Now that the year is winding down, it’s time for parties and get-togethers for the friends you haven’t seen since everyone went off to college. And now that everyone is getting older, it’s also time for you to start taking charge of your New Year’s entertainment. While it may seem easier for everyone to just go to the same bar and get tanked, it might be more fun (and cheaper) for you to throw a New Year’s party of your own. Here are a few simple steps to follow for planning the Perfect New Year’s Party, or any party for that matter.
The most important part is inviting people. What is a party with only a host except a lonely alcoholic sitting alone on their couch?
Creating your guest list can be daunting but a few guidelines help simplify the process. First, decide whether you want a large party or an intimate get-together. Both have their pros and cons and you know best what you would prefer. Next, pick an age group and stick to it. Don’t invite your twelve year old niece to a party with your twenty year old friends. Reversely, your grandma probably doesn’t want to spend New Year’s with your college friends either. To help keep your party drama free, avoid inviting couples who fight a lot or who are taking a break. Your New Year’s Party is not the place to try to get them back together, nor is it the place to encourage one of them to date your coworker or sister. You should also avoid inviting friends who are no longer on speaking terms or people with a Montague-Capulet relationship. Lastly, try to avoid inviting “That Guy,” the one no one likes and who can’t hold his liquor.
Since this is a casual party, it is not necessary to send out invitations. However, there are a few things that you need to remember when you invite people. Make sure you specify a dress code. You don’t want to embarrass someone when they show up in Black Tie attire when you assumed everyone would wear jeans and sweaters. Also, ask them if they plan to bring a date. You don’t want to run out of food because you only planned for one half of the couples.
One of the most important things about a party and what people really remember about it (if they remember anything at all from New Year’s night) is the food. The key to food success is to have plenty and a variety of it. Decide whether you want to have a meal or just snacks and make sure you tell your guests beforehand. Many a party has been ruined by guests who didn’t know the only dinner they would be getting would be cocktail wieners.
One of the best things you can do before buying the refreshments is the consult with your mom. She has probably thrown some parties and has some idea about how much food will feed how many people. This will keep you from over buying or running out of food. Additionally, while it is great to try new things and have exotic food, have a few party staples for those people whose palettes aren’t so adventurous.
Now that your guests are invited and the food prepared, you need to think about entertainment. Games can be a fun way to pass the time waiting for midnight. Avoid long, drawn out board games that have no end, opting instead for games like “Scattergories” or “Apples to Apples”, where everyone is involved for every round but can leave at any time. Have some decks of cards to go along with the adult beverages as well.
Help create a fun ambiance for the party by creating a New Year’s playlist. This will keep all the songs you have on your Ipod “as a joke” from being played. Also, make sure you have a functioning TV so people can watch the Ball Drop in Times Square.
Right before your party there are a few last minute things to take care of. First, put away anything you don’t want played with, including your mother’s fine China, your father’s golf clubs, or your sister’s diary. Put these in a room that can be locked or in your car if you have no other options. Something that is especially important at parties is to lock the doors of rooms you don’t want people visiting. Lastly, make sure your house is clean. Don’t leave dirty dishes and laundry lying about and try to vacuum the floors. No one wants to party when they think a cockroach might crawl over their toes.
By following these easy steps anyone can throw a good party. And for you single guys out there, you never know, a good party just might be the way to that special girl’s heart.
If you have something you want explained, send your questions to the Thorn at thorn@rose-hulman.edu! You just might see a How-To article about it.