Don't forget introductions.
You know how awkward it is when your friend groups don't overlap and the party becomes obnoxiously cliquish?
What a wasted opportunity to make new friends. As the hostess, it's your job to be the Mandela of the party and bring everyone together!
Keep social dynamics in mind.
No one expects you to play matchmaker, or to keep track of who's dating whom, but please don't throw a party with all couples - and that one single friend.
AWKWARD. Just don't!
Prepare a few ice breaker games.
Even if everyone at the party more or less knows everyone else, getting parties started can be a little slow
Keep all of your guests in mind.
Try to arrange an assortment of foods, so that there's something for everyone. It would be unreasonable for you to expect to be able to prepare everyone's favorite food without going stirfry crazy, nor is it your responsibility to cater to all the ridiculous diets of your high maintenance friends. Still, if you know of some actual allergies or intolerances, like you have a friend with celiac's disease or a peanut allergy, try to bear that in mind while picking out the refreshments.
In addition to cookies and cake, chips and crackers are popular party snacks. If you have a bunch of health-nut friends or some with intolerances like gluten-intolerance (celiac's disease), impress with Dr. In the Kitchen's Flackers !
They're delicious, chock-full of healthy fats, and are made of flaxseeds, chia seeds, spices, and healthy oils, so they're gluten-free (and low-carb for your perma-dieting friends).
Healthy fats are great for the brain, too, so they're handy if you're playing trivia games.
KIDDING. It doesn't work that fast. But it can't hurt, right?
The crackers are sturdy and hold together well. They're also flavorful enough to enjoy without dip, in case you run of the queso, salsa, and guacamole early, but robust enough to pile the dips on. Impress your gourmet friends with an unusual healthy treat!
I'm sure a lot of people will appreciate something healthier, especially if they're going to a ton of parties, because it's a snack that you can feel good about and that makes you feel good. That's always great, especially when it tastes as good as these!
Dr. In the Kitchen also makes Seedsters, which are similar (but more granola-ish) and perfect as a granola-like option if you're having some guests stay overnight and need an easy, but unusual, breakfast.
They're also fun to eat just like that and absolutely delicious, as well!
The clumps are good sized and hold together well to either eat out of the bag or on yogurt/with milk as a cereal mix-in.
And a super healthy addition to any breakfast.
As far as beverages go, I know everyone likes to get a little merry at this time of year - but don't forget some nonalcoholic drinks for your dry friends and for those who need to drive. Or just for anyone who wants to alternate with something other than water!
You want to make sure to encourage safe, responsible partying, because no one wants this guest at their party.
Or to be that guest.
Sparkling cider and hot chocolate are some popular festive options, as are non-alcoholic cider and egg nog.
Don't try too hard with the playlist.
This is not the time to show off your sophisticated taste in music (read: all indie stuff that no one's ever heard and no one with functional eardrums actually likes). Save the hard-rock, alternative Euro-punk stuff for long hours thesising alone in your room.
Do everyone a favor and stick to more popular, mainstream stuff (it made it into the top 40s for a reason, guys). It's easier and more fun to dance to songs that you know and like. And you want everyone dancing, don't you?
I had a roommate once who said the measure of a good party is whether there are blue jeans marks on the wall. That might be taking it a bit far, but you do want everyone to dance and have fun. Crank up the music and enjoy making memories with your nearest, dearest, and most entertaining friends and friendly acquaintances!
Are you hosting any parties this season?
How many parties, on average, do you attend each holiday season?
What's your go-to holiday party outfit?
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