How to Make Sure Your Party Guests Have a Good Time

Co-authored by Ivy Summer

Last Updated: March 18, 2023 References

Throwing a party can be a fun way to create memories with friends and family. You may be nervous about throwing a party, as you want to be sure your guests all have a great time. To host a fun party for your guests, create a party atmosphere that is fun and welcoming. You can also encourage your guests to mingle and chat so they can connect with each other. Be sure to arrange party activities to keep your guests entertained during the party so they can enjoy themselves and let loose.

Method 1

Method 1 of 3:

Creating a Fun, Welcoming Atmosphere

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Decorate with a theme in mind. Make the decorations look cohesive and thoughtful by following a theme. You may pick a theme based on a time period like 80s, 90s, or 2000s. Or you may decorate using a television show, movie, or book as a theme, such as Twin Peaks, The Goonies, or The Great Gatsby. Use a theme to decorate the space so it is fun and interesting for your guests.
- You can also encourage your guests to dress up to fit the theme when you send out invitations for the party. This can then make the party more festive and fun.
2
Put on an upbeat music playlist. Create a playlist for the party that will keep the mood upbeat and festive. Put on a top 40 song radio station or play artists in your catalogue that you feel are good for parties and hangouts. Play the music through speakers at a decent sound level so it can be heard, but does not drown out the conversation.
- Lean into the theme of the party when you make the playlist. For example, if the party is 80s themed, make sure you include all the 80s hits.
- You can also use a music streaming service like Spotify, Apple Music, or Tidal to make a music playlist. Many streaming services have premade playlists for parties that you can use.^{[1]
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3
Make the lighting low and indirect. Set the mood for the party by dimming any overhead lights or not turning them on at all. Instead, use indirect lighting sources like lamps and candles. You can also use paper lanterns or a string of lights to make the setting more relaxed and welcoming for guests.^{[2]
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- You may dim the lights more as the party progresses so the mood stays soft and relaxed for your guests.
4
Have snacks throughout the space. Make it easy for your guests to munch and snack during the party by putting out finger foods on small plates and snacks in small bowls. Place the snacks throughout the space so your guests can help themselves. Include a stack of plates and napkins by the snacks as well.^{[3]
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- You may go for casual snacks like chips, party mix, candy or nuts. Or you may prepare snacks that fit the theme of the party, such as cucumber sandwiches for a Great Gatsby theme or slices of pie for a Twin Peaks theme.
5
Set up a well stocked drinks area. Keep your guests happy by making sure there is plenty to drink at the party. If you are throwing a party for minors, set up a table with soda, juice, and water. If you are hosting a party for guests who are of drinking age, make sure you have enough alcohol on hand for your guests.^{[4]
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- You should also have enough cups for your guests and extra ice, as you do not want to run out of ice.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Encouraging Guests to Mingle and Chat

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Offer guests drinks as soon as they arrive. Make your guests feel at ease as soon as they enter the party by greeting them and offering them a beverage. You may say, “Welcome, what would you like to drink?” or “Thanks for coming, can I get you something to drink?”^{[5]
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- Most people feel more relaxed and ready to talk to others once they have a beverage in their hand.
- When you greet your guests, you can also take their coats or bags and put them somewhere safe so they do not have to worry about them while they are at the party. This will also free up their hands for holding beverages and having snacks.
2
Introduce guests to one another. Act as the bridge between your guests so they can connect with each other. Try to find guests who have something in common and introduce them to each other to get the conversation started.^{[6]
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- For example, you may say, “Have you met Carl? He went to Roosevelt High, too” or “Have you talked to Sam? She’s a writer, too. I think you two would have a lot to talk about.”
3
Encourage guests to participate in activities and games. If you have planned activities or games, say encouraging words to guests to get them involved. Focus on getting a few guests involved in games or activities. Over time, more guests will join in.^{[7]
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- For example, you may say, “Alright everyone, we’re playing beer pong!” or “Who wants to do karaoke?”
4
Check in on guests during the party. Make sure you circulate around the room and chat with as many people as you can. Check in on guests, especially if they are standing alone or not engaging with others. Introduce them to someone you think they might connect with or spend time talking to them so they feel more at ease and relaxed.^{[8]
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- Try not to get tied up with one guest or one group at the party. Make an effort to move around and chat with everyone equally so you can keep the mood fun and festive for all.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Arranging Party Activities

1
Have a dance off. This is a simple, fun activity that you can do with a good dance playlist and an open area. Put on an upbeat jam and encourage guests to form a circle. Then, lead the dance off by dancing in the circle for a few minutes. Tag another guest to challenge you in the dance off. Then, get other guests to challenge each other.^{[9]
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- Make sure you keep the upbeat dance songs going during the dance off so your guests feel motivated to participate.
2
Arrange a scavenger hunt. Get your guests moving by planning a scavenger hunt that is played in teams. Put guests in teams or have them pick them own. Then, present a set of clues and have the teams try to find the prize at the end of the hunt.
- If you are hosting a themed party, you may make the scavenger hunt themed as well. For example, you may have the prize be an 80s hair metal CD if the party is 80s themed.
3
Do karaoke. Karaoke is a great way to keep your guests occupied and entertained. Set up a karaoke machine and encourage guests to sing their heart out. You may even sing the first song to warm up the mic for your guests.
- You can also do karaoke using YouTube. Look for music videos on YouTube that have song lyrics in them so you can use them for karaoke.
4
Play a drinking game. You can play drinking games with or without alcoholic beverages. Most drinking games can be played with a deck of cards, a table, and drinks. Try playing games like King’s Cup, Never Have I Ever, or Flip Cup.^{[10]
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- You may arrange several drinking games so your guests can play different games at once. They can then rotate or switch once someone has won the game.
5
Unveil a special guest or a surprise. Keep the energy up by having a special guest on hand that you reveal at the midpoint of the party. Or give your guests a fun surprise at the beginning of the party so they stay excited for the rest of the night.
- For example, you may have special guest like an old friend your guests have not seen in a long time. Or you may have a surprise like a large cake for your guests to enjoy.

Expert Q&A

Question

What are some fun things to do during a party?

Ivy Summer
Certified Wedding & Event Planner
Ivy Summer is a Certified Wedding Planner and the Owner of Voulez Events. Ivy has over 10 years of experience consulting, planning and coordinating weddings around the globe. She has also created a DIY online wedding planning workshop for couples, called "Plan Your Wedding Like A Pro." She currently resides in Greece where she continues to work with a worldwide network of planners and wedding professionals.

Ivy Summer

Certified Wedding & Event Planner

Expert Answer

The dance floor is always a great focal point for people, especially at events like a wedding reception. However, you should also have more low-key activities for people who might not be comfortable dancing, like playing cornhole.
Question

How do I throw a good sleepover party?

Community Answer

A sleepover is a pretty intimate type of party, so try to invite your close friends first. Activities you can do include watching movies (romance and comedy work best, but for 'horror' you might want to ask your guests first), chit-chat, play board or video games, and eat snacks. You can then finish off with a good old pillow fight.
Question

How do I throw a party with lots of events?

Community Answer

Make a timetable to plan out the time you have available and how much time you want to spend on each activity. Try to switch activities every 30 minutes to an hour. Keep in mind, some things may go over the allotted time, so you may not get to everything.