Adulthood is full of ups and downs. You gain complete freedom and independence, yet become shackled by bills; every moment becomes a learning experience as you attempt to navigate life like you know what you’re doing.
One of the more delightful aspects is hosting your own parties. These aren’t the ragers you know from college (thank God) – they require planning and sophistication, and allow you to share your adult life with your adult friends. Whether you decide to settle on a potluck get-together or a classier affair, perhaps complete with rental chairs and banquet tables, here are a few tips that will help convince your friends that you’re a capable and responsible host.
Pick a theme
Because this step creates the foundation for the rest of your party, it’s crucial that it be chosen first. You have dozens of options to sort through: throw a huge housewarming party with a tent rental and lots of booze, a graduation party with padded chairs for grandma and grandpa, or a birthday party with balloons and party favors. Once you’ve settled on a theme, pick three colors to feature throughout the entire event, such as via accessories like napkins and plates.
Send invites
Figure out how many people are coming to this shindig. If you’re exceedingly popular and are always surrounded by friends and family, running out of padded chairs for your guests to lounge on can be considered a cardinal sin; instead of finding out that you’re short on supplies during the party, do a thorough headcount in the days leading up the party.
Plan the playlist
What’s a party without music? Depending on your tastes (and the tastes of your guests) and your theme, your chosen mix will vary immensely. You wouldn’t play Eminem at a baby shower, and nobody wants to hear Mozart during on their 30th birthday; use your best judgment or simply rely on the magic of Spotify to select a mix for you.
Hosting a party in your new home or apartment can be incredibly rewarding if done well. Your friends get to visit the new place, everybody has an opportunity to catch up, and the business of adulthood is left behind for a single evening.
