What Do Good Parties Really Need?

When you invite people over to your home on a Friday or Saturday night, what experience are you looking to give them? Everyone has their quirks and preferences for how they like to spend their time, but there's a lot of overlap when it comes to entertainment.

Remember these principles, and you're sure to give guests a party they won't soon forget.

Music is Everything

You know the sound a record makes when the phonograph needle is abruptly lifted off? Movies use the sudden absence of music as a trope to signify that something odd or problematic is taking place at a party. When the music is blaring, that means everything is good! No music means something is off.

Make a good vibes playlist that keeps the energy going throughout the night. You won't have to tend or change the music, so you can keep playing host. You'd rather be talking to your guests, helping serve drinks or food, and things like that.

Drinks, Responsibly

Serving alcohol is a common party trick because it makes people relaxed and a little less guarded. Just ensure that nobody gets too drunk and that the party is fun and safe.

As a rough guide, people shouldn't consume more than one drink an hour. Don't let people drive afterwards! Blow up an air mattress or give them a spot on the couch, but don't let them drive home after a night of drinking.

Drinks like wine and beer have been staples of civilization since ancient times. Have fun! Try to serve drinks you know people like, but perhaps offer them something new and interesting.

Depending on your budget, you may not be able to afford single-malt scotch or top-end tequila. You can always serve humble beers, and there are ways to make intriguing cocktails that don't involve expensive liquor.

Food is Essential

Everybody loves eating, but for parties, serving food is mandatory, especially if there's alcohol. Nobody should be drinking on an empty stomach. On a more basic level, when is having an empty stomach ever a good thing?

Try to serve a blend of food. Small bites are great because people will be talking to each other and not really sitting down at a table. A charcuterie board is excellent because it looks great to serve, and people can eat whatever small nibbles they want, when they want it. Small bites are more informal and casual, too.

It's smart to have some healthy offerings like cut-up fruit alongside the dry, cured meats and cheeses. As when serving alcohol, offer guests time-tested favourites like crackers and cheese with something newer or more experimental.

Great Company

Finally, any grouping of interesting people can make for a great party. Some parties are dominated by one or two cliques, a group of people who hang out with each other regularly.

Other times, people who should know each other but don't get together, and this can make for an exciting dynamic. How you pair people up and introduce them to each other separates an ordinary from an extraordinary party.