It’s more than likely that you spent your teenage years yearning for a free house. One, because using the front door is a lot simpler then smuggling your latest squeeze in and out of the house through the window; and two, because “house parties” were once the single most important event in your social calendar. At long last, you’ve got a free house all the time; so now is the time to make the most of it!
Sometimes, hosting a successful house party can be so easy. There is something irreplaceable about a spontaneous, ramshackle gathering of friends, which effortlessly morphs itself into a party. As a friend of mine says “you plan work; you don’t plan fun”.
But, sometimes, just a little planning goes a long way; it’s about putting in that basic bit of prep and adhering to a few general guidelines; not following rules. So here are a few tips on how to be the host with the most and have the perfect House Party.
ALICE IN WONDERLAND
Because we’re all mad here…
What to play: Inspired by the Mat Hatter’s tea party, play musical chairs, to the Tim Burton film playlist (available on Spotify). Each guest drinks while the music is playing and swaps seats (and drinks) whenever it stops.
What to wear: Bows, Alice bands, rabbit ears, pocket watches, knee length socks and top hats. Perhaps not all at once – but it is your party!
How to decorate: Hang playing cards on strings from the ceiling, wrap ‘Drink Me’ tags around as many bottles as you can.
What to drink: Make the mad hatter proud and serve the brightest alcopops you can. Pushing the boat out? Drink them out of teapots.
What to eat: Serve jam tarts, make your own “bread and butterflies”, and pick up some cheesy nibbles in the shape of hearts, diamonds, spades etc.
DECADE PARTY
As inspired by this year’s Vintage at Goodwood (see www.vintageatgoodwood.com), turn your home into a cross generational time capsule filled with fancy dressed guests from the 40s to the 80s.
What to do: Play quintessential films from each decade on your T.V. as background entertainment. Try “Casablanca” 40s, “Gigi” for the 50s, “Born Free” for the 60s, “Grease” for the 70s and “Fame” and “Billy Eliot” for the 80s. Or download a party mix CD for any decade.
What to wear: Pick a generation and have fun with it. For the 40s and 50s guys can’t go wrong with a suit, slicked back hair and a strategically positioned cigar. While ‘flares and a gold chain combo’ is a classic for those who wish to channel the 80s. For girls it’s the perfect opportunity to have fun emulating all the classics, be it Marilyn Monroe, Audrey Hepburn, Bridget Bardot or the entire cast of Dynasty!
How to decorate: Posters of famous figures are a great way to start and easy to find. Beyond this, seek out retro bits and pieces from charity shops to create rooms for each decade.
What to drink: Cocktails were big in each of these generations, so experiment with whatever takes your fancy. Pick up some cheap cava for the 80s yuppies, and even a few 50s diner milkshakes for the designated drivers.
What to eat: The broad nature of this theme means you can provide whatever food you want really. Anything which looks like it was lovingly baked by the WI is perfect for the 40s and 50s; while the 70s and 80s demand a synthetic spread of brightly coloured jellies and, of course, a trifle.
TOGA PARTY
Wear sandals in winter, pretend bedding is clothes and imagine you live in a ‘Frat House’…
What to play: Limbo! Limbo in bed sheets calls for a camera on standby at all times. Also, try threading marshmallows or grapes onto a string and biting one off as you go under! If you’re feeling very brave (or very stupid) test your limits with a Centurion.
What to wear: Tragically there is limited scope for individuality here. Some form of strategically draped white fabric accessorised with gold and half an artificial pot plant ought to do the trick though.
How to decorate: You probably don’t have a marble bust lurking at the bottom of your wardrobe; but a few garlands of plastic flowers and some cut-outs of Greek Gods should set the Ancient scene for your guests.
What to drink: Wine, beer…the usual. Preferably from goblets.
What to eat: Don’t fancy breaded dormouse? Attempt a Mediterranean spread on a student budget; think grapes, cheese, crackers, olives. Try Aldi for cheap ready-made themed party platters.
CREATE THE MOOD
“A party should be held in a room ever so slightly too small for the number of guests” ( Lucinda Van Der Post).
That way, conversation is encouraged, people feel like the party is bustling; but you can still cross the room to get a drink. Think about the number of people your space would suit; especially if you’re creating a Facebook event.
Once your guests arrive, you can manage the feel of the party throughout the evening by gradually opening more rooms as more people arrive, and shutting them as they leave.
Lighting is everything. In my opinion, you cannot have a proper party with the lights on full, unless everyone is very drunk. Even in October when the sun goes down at 6pm sharp, you still need to create an evening atmosphere. Unless you are lucky enough to have dimmer switches, lamps are the way forward. Try pointing them at the ceiling, putting them in odd places, and just moving them about until you get a soft glow throughout the room.
TIPS & TRICKS
It may seem like an unnecessary expense now, but picking up some finger food (or at least a few takeaway menus) to have around at your party is a saving in the long run. A giant bag of frozen chips: £2:00. A few frozen pizzas: £6:00. Preventing that light-weight, friend of a friend, from vomiting red wine all over your cream carpet (and losing you your deposit)…Priceless.
For fool-proof entertainment keep a pack of cards on hand at all times. To really get drinks flowing enter the competition on page# to win a free electronic drinking game!
Getting people to leave can be tricky, and with no parents or older brother lurking to back you up, it’s something you need to give a lot of thought to. Think about who you invite, some people are just bad drunks. Also, if you’re lucky enough to still be living on campus, do remember that the porters are there if you need them. A great way to avoid kick out scenes is to end the party somewhere in town, that way people will leave of their own accord.
There is nothing worse than being on edge at your own party. To help yourself relax, put away the breakables, hide any drink you don’t want to share and lock up bedrooms with valuables (all leased accommodation should have locks fitted – ask your landlord if you don’t). Spotify is a great replacement for DJing, but try to use a premium account – adverts are an instant buzz kill. If you’d rather not have your laptop in the line of drinks spillages, use an mp3. Putting your iPod on shuffle is hugely convenient, but a party killer when Joseph and His Technicolour Dreamcoat starts blaring out. So to save embarrassment remember to make a playlist for the evening.
Stay safe, have fun, and remember nothing the morning after.