House Party Ideas: How Do You Plan a Brilliant House Party?

Want to throw a house party – for a birthday, New Year’s Eve or a stag or hen do – and looking for a guide that doesn’t forget anything? Here you get everything in order: theme, outfit, food, drinks, decorations, music, games, guest list and a checklist to tick off. Plus the key legal points on noise and quiet hours.

A good house party stands or falls with the preparation. Work your way through from top to bottom or jump straight to the section you need – at the end there’s the complete checklist plus a rough cost calculation.

Which party themes work well?

If everyone just turns up as usual, you’re throwing away a lot of atmosphere and great photo opportunities. A themed party takes hardly any extra effort and turns an ordinary evening into an event. Here are ten tried-and-tested theme ideas:

1. 80s party: Throw on neon colours, shoulder pads and leggings. Decorate your flat with old records and posters of your favourite 80s bands. Put together a mix of the decade’s biggest hits and serve typical snacks such as cocktail sausages and cheese cubes.
2. Pyjama party: It doesn’t get comfier than this! Everyone comes in their coolest or craziest pyjamas. For decor, spread cushions and blankets on the floor. A pancake bar for the munchies is a real hit here.
3. Hawaiian luau: Put on your flower garlands and mix delicious tropical cocktails. With palm trees, colourful garlands and tiki torches you can turn your home into paradise. Pineapple and coconut snacks keep everyone fed.
4. Film hero party: Marvel superhero or Disney princess – everyone can dress up as their favourite film character. Decorate with film posters and a popcorn machine. You can name the finger food and cocktails after film titles.
5. Great Gatsby / the 1920s: Party like it’s the Roaring Twenties! Glittering dresses, jackets and hats are the order of the day. Jazz, champagne and canapés complete the picture.
6. Oktoberfest party: Dirndls and lederhosen are a must. Decorate with Bavarian flags, beer steins and pretzels. Serve traditional Bavarian food such as Weisswurst white sausages and pretzels.
7. Karaoke night: Everyone can let their inner pop star out! A simple set-up with a microphone and speaker is enough. For snacks, simple finger food such as pizza and chicken wings is ideal.
8. Western party: Cowboy boots and bandanas are the outfit of choice. Decorate your home with hay bales and horseshoes. Serve steaks and beer for the proper Wild West feeling.
9. Casino night: Elegant evening wear is the dress code. Set up a few gaming tables and hang glamorous decorations. Cocktail-party-style food and drinks are perfect.
10. Superheroes vs supervillains: The sky’s the limit for creativity. Everyone dresses up as their favourite superhero or villain. Colourful, comic-style decorations and themed snacks fit perfectly.

PS: If you’re looking for themes for your stag or hen do, read our article on bachelorette party themes!

Tips for your party outfit

What you wear naturally depends heavily on the party’s theme, as the examples above show. But if you’re planning a classic house party without a specific theme, there are still a few tips that can help you choose the perfect outfit:

1. Comfort matters: You’ll probably dance a lot, move around and perhaps sit on furniture that isn’t exactly made for evening wear. So choose something you can move freely and have fun in.
2. Layers: It can get hot in a packed flat or, depending on the season, chilly if you’re outside. So think in layers so you can adjust to the temperature.
3. Think practically: There’s a chance drinks will get spilt, so maybe don’t wear your most expensive piece of clothing. And girls, think twice about wearing high heels – they may look great, but they can get uncomfortable after a few hours of dancing.
4. Show some personality: Your outfit can be a conversation starter. Wear something that says a bit about you, or choose a striking accessory that draws attention.
5. Style: Your clothes should of course suit the kind of party. An elegant cocktail party calls for a different outfit than a laid-back beach party. If you’re not sure, ask the host about the dress code.

If you’re planning your stag or hen do, it’s the typical T-shirts with funny slogans – we have plenty of tips on those too.

Party food: easy and tasty!

At a party, the food is just as important as the music and the drinks. It has to taste good, but also be easy to handle and ideally edible without cutlery.

Tasty food for the party

Here are a few ideas for simple, tasty party dishes:

1. Mini pizzas: You can buy ready-made pizza dough and cut out small rounds, then top them with various toppings. Tomato sauce, cheese and oregano are a must, but you can get creative and add pesto, olives or even pineapple, for example.
2. Finger sandwiches: Bread, filling, bread – sandwiches are the ultimate classic. If you cut them into bite-sized pieces and offer different kinds (ham, cheese, vegetarian, etc.), there’s something for every guest.
3. Chicken wings: They’re a bit messy, but so tasty that nobody minds. You can either fry them or bake them in the oven and serve them with various sauces (BBQ, sweet and sour, chilli, etc.).
4. Cheese and cold cuts platter: An absolute classic that always goes down well. Offer various cheeses and cold meats, and don’t forget the gherkins and olives.
5. Wrap pinwheels: Fill tortilla wraps with various ingredients (e.g. chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, etc.), roll them up tightly and then cut them into small pinwheels.
6. Meatballs: These little treats are super tasty and easy to eat. You can simply serve them with a little tomato sauce, and they’re delicious both warm and cold.
7. Mini quiches: You can either bake one big quiche and cut it into small pieces or make individual mini quiches. With bacon, cheese, spinach or tomatoes – they’re always a hit.
8. Stuffed mushrooms: Take large mushrooms, remove the stalk and fill them with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic and herbs. Just bake in the oven and you’re done!
9. Salads: A big mixed salad is always a good choice, especially if you have vegetarian or health-conscious guests. You can also make pasta salad, potato salad or coleslaw.
10. Stuffed puff pastry parcels: Simply roll out some puff pastry, fill it with ham and cheese or spinach and feta, fold it over and bake.
11. Cheese skewers: Simply thread different cheeses and perhaps some sausage or olives onto skewers. You can add grapes or other fruit too.
12. Bruschetta: Toast some baguette, rub it with garlic and top it with tomatoes and basil or other toppings of your choice.
13. Sausage rolls: Wrap sausages in puff pastry and bake until golden brown. They’re popular with children and adults alike.

The most important thing is that the dishes are easy to eat and that there’s something for every taste. So don’t forget to offer vegetarian and possibly vegan options too.

Snacks for in between

Of course, snacks are a must at any house party. They’re super easy to prepare (you just tip them into bowls) and can be eaten throughout the party. Here are a few ideas for snacks no party should be without:

1. Crisps: A real classic. Ideally get different flavours. Remember to put out a few bags without adventurous flavours (just salted, paprika) for guests who don’t like things too exotic.
2. Peanuts: Salted, roasted or plain – peanuts are always a good snack in between. You can also offer a mix of different nuts.
3. Pretzel sticks: They’re salty and crunchy and therefore perfect for snacking. You can eat them as they are or dunk them in a dip.
4. Popcorn: Especially if you’re having a film or TV-themed party, popcorn is a must. You can offer sweet and salted popcorn to cater for every preference.
5. Cheese cubes: They’re easy to eat and go perfectly with wine or beer. If you like, you can add cubes of sausage or ham too.
6. Fruit skewers: If you want to offer something sweet as well, fruit skewers are a good choice. Simply take different fruits, cut them into cubes and thread them onto skewers.
7. Caprese skewers: These need only three ingredients – cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and fresh basil. Just thread them alternately onto a skewer and drizzle with a little salt, pepper and balsamic.
8. Vegetable sticks: For health-conscious guests (or those who want a change from all the salty snacks), you can also offer sticks of carrot, cucumber and pepper.
9. Olives: They’re tasty, healthy and go perfectly with a cold drink. If you offer different kinds (green, black, stuffed, etc.), it won’t get boring either.
10. Prawn cocktail: Cook some prawns (or buy them ready-cooked), then place them on a lettuce leaf in a cocktail glass and add some cocktail sauce. A delicious, elegant starter, done.
11. Vegetable sticks with dip: Cut various vegetables (cucumber, carrots, peppers, etc.) into sticks and serve them with various dips, e.g. hummus, tzatziki or guacamole.
12. Chocolate: For the guests with a sweet tooth, you can put out a selection of chocolate. Make sure it isn’t near hot drinks or radiators so it doesn’t melt.

Don’t forget to put out enough napkins and to top up empty bowls regularly during the party. With these snacks you’re definitely ready for any party!

Tip: every guest brings food

A party where every guest contributes something to the buffet is also called a potluck party. Not only does it cut the costs for the host considerably, it also makes for an exciting variety of dishes and turns the meal into a real shared experience. Here are a few tips on how best to organise it:

1. Coordination is key: It’s important that not everyone brings the same thing. So create a list or a document where everyone can enter what they’re bringing. That way you avoid ending up with ten bowls of potato salad and no dessert.
2. Not the drinks: You’d better plan the drinks centrally, otherwise it gets chaotic…
3. Mind allergies and diets: Make sure you know whether anyone has special dietary needs or allergies, and share this information with all guests. That way everyone can take it into account when making their dishes.

Party drinks: which drinks do you need?

Drinks play a big part at every party, and the choice is enormous. Here are a few suggestions for the different categories:

Soft drinks, beer and co.

• Beer: Offer different kinds, including alcohol-free beer.
• Wine: Red and white wine are a must. Perhaps some rosé or sparkling wine for the bubbly lovers too.
• Soft drinks: Cola, lemonade, orange juice, apple juice, water (both still and sparkling), tonic water and ginger ale are good basics.
• Energy drinks: Some guests might want something to keep them going.
• Alcohol-free alternatives: Think of the drivers or those who don’t drink alcohol. Mocktails, alcohol-free beer and alcohol-free wine are great options.

Cocktails

• Mojito: For this classic cocktail you need rum, limes, mint, sugar and soda.
• Piña colada: A summery cocktail made with rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice.
• Sex on the Beach: A sweet, fruity cocktail with vodka, peach schnapps, orange and cranberry juice.
• Margarita: A cocktail with Mexican flair, made from tequila, triple sec and lime juice.
• Cosmopolitan: A stylish drink with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and a dash of lime juice.

Make sure you have enough ice to chill the cocktails, and fruit for garnish (lime slices, orange slices, cherries, etc.).

Other bits

• Glasses: Make sure you have enough glasses for all your guests. It can make sense to have different kinds for different drinks (beer glasses, wine glasses, cocktail glasses, etc.).
• Paper cups: They’re a good option if you don’t have enough glasses, or for guests drinking outdoors or standing up.
• Ice cubes: You need lots of ice to keep the drinks cold. If there’s no room in your freezer, you can also buy ice.
• Straws: They’re not only practical but also a nice decoration for cocktails. But remember to choose eco-friendly options such as paper or reusable straws.
• Cocktail shaker: If you’re offering cocktails, you need a shaker to make them.
• Coasters: To protect your furniture from water rings, put out a few coasters.
• Drinks dispenser: For bigger parties, a dispenser with water or a basic cocktail mix can be handy.

Decor and style: how to make it unique

The decorations and style of your party naturally depend heavily on the theme you choose. Whatever theme you go for, the decorations add a lot to the atmosphere and get your guests in the right mood. Here are a few general tips:

1. Colour scheme: Choosing a colour scheme that matches the theme can make a big difference. For example, red and gold could be chosen for an Oscars party, while a neon party calls for bright colours.
2. Lighting: Don’t underestimate the effect of light on the mood. For a cosy atmosphere you can use candles or fairy lights, while strobe lights or disco balls create a party atmosphere.
3. Balloons and garlands: These are easy to put up and take down and can make a big difference. You can choose colours that match the theme.
4. Theme-specific decorations: Whether it’s Hawaiian leis for a tropical party, pumpkins for a Halloween party or stars and glitter for a disco party, think of details that bring your theme to life.
5. Table decorations: If you have a dining area, tablecloths, napkins, plates and even glasses can be matched to the theme too.

For all the party spirit, you should also think about your valuables:

1. Valuable or fragile items: Make sure all valuable or fragile items are safely stowed away. Accidents happen easily at parties, and it would be a shame if something got broken.
2. Closing off rooms: If there are rooms you don’t want used for the party (your bedroom, for example), lock them or put up a sign making clear that they’re off-limits.

Party music: a must for every party!

Music is the heart of every party, and a good playlist can make the difference between a good party and a fantastic one. Here are a few tips to make sure your music matches the mood:

1. Create a playlist: Use Spotify or similar to create a playlist of songs that suit the theme. If you’re having an 80s party, for example, you could choose songs by Madonna, Michael Jackson, Queen and other artists of the era.
2. No guest DJs: Even though your guests probably have lots of great music suggestions, it can get chaotic if everyone adds their own songs. Stick to your prepared playlist to keep the music flowing. Tip: our article on the best party hits helps with choosing songs.
3. Chilled and party music: A good party playlist should include a mix of relaxed music for the start of the party, when people are still arriving and chatting, and high-energy music for later in the evening, when the dance floor gets going.
4. The right volume: The music should be loud enough to create a good atmosphere, but not so loud that guests can’t talk to each other any more. And of course think of your neighbours – it’s better if they don’t have to call the police because of the music.
5. Spread the speakers: If possible, place several speakers around the party area instead of having the music come from one corner. That gives a balanced sound and makes sure the music can be heard everywhere.

Karaoke: grab the mic!

Karaoke can be a great addition to your party and bring lots of fun and laughter. Here are a few things to consider:

1. Karaoke equipment: You can hire or buy a karaoke machine, or use an app on your TV or computer. Remember to get microphones too – the more the better, because group singalongs can be a real smash!
2. Song choice: Make sure you have a wide selection of songs so every guest finds something they like singing. Classics such as “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen or “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor are often hits, but newer songs can be great fun too.
3. Timing: The later the evening, the more willing people are to grab the mic. You might want to save the karaoke for later in the evening, when the mood is already lively.

Party games: little games liven up the evening

Party games are an excellent icebreaker and can liven up the course of the evening too. Here are a few games you could consider:

1. Beer pong: A classic party game. You need a table, some plastic cups and table tennis balls. Set the cups up in a pyramid at both ends of the table and take turns trying to throw the balls into your opponents’ cups. When a ball lands in a cup, the opponent has to drink the beer in it.
2. Truth or Dare: A well-known game where players have to choose between a “truth” (answering a personal question) and a “dare” (completing a task).
3. Spin the Bottle: Similar to “Truth or Dare”, but the questions or tasks are decided by spinning a bottle.
4. Cards Against Humanity: A card game where players have to complete funny or provocative sentences. Be warned, this game is pretty sarcastic and not everyone’s cup of tea.
5. Charades: A game where one person tries to act out a word or phrase for their teammates without speaking.
6. Beerio Kart: A fun twist on the classic Nintendo game “Mario Kart”. Every player has to finish their beer during the race, but isn’t allowed to drink and drive at the same time.
7. Twister: A physical game where players have to get into various positions on a mat with coloured spots without losing their balance.

These games are guaranteed to entertain and get your guests laughing. Still looking for games for your stag or hen do? Then read our article on bachelor party games.

Guests: who, how many & more

Every party is only as good as its company. So your party stands or falls with the choice of guests and whether everyone feels comfortable. Here are a few tips.

How many and which guests?

A good guest list is the key to a successful party. Here are a few things to consider when deciding whom to invite:

1. Number: Think about how much space you have. As a rule of thumb, there shouldn’t be more than 20, otherwise it can quickly get out of hand and the planning becomes a lot of work. For a garden party, there can be more. Ask for firm yeses or noes, too.
2. A harmonious mix of guests: Invite people who are likely to get on well with each other. A good mix of friends, work colleagues and family members can make for interesting conversations and interactions.
3. A balanced mix: Make sure you have a balanced mix of genders. That helps everyone feel comfortable and gets the party going.
4. Extra guests: It’s important to set clear rules from the start about whether guests may bring someone or not. If you’re open to it, you can say so on the invitation. But if you want to keep control of the number of guests, make clear that it’s a closed party.

Travel and accommodation

If you have guests coming from further away, you need to think about travel and accommodation:

1. Travel information: Give clear directions. Name the nearest public transport, parking options or the best route for guests coming from out of town. Maybe you can also organise car sharing.
2. Organising lifts: If possible, consider a shared taxi or a shuttle service. That way you can make sure everyone gets home safely, especially when alcohol is involved.
3. Places to stay: If guests are coming from further away and have no way of getting home, offer or suggest somewhere to stay. Maybe you have room for a few guests to sleep over, or you can recommend nearby hotels or guesthouses. Consider Airbnb or similar too.
4. Preparing for overnight guests: If guests are staying with you, make sure you have enough bedding, towels and toiletries. A little breakfast the next morning would be a nice gesture too.

Other bits: 6 final tips

Here are a few extra tips that might come in handy:

1. First aid kit: It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit to hand, just in case someone trips, cuts themselves or has another minor injury.
2. Enough seating: Make sure there are enough seats for all guests, especially if you plan to serve a meal to be eaten at the table. Tip: beer crates with a cushion on top make an instant seat!
3. Emergency contacts: Keep the numbers for local taxis, the out-of-hours doctor and perhaps a local pizzeria to hand, just in case they’re needed.
4. Set an end time: It can help to set an end time for the party and tell your guests. That gives guests a sense of when they should leave and helps you make sure the party doesn’t end too late.
5. Clearing up: Plan in advance who will help clear up and how you’ll tackle the cleaning the next day. That can save a lot of stress at the end of the party.
6. Backup plan: Have a backup plan for things that could go wrong. What happens if it rains and the party was supposed to be outdoors? What if the barbecue doesn’t work or the main course burns? A backup plan helps avoid stress in situations like these.

Planning a party: a checklist to tick off

Planning a party can be a bit overwhelming, but don’t worry! Here’s a step-by-step guide that takes you through the whole process:

1. Choose a party theme: Pick a theme for the party. This will help you make decisions about decorations, music and food.
2. Set a budget: Before you start planning, decide how much money you want to spend. This will affect what you can do for food, decorations, music and other things.
3. Draw up a guest list: Decide whom you want to invite. Consider how much space you have and how many people you can cater for.
4. Set a date and time: Choose a date and time that suit most of your guests. Also consider which day of the week and time of day best suit the kind of party you’re planning.
5. Send invitations: Whether you use traditional paper cards, emails or social media, tell your guests the date, time, place and theme of the party.
6. Plan food and drink: Think about what you want to serve. Should it be a full dinner or more like snacks? Plan the drinks too, and remember to offer alcohol-free options.
7. Make a shopping list: Write down everything you need for the party: food, drinks, decorations, possibly costumes or other specific things that suit your theme.
8. Plan the decorations: Think of decorations that suit your theme. Buy or make them in good time so you don’t end up stressed at the last minute.
9. Plan the music: Create a playlist or make sure you have a good radio station or music streaming service. Consider what kind of music your guests like and what suits the mood you want to create.
10. Plan activities and games: Think about whether you want to offer any games or activities for your guests. This can be especially useful if not all your guests know each other.
11. Prepare the space: Make sure you have enough room for everyone. Think about where people can sit, stand, dance and eat. Move fragile items out of the way and mark areas that are off-limits to guests.
12. Tell the neighbours: If you live in a residential area, tell your neighbours about the party in advance. They’ll appreciate the warning.
13. Photos and memories: Make sure you have a camera or phone ready to take photos of the party. Think about a spot for a DIY photo booth too.
14. Safety measures: Make sure there are enough ashtrays if smokers are invited. Also think about enough places where guests can put their glasses down, to avoid stains.

Conclusion and FAQs

A good house party isn’t rocket science, but it needs some lead time: theme, guest list, food, drinks, music and decorations all need thinking through once. If you work through the checklist above and tell the neighbours beforehand, you can relax yourself on the night instead of rushing from one problem to the next. That’s all it takes – have fun partying!

Quiet hours and the neighbours: how loud and how long?

Neighbours can be a tricky subject when it comes to throwing parties. So here’s what you should do:

Tell your neighbours: If you’re planning a party, it’s a good idea to let your neighbours know in advance. Tell them when the party will take place and assure them that you have everything under control. Some people even invite their neighbours to the party, which can be a nice gesture.

Volume: In many residential areas there are rules or laws that set how loud and until when you can play music. Find out about the local regulations and stick to them. In Germany, quiet hours generally run from 22:00 to 06:00, although there are minor differences between federal states.

Limit party noise: Try to keep the noise to a minimum. Close windows and doors to stop the music carrying outside too loudly, and ask your guests not to be too loud outdoors.

End time: Plan an end time for the party and stick to it. A good rule of thumb is to turn the music down at midnight and let the party wind down by 1 or 2 am, or carry on in a way that lets your neighbours sleep.

Be respectful: If a neighbour complains about the noise, be respectful and respond appropriately. It’s better to fix the problem straight away than to deal with angry neighbours or even the police.

Is a house party better indoors or outdoors?

Whether you plan a party indoors or outdoors depends on various factors. Both options have their pros and cons. Here are a few points to consider:

Indoors:

The weather doesn’t matter: At an indoor party you don’t have to worry about the weather. Whether it rains, storms or snows, your guests stay dry and warm.

Easier noise control: It’s easier to control the noise level indoors. By closing doors and windows you can stop the music disturbing the neighbours.

More control: At a party in the house you have better control over your surroundings. You can steer where guests go and which areas are off-limits.

Outdoors:

More space: If you have a big garden, an outdoor party offers more room for guests. This can be especially useful if you plan games or activities that need a lot of space.

A special atmosphere: A garden party can offer a special, relaxed atmosphere. With fairy lights, torches or a campfire you can create an atmospheric setting.

Barbecue: At an outdoor party you have the option of a barbecue. That can be a great way to serve simple, tasty food.

But bear in mind that for an outdoor party you always need a plan B for bad weather.

A picture says more than words

Memories are one of the best gifts a party can leave behind, and what’s better for capturing those memories than photos? Here are a few ideas for getting the most photo fun out of your party:

DIY photo booth: Consider setting up a DIY photo booth. It’s easier than you think! All you need is a camera on a tripod (or even a phone with a timer), a fun backdrop and some props. Simply set everything up and let your guests have the fun themselves.

Props: Get fun props such as hats, glasses, wigs, masks etc. They don’t just make the photos funnier, they also loosen up the mood and get people interacting.

A photographer: If you have someone who likes taking photos, they could act as party photographer. They can mingle with the guests and take spontaneous shots.

Group photo: Don’t forget to take a group photo. This picture will be a lovely memory for everyone.

Sharing pictures: After the party you can share the pictures online. Create a Google Photos album or a Dropbox, for example, where you upload all the pictures, and share the link with the guests. That way everyone can access the photos and download their favourites.

How much does a good house party cost per person?

The costs of a party can vary a lot and depend on many factors. Here’s a rough calculation of the costs for a simple house party:

Party for 10 people:

Food: Let’s assume you’re planning simple snacks and finger food. Depending on your choice, you could reckon on around €5-10 per person, so roughly €50-100 in total.

Drinks: Here you could reckon on around €10-15 per person if you offer both alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. That would be around €100-150 in total.

Decorations: Depending on how extravagant you want to go, the costs here could be between €20 and €100.

Other bits (games, photo props, etc.): The costs vary a lot here too. But you could reckon on around €20-50.

That gives a total of around €190-400 for a party with 10 people.

Party for 20 people:

Food: At the same price per person, that would be around €100-200.

Drinks: Here it would be around €200-300.

Decorations: With the same decorations, you could perhaps reckon on around €30-120.

Other bits: The costs could be a bit higher here too, say around €30-70.

That gives a total of around €360-690 for a party with 20 people.

On the night, you can ask your guests to chip in towards the costs.