Party hosting
None of this is expert advice. It's what people worked out for themselves, usually the hard way — what actually helped, and what they'd tell someone standing where you are. Take what fits and leave the rest.
If you only read a few
If hosting costs are high, organize a 'Bring & Braai' style event where you provide minimal alcohol (like one case of beer or box of wine) and guests bring their own supplies.
High costs of food and booze make it difficult for hosts to cater for all guests.
- Depends on the cost ratio of beer to food in your country.
one person who lived it
Invite a very tall friend to deter brawls.
One person reported this stops brawls within a thirty-foot diameter.
- Based on one anecdotal claim about a 7-foot-tall friend.
one person who lived it
Cancel a party if there is no solid interest or response to invitations.
Planning a party for very few people is a poor use of time.
one person who lived it
Bring ice to a party if you are unsure what to contribute, as hosts often run out.
Hosts frequently run out of ice.
one person who lived it
Do not discuss party plans in front of people who are not invited.
It is rude and confusing.
one person who lived it
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Seek out social interactions with people whose interests align with yours rather than forcing connections with those who do not.
Place alcohol stations far from doors and neighbors to keep loud guests away from sensitive areas.
People congregate where drinks are, and drunk guests tend to be loud.
one person who lived it
Notify neighbors beforehand about a party and provide your contact number so they can reach out if the noise becomes too much.
The forethought prevents neighbors from getting upset at the noise.
3 people, independently
- Ask neighbors directly for permission to host a party to show consideration for their quiet living environment.1
Hide valuables and money before hosting a party to prevent theft by guests.
One person reported a relative taking half the money from a jar during a party.
one person who lived it
Avoid creating shared playlists if you are concerned about poor song choices killing the party vibe.
One DJ noted that people tend to choose self-indulgent songs that do not work well at parties.
one person who lived it
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Make one meat option and one vegan option when bringing food to a party.
To move with the times regarding dietary concerns.
one person who lived it
Give the first arriving guest a task, such as setting the table or filling ice buckets, to reduce awkwardness.
First arrivals often feel awkward; giving them work makes both host and guest feel less awkward.
one person who lived it
Serve a base drink with alcohol on the side so drinkers can control the strength.
It allows people who drink to control how strong their beverage is.
one person who lived it
Steal beer caps from someone else's pocket to confuse them about how much they have consumed.
It causes them to drink more by making them think they have had fewer drinks.
one person who lived it
If you arrive early to a host's home, ask first if they want help setting up.
Hosts often appreciate the assistance more than a gift, and unexpected arrivals can be unwelcome.
one person who lived it
Make family pets available at house parties to give socially awkward guests something to interact with.
It provides an interaction point for awkward guests.
- Do not do this if the party is large or loud, as it may stress the pet.
- Know your guests; some people are uncomfortable around dogs and cats.
one person who lived it
Do not make the fake plans for a surprise party something the guest genuinely wants to do.
Missing a desired event can cause lasting disappointment.
one person who lived it
Make wedding place tags two-sided so strangers can address each other by name.
Guests likely forgot names.
one person who lived it
- Include an interesting fact about each guest on their place tag to aid small talk.1
Limit yourself to one drink per hour to maintain control and avoid becoming obnoxious at public parties.
It prevents negative behavior at public gatherings.
one person who lived it
Use white bar rags or washcloths for cleaning before, during, and after the party.
They are versatile and helpful throughout the event.
one person who lived it
Help run the event or serve drinks to make social interaction easier and avoid standing around awkwardly.
having a task draws people to you
one person who lived it
Limit large parties to occasional special occasions rather than frequent events to maintain neighbor tolerance.
Neighbors are more forgiving when it is a very occasional thing for a special occasion.
- If done too frequently, neighbors may talk negatively about you.
one person who lived it
Seek out social interactions with people whose interests align with yours rather than forcing connections with those who do not.
5 people, independently
Ensure the cover story for a surprise party requires the recipient to dress appropriately for the event.
One recipient was happy she had dressed up nicely.
one person who lived it
When invited to a potluck, offer to bring a specific item rather than asking generally what to bring.
Asking generally leads to wishy-washy responses where the host forgets something.
one person who lived it
Monitor alcohol intake carefully relative to time.
To avoid DUI and stay careful; one person prefers drinking at home to avoid worry.
one person who lived it
Stock staple brands such as Johnnie Walker Black Label, Tito's Vodka, Patron Tequila, Woodford Reserve Bourbon, Bombay Sapphire Gin, and Jameson Irish Whiskey, as they are considered fine for serving guests.
They are staples that are acceptable to serve to guests.
one person who lived it
Text the host directly to clarify ambiguous party invitations, such as those mentioning 'BYOE'.
The host may have intended a different meaning, such as 'Bring your own Entertainment'.
one person who lived it
Avoid playing acoustic instruments loudly at parties unless explicitly requested.
Nobody wants to hear it.
one person who lived it
Alternate alcoholic drinks with non-alcoholic beverages like water or soda to avoid dehydration.
This prevents dehydration.
one person who lived it
Stick to lighter alcoholic drinks during daytime parties.
Daytime drinking requires a different approach than nighttime drinking.
one person who lived it
place, guests, drinks7
Provide a garbage bin with a lid in the bathroom if female guests are present.
Place ashtrays and a small trash can near smoking areas.
It makes it easier for smokers to dump trays.
one person who lived it
Keep paper towels or cloth rags visible near food and drinks for quick spill cleanup.
So guests don't have to find you first.
one person who lived it
Place folding chairs outside for smokers if the weather is nice.
It gives them a place to smoke.
one person who lived it
Place drinks in an ice bucket on a table to signal they are available for guests.
It makes it obvious that the drinks are for guests.
one person who lived it
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Place multiple visible trash cans throughout the party area.
Guests prefer not to run to distant locations or pile items into tiny, hidden bins.
one person who lived it
Mark cups with Sharpie markers or write names on rubber bands wrapped around glasses to identify drinks.
To eliminate confusion.
2 people, independently
Provide a garbage bin with a lid in the bathroom if female guests are present.
3 people, independently