Everyone loves a great party, and college is the best time to pull out all the stops and throw an incredible party that people will be talking about for years to come. But these days it’s a lot easier to throw a flop than it is to host the party of the year, and planning is key to making the big night a huge success. Whether you’re hosting your very first shindig or you’re a party-throwing pro, here’s an easy step-by-step guide complete with all the do’s and don’ts to help you along the way to the year’s perfect party.
DO make a great playlist
So the party’s in full swing and everyone’s dancing and having a great time, when suddenly Olivia Newton John’s classic “I Honestly Love You” comes blasting out over the stereo. Not good. Nothing can throw a party off more than one bad song, so make sure to plan a playlist beforehand that’s chock-full of artists like Bob Marley, Lil Wayne, Sublime and Lady Gaga that will keep things moving all night long.
DON’T serve drinks from your bathtub
No matter how much you scrub and Lysol your tub, no one wants to drink PJ or jungle juice from a place where people have spent time naked. If you’re planning on providing libations for your guests, mix it up in a plastic bucket or a storage tub, and if all else fails, pick up a cheap gallon-sized trash can for your PJ.
DO pick a good theme
Halloween is popular for one reason: People love to dress up. Hosting a great theme party is sure to make your event one of the most memorable of the year. Whether you want to get fresh with an ABC (anything but clothes) party or keep it classic with an old-school toga party, there are literally hundreds of themes to choose from that all your guests will want to get creative with just to get in on all the fun.
DON’T use the fine china
Three things are key to a great party: Solo cups, Solo cups, Solo cups. They are easy to clean up, come in a variety of colors and are perfect for playing any party game, especially if beer pong or flip cup is on the evening’s schedule. Plus, these plastic beauties won’t wreck your bank account; a pack of 50 cups will only run you a couple of bucks at the store.
DO let your neighbors know about the party
The only thing worse than hosting a party that’s a dud is hosting a great party that gets broken up by the Columbia PD just when things are really getting started. So clue your neighbors in about the party in advance to keep noise complaints in check and ensure that your party stays strong without slapping you or your guests with hundreds of dollars in tickets.
DON’T break the bank
Whether you decide to throw a planned theme party or throw a get together at the last minute, budgeting for your event is always important. Any theme party decorations can be made at home with the right amounts of hot glue and creativity. And if you want to really keep things under budget, tell your guests the event is BYOB. That way, everyone can have their exact beverage of choice and you don’t have to shell out big bucks to make sure everyone’s happy.
DO provide snacks
OK, so not many college parties are well-known for their food. That being said, it never hurts to toss a little something on the table in case your guests get hungry. Now, we’re not talking caviar and Brie; after all, you are still trying to stick to your budget. Think more along the lines of chips and salsa with a few pizza bites thrown in, and you should be good to go.
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