaken! DDR = Dance Dance Revolution. I've never seen the home version, but at the arcade, it's a game where there are 4 "buttons" on the ground. The screen ahead of you will show arrows or notes or something that correlates to the buttons on the ground -- these arrows rise up from the bottom of the screen and when they get to a certain point, you're supposed to step on the appropriate button on the ground that correlates to the arrow that's in the target area on the screen. Music blares in the background, and the footwork is supposed to mimic dancing. Hee. It was the funniest thing ever to watch teenage boys do at the movie theater a few years ago. Apparently, you can work up quite a sweat. And that was while (presumably) sober!

 

[Kiragirl]

are you required to wear pimped-out clothes and hat during this adult function? LOL "Stay Cool" too funny

another good party game is....hehe.....Naked Twister !!!

 

[Kimmyt]

It is a really fun game! The home version is just a pad that sits on the floor and you hook it up to your TV/playstation system. Then you can pick your song, and some of them are super fast, and you have different skill levels. I am by no means out of shape, and this game has me panting on the couch after a few rounds!

K.

 

[ski chick]

My best advice to party hosting is to be a HAPPY hostess. Have drinks set up ahead of time so guests can grab one (both alc. and nonalc.). Put extra toilet paper in the bathroom.

PS Drunken DDR is NOT a good idea.

 

[Native Vail Gal]

Wow! This sounds like a PARTY!

I just saw on Oprah today about hosting a party.
Rachel Ray has these things to say (among others):
1) keep it simple
2) have fun
3) I can't remember the rest! :D


She did have a polaroid camera handy which was fun to remember immediately things happening, and guests could put them in a scrapbook. That was cool.

Also, she suggested that instead of having a TON of different types of alcohol, have a signature drink (ie: Martini, whatever!) and then have wine and beer (different kinds). You won't waste money on alcohol you don't need.

Lastly, she suggested having the drinks mixed prior to guests arriving (the first drink)....this keeps things flowing!

I'm not sure that's the kind of party you were thinking about....but they are some good hints!

Have fun!

 

[IntheClouds]

My mother told me, & I know I've heard/read it since then, a good guest helps make sure it's a good party. The hostess provides the venue & the guests. The rest is up to the guests to have a good time.
So sounds like you'll have it covered.

 

[IntheClouds]

Pequenita,

Yep , when ever we are at a pizza place that has those, the teenage & younger boys go at it. I didn't really realize the intricacies of it. I just thought boys being boys, it gave them a target to stomp on !

 

[num]

So how'd the party go?

 

[Kimmyt]

Oh, well it went great! I was pretty nervous, because as some people mentioned, the hostess' job is supplying the place and the food/alcohol, but it's the party guests job to supply the party and I was worried people from my various groups of friends wouldn't get along. But it went pretty well, I buzzed around alot and there was lots of good (and pre-prepped) food for munching. We had homemade potstickers and chinese chicken lettuce wraps and bacon-wrapped scallops and shrimp and spinach dip and a gorgeous cheese tray etc etc. I had a signature cocktail of a Pomegranate martini that was easy to make. I would give people one if they wanted when they came in, but there was instructions taped onto the bar so people could make one if they wanted.

I did end up buying too much alcohol. I could have just bought more pomegranate martini mix and a bit of wine and been fine, but it was my first party and i wasn't sure who would drink what, so I'll keep the extra liquor in storage for now and The Boy and I will gradually drink the extra wine and champy.

All in all it was a great time and everyone loved the place and the games we had and the food!

K.

 

[Pequenita]

Yay! Glad you and the guests had fun. And happy new year!