Post # 1
Member
168 posts
Blushing bee
Guys, this is so embarrassing/dumb.. don’t judge me, please! But I need some advice 🙂 FI and I are moving into our first place alone this weekend (yay! I’ve always had roommates and then we’ve been living with his family) and we want to invite some friends over to celebrate and really just hang out because we’ve never had the opportunity to have space just for us.
That being said, we don’t really know what to do when people come over… play games? watch a movie? talk? I know this is a ridiculous question and we’re probably overthinking it. But do you have any suggestions?!
Post # 3
Member
5480 posts
Bee Keeper
Have some snacks and libations, play some music, have on hand some games just in case people want to play, and just relax! Most of the time people want to chit chat and catch up, but as the night goes on you’ll be able to play it by ear.
We always end up playing Apples to Apples- it’s fun, easy, and gets really interesting as the night (and the drinks) go on!
Post # 4
Member
9692 posts
Buzzing Beekeeper
@EllEmm005: My first suggestion is to make sure you have enough food. There is nothing worse/more embarrassing than running out of food! As for what to do, that depends on your social circle. When you get together at other people’s houses, do you usually play games or just mingle? It’s always good, in my opinion, to have a backup party game in case conversation dies down or if there are people who don’t know anyone other than the hosts.
My tips: have options ready and lots of food!
Post # 5
Member
45663 posts
Honey Beekeeper
@EllEmm005: Any or all of the above. If you are new at hosting sometimes it helps to do something that gets everyone involved, like having a fondue.
Post # 6
Member
1110 posts
Bumble bee
My tip would be – if you are making food, don’t try any new recipes! Stick to old favourites that you know, or do store bought (i.e. frozen appetizers, chips and salsa, etc). Unfortunately I learned that the hard way.
Post # 7
Member
2534 posts
Sugar bee
FIRST OFF: make sure you’re settled in before you party.
Even if you don’t have 100% of your furniture but have everything put away (so people don’t show up and want to start helping you unpack/settle in – I know I’d try!)
Apples to Apples is a great game!
Also, Cards Against HUmanity if your friends can handle the sometimes-inappropriate humor haha. We have a game called Sobriety Test, haven’t gotten too far with it (laughter got too loud and we had to shut it down haha) but it works the same way (just jump into the game!) and is totally goofy fun.
Those are games that someone can just jump in if they come late, have few rules, and can go on for as long as you like (instead of like, Monopoly that has to go on forever)
Lots of food: chips and dip (tortilla chips and salsa, pita chips and guacamole/hummus, potato chips and french onion dip, bread and spinach artichoke dip) are really popular in my group, as are little hot appetizers like quesodillas and potato skins (usually from a box – depending on the crowd and the host). Have a LOT of food, especially if there will be drinking.
If you want a “main course” then have something going in a crock pot OR something you can make/buy ahead (pizza is always a good option) and either serve cold (i.e. sandwiches) or heat up while everyone snacks.
Drinks: have soda, ice, and water available. Buy a few things of beer if you want alcohol and if anyone asks if they can bring something, tell them to bring their drink of choice. You don’t need to spend tons of money on beer/alcohol.
Music: use Songza (it can suggest music playlists by mood or activity) or Pandora for background music (it gets too awkward without it)
Movies are OK but you might want to wait until you have a late crowd for that. Ask a friend to bring some if your collection is lacking, or use Netflix and just watch what’s on there (or episodes of Archer – always funny)
Honestly I am not a good party-thrower (FI is though), I learned most of this by observing at good and bad parties. 😛
Post # 8
Member
168 posts
Blushing bee
@DaneLady: Thank you! We were thinking about getting Apples to Apples or Cards Against Humanity. And music is a great idea – didn’t even think of that.
@MrsPanda99: Thanks! I’m sitting here trying to think of what we do – we always end up at a bar or at someone’s house just talking, so I’m probably overthinking it!
@julies1949: Fondue! I love it!! That is an awesome idea.
@Little_Nut88: I’m so curious about the story behind that. And I will keep that advice in mind – I can only imagine the panic I would be in if I tried to make something new and failed.
Post # 9
Member
1110 posts
Bumble bee
@EllEmm005: Honestly, it has happened a few times (I never learn my lesson!). Most recently I made antojitos for the first time for my mom’s 50th birthday party, and didn’t have a good sense of how many jalopenos to use. My cousin ended up downing a huge glass of milk because her mouth was on fire.
Post # 10
Member
1478 posts
Bumble bee
I am going to echo what the other bees have said – have plenty of food and drinks for everyone. Have a drink before everyone gets there and just relax and have fun. Don’t over think everything!
In my experience, people just want to talk and catch up, but have a couple of games on hand just in case. Apples to apples is fun but Catch Phrase is my personal favorite!
Post # 11
Member
8190 posts
Bumble Beekeeper
as long as you can offer some things to eat and drink, the party will take care itself.
games are good to offer but usually you just sit around and talk.
Post # 12
Member
1022 posts
Bumble bee
@EllEmm005: Congrats on the move!
I’m not sure how well everyone knows one another but an awesome “get to know one another” game is called Table Topics. Definitely check it out. I’ve used them at personal parties AND work social events I’ve planned and they are sure fire ice breakers (unless everyone is a stick in the mud!)
Post # 13
Member
809 posts
Busy bee
I usually end up with my boyfriend’s friends coming over on football days to watch the games… I just make sure I have some finger food (chips and dip or wings, sometimes veggies if I know someone’s vegetarian girlfriend is coming over) and beer available and make sure that the games are on TV. It’s definitely a more casual get together though, and usually last minute. Plus, these guys are all so sweet and usually bring their own beverages but as I’ve gotten to know them better I’ve been picking up their favorite beer or liquor for them.
Basically… it’s your house and your party… so do it however you want! You don’t have to do games if you don’t have to. Just have some snacks and beverages available. If you guys like sports have a game playing on the tv, or have music playing in the background.
Post # 14
Member
168 posts
Blushing bee
@CakeyP: I am that type of person too!! And your suggestions are sooo helpful – I’m looking up Songza right now! Thanks so much!
@Little_Nut88: LOL I’m dying right now! FI always misjudges how many spices and peppers to add and I’m super sensitive to spicy things.. so I can only imagine!
@Sea_Ashley: thank you! I’ll add Catch Phrase to the list – I love that game!
@CocoClassic: thanks! I’ve never heard of it, I’m going to look it up right now.
@ajillity81: I think I’m seriously overthinking it, so thank you!
@babytoes: thank you!!
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