Party ideas: How to Plan an Awesome House Party?

It’s time to transform your living room into a real club that can rival Berghain. You want to have a house party that will go down in history? Be it for a birthday, New Year’s Eve or a bachelor party – then you’ve come to the right place!

But before the chaos of good mood starts, there are some things to plan. And this is where we come in: With a few handy tips and tricks you can be sure that your party will not only be awesome, but absolutely unforgettable. So grab a pen, put your feet up, and get ready for our ultimate tips on planning the most awesome house party ever.

What party mottos are a good idea?

If you’re just going to be dressed as usual, then you’re missing out on a lot of fun. A theme party brings fun and excellent subjects for photos! Here are 10 ideas:

1. 80s party: dress up in neon colors, shoulder pads and leggings. Decorate your apartment with old records and posters of your favorite 80s bands. Make a mix of the greatest hits of the decade and serve typical snacks, such as cocktail sausages and cheese cubes.
2. Pajama party: it doesn’t get more comfortable than this! Everyone comes in their coolest or craziest pajamas. For decorations, you can spread pillows and blankets on the floor. A pancake bar for the small hunger is a real hit here.
3. Hawaii-Luau: Put on the flower wreaths and mix delicious tropical cocktails. With palm trees, colorful garlands and tiki torches, you can transform your home into a paradise. Pineapple and coconut snacks take care of the physical well-being.
4. Movie hero party: Whether you’re a Marvel superhero or a Disney princess, everyone can dress up as their favorite movie character. Decorate with movie posters and popcorn machine. Finger food and cocktails can be named after movie titles.
5. Great Gatsby / 20s: Celebrate like in the wild twenties! Glittering dresses, jackets and hats are the order of the day here. Jazz music, champagne and canapés complete the overall picture.
6. Oktoberfest party: Dirndl and lederhosen are a must here. Decorated with Bavarian flags, beer mugs and pretzels. Serves traditional Bavarian food like weisswurst and pretzels.
7. Karaoke night: everyone can let their inner pop star out here! A simple setup with a microphone and speaker is all that’s needed. For snacks, simple finger foods like pizza and chicken wings are ideal.
8. Western Party: Cowboy boots and bandanas are the outfit of choice here. Decorate your home with hay bales and horseshoes. Serve steaks and beer for that real Wild West feel.
9. Casino Night: Elegant evening wear is the order of the day here. Set up a few gaming tables and hang glamorous decorations. Cocktail party style food and drinks are perfect here.
10. Superheroes vs supervillains: There are no limits to creativity here. Everyone dresses up as their favorite superhero or villain. Colorful, comic book decorations and themed snacks go great.

PS: If you’re looking for mottos for your bachelor party, check out our post on bachelor party mottos!

Tips for your party outfit

Of course, the choice of outfit depends a lot on the theme of the party, as you can see in the examples above. But if you’re planning a classic house party, without a specific theme, there are still some tips that can help you choose the perfect outfit:

1. Comfort is important: You’ll probably be doing a lot of dancing, running around, and possibly settling on furniture that isn’t necessarily made for evening wear. So choose something you can move around in freely and have fun.
2. Layers: It can get hot in a crowded apartment or, depending on the season, chilly when you’re outside. So think in layers so you can adjust to the temperature.
3. Think practical: There’s a chance of spilling drinks, so maybe don’t wear your most expensive piece of clothing. And girls, think twice about wearing high heels – they may look great, but can become uncomfortable after a few hours of dancing.
4. Show personality: your clothes can be a conversation starter. Wear something that says a bit about you, or choose an eye-catching accessory that will draw attention.
5. Style: your attire should naturally match the type of party. An elegant cocktail party requires a different outfit than a casual beach party. If you’re not sure, ask the host about the dress code.

If you’re planning your bachelor party, it’s the typical t-shirts with funny sayings, we offer plenty of tips for that too.

Party food: Simple and delicious!

At a party, the food is just as important as the music and drinks. It has to be delicious, but at the same time easy to handle and ideally edible without cutlery.

Delicious food for the party

Here are some ideas for easy and delicious party food:

1. Mini pizzas: you can buy ready-made pizza dough and cut out small pizza circles, which you then top with different toppings. Tomato sauce, cheese and oregano are a must, but you can also be creative and add pesto, olives or even pineapple, for example.
2. Finger sandwiches: bread, toppings, bread – sandwiches are the quintessential classic. If you cut them into bite-sized pieces and offer different varieties (ham, cheese, vegetarian, etc.), there will be something for every guest.
3. Chicken Wings: these are a bit messy, but so delicious that no one will mind. You can either pan fry them or bake them in the oven and serve them with different sauces (BBQ, sweet and sour, chili, etc.).
4. Cheese and sausage platter: an absolute classic that always goes down well. Offer a variety of cheeses and sausages and don’t forget the pickles and olives.
5. Wrap Rolls: Fill tortilla wraps with a variety of ingredients (e.g., chicken, lettuce, tomatoes, guacamole, etc.), roll them up tightly, and then cut them into small rolls.
6. Meatballs: These little treats are super tasty and easy to eat. You can just serve them with a little tomato sauce and they are a treat both hot and cold.
7. Mini Quiches: You can either bake one big quiche and cut it into small pieces or make individual mini quiches. Whether they’re made with bacon, cheese, spinach or tomatoes, they’re always a hit.
8. Stuffed Mushrooms: take large mushrooms, remove the stem and then stuff them with a mixture of cream cheese, garlic and herbs. Just bake them in the oven and you’re done!
9. Salads: a big mixed salad is always a good choice, especially if you also have vegetarian or health-conscious guests. You can also make pasta salad, potato salad or coleslaw.
10. Filled Puff Pastries: Just roll out some puff pastry, fill with ham and cheese or spinach and feta, fold and bake.
11. Cheese skewers: simply skewer different cheeses and maybe some sausage or olives. These can also be complemented with grapes or other fruit.
12. Bruschetta: Toast some baguette, rub it with garlic and then top with tomatoes and basil or other toppings of your choice.
13. Puff pastrysausages: wrap sausages in puff pastry and bake until golden brown. They are popular with both children and adults.

The most important thing is that the dishes are easy to eat and there is something for everyone. So don’t forget to offer vegetarian and possibly vegan options as well.

Snacks for in between

Of course, snacks can’t be missing from a house party. They are super easy to prepare (just put them in bowls) and they can be eaten throughout the party. Here are some ideas for snacks that no party should be without:

1. Chips: A real classic. It’s best to get different flavors. Also remember to provide a few bags without adventurous flavors (just salt, paprika) for guests who don’t like it so exotic.
2. Peanuts: Whether they’re salted, roasted or natural, peanuts are always a good snack between meals. You can also offer a mix of different types of nuts.
3. Pretzel Sticks: They are salty and crunchy, making them perfect for snacking. You can eat them plain or dip them in a dip.
4. Popcorn: Especially if you’re having a movie or series themed party, popcorn is a must. You can offer sweet and salty popcorn to suit all preferences.
5. Cheese cubes: they are easy to eat and go perfectly with wine or beer. If you want, you can also add cubes of sausage or ham.
6. Fruit skewers: If you also want to offer something sweet, fruit skewers are a good choice. Just take different fruits, cut them into cubes and put them on skewers.
7. Caprese skewers: these only require three ingredients – cherry tomatoes, mozzarella balls and fresh basil. Simply alternate them on a skewer and drizzle with a little salt, pepper and balsamic.
8. Vegetable sticks: for the health-conscious guests (or those who want a little variety from all the salty snacks), you can also offer sticks of carrots, cucumbers and peppers.
9. Olives: they’re delicious, healthy and go perfectly with a cool drink. If you offer different varieties (green, black, stuffed, etc.), it won’t be boring either.
10. Shrimp cocktail: cook some shrimp (or buy them already cooked), then put them on a lettuce leaf in a cocktail glass and add some cocktail sauce. Ready is a delicious and elegant appetizer.
11. Vegetable sticks with dip: Cut different vegetables (cucumbers, carrots, peppers, etc.) into sticks and serve them with different dips, e.g. hummus, tzatziki or guacamole.
12. Chocolate: For the sweet tooth among your guests, you can provide a selection of chocolate. Make sure it’s not near hot drinks or radiators so it doesn’t melt.

Don’t forget to provide enough napkins and refill empty bowls regularly during the party. With these snacks, you’ll definitely be ready for any party!

Tip: Every guest brings food

A party where every guest contributes something to the buffet is called a potluck party. Not only does it greatly reduce the cost to the host, but it also makes for an exciting variety of dishes and makes the meal a true community experience. Here are a few tips on how to best organize it:

1. Coordination is key: It’s important that not everyone brings the same thing. So create a list or document where everyone can write down what they are bringing. That way, you won’t end up with ten bowls of potato salad and no dessert.
2. Don’t bring drinks: You should plan the drinks centrally, otherwise it will be chaotic…
3. Allergies and diets to consider: Make sure you know if anyone has special dietary needs or allergies and share that information with all guests. That way, everyone can take it into consideration when preparing their dishes.

Party drinks: what drinks do you need for the party?

Drinks play a big part in any party and the choices are vast. Here are some suggestions for the different areas:

Soft drinks, beer and co

• Beer: Offer different types, including non-alcoholic beer.
• Wine: Red and white wine are a must. Maybe some rosé or sparkling wine for the sparkling wine lovers.
• Soft Drinks: Coke, lemonade, orange juice, apple juice, water (both still and sparkling), tonic water and ginger ale are good base drinks.
• Energy drinks: some guests may want something to keep them going.
• Non-alcoholic alternatives: Think about drivers or those who don’t drink alcohol. Mocktails, non-alcoholic beer and non-alcoholic wine are great options.

Cocktails

• Mojito: You’ll need rum, lime, mint, sugar and soda for this classic cocktail.
• Pina Colada: A summer cocktail made with rum, coconut cream and pineapple juice.
• Sex on the Beach: A sweet, fruity cocktail with vodka, peach liqueur, orange and cranberry juice.
• Margarita: A cocktail with Mexican flair made with tequila, triple sec and lime juice.
• Cosmopolitan: A classy drink made with vodka, triple sec, cranberry juice and a dash of lime juice.

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

Other

• Glasses: make sure you have enough glasses for all the guests. It can be useful to have different types for different drinks (beer glasses, wine glasses, cocktail glasses, etc.).
• Paper cups: they are a good option if you don’t have enough glasses, or for guests who are drinking outside or standing up.
• Ice cubes: you’ll need plenty of ice to keep the drinks cool. If you don’t have room in your freezer, you can buy ice cubes.
• Straws: not only are they practical, but they also make a nice decoration for cocktails. Remember to choose eco-friendly options, though, like paper or reusable straws.
• Cocktail shakers: if you’re offering cocktails, you’ll need a shaker to prepare them.
• Coasters: To protect your furniture from water rings, provide some coasters.
• Drink dispenser: For larger parties, a drink dispenser with water or a basic cocktail mix might come in handy.

Decoration and style: making it unique

The decorations and style of your party will, of course, depend heavily on the theme you choose. No matter what theme you choose, the decorations will contribute significantly to the atmosphere and will immerse your guests in the appropriate mood. Here are some general tips:

1. Color scheme: choosing a color scheme that matches the theme can make a big difference. For example, red and gold might be chosen for an Oscars party, while a neon party calls for bright colors.
2. Lighting: don’t underestimate the effect of lighting on the mood. You can use candles or fairy lights for a cozy atmosphere, while strobe lights or disco balls will create a party atmosphere.
3. Balloons and garlands: These are easy to install and remove and can make a big difference. They can be chosen in colors that match the theme.
4. Themed Decorations: Whether it’s Hawaiian chains 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 also be customized to match the theme.

However, with all the festive spirit, you should also think about your valuables:

1. Valuable or fragile items: make sure all valuable or fragile items are safely stored away. Accidents can easily happen at parties, and it would be a shame if something were to break.
2. Lock off rooms: if there are rooms you don’t want to use for the party (your bedroom, for example), lock them off or put up a sign making it clear that they are not to be entered.

Party music: a must for any party!

Music is the heart of any party and a good playlist can make the difference between a good party and a terrific one. Here are some tips on how to make sure your music matches the mood:

1. Create a playlist: Use Spotify or similar to create a playlist of songs that fit the theme. For example, if you’re hosting an ’80s party, you can choose songs by Madonna, Michael Jackson, Queen, and other artists from that era.
2. No guest DJs: Even though your guests will probably have lots of great music suggestions, it can get messy if everyone adds their own songs. Stick to your prepared playlist to ensure a continuous music experience.
3. Chill and party music: A good party playlist should include a mix of laid-back music for the beginning 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 set a good mood, but not so loud that guests can no longer converse. And of course, think about your neighbors – it’s better if they don’t have to call the police because of the music.
5. Distribution of speakers: if possible, spread out several speakers around the party area instead of having the music come from one corner. This will balance the sound and make sure the music can be heard everywhere.

Karaoke: Grab the microphone!

Karaoke can be a super addition to your party and provide a lot of fun and laughs. Here are a few things to keep in mind:

1. Karaoke equipment: you can rent or buy a karaoke machine, or you can use an app on your TV or computer. Remember to get microphones, too – the more the merrier, because group singing can be a real blast!
2. Song Selection: Make sure you have a wide selection of songs so that every guest can find something they like to sing. Classics like “Bohemian Rhapsody” by Queen or “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gaynor are often hits, but newer songs can be a lot of fun, too.
3. Timing: the later the evening, the more likely people are to grab the microphone. You may want to save the karaoke for later in the evening when the mood is already boisterous.

Party Games: Little games spice up the evening

Party games are a great icebreaker and can also spice up the course of the evening. Here are some games you might consider playing:

1. Beer Pong: A classic party game. You’ll need a table, some plastic cups and ping pong balls. Set up the cups in a pyramid shape on either side of the table and take turns trying to throw the balls into your opponent’s cups. If a ball lands in a cup, the opponent must drink the beer inside.
2. Truth or Dare: A familiar game in which players must choose between a “truth” (answer a personal question) or a “dare” (complete a task).
3. Spin the Bottle: Similar to “Truth or Dare,” but the questions or tasks are determined by spinning a bottle.
4. Cards Against Humanity: A card game where players must complete funny or provocative sentences. Beware, this game is quite sarcastic and not everyone’s cup of tea.
5. Charades: A game in which a person tries to represent a word or phrase to their team members without speaking.
6. Beerio Kart: A fun twist on the classic Nintendo game Mario Kart. Each player must finish their beer during the race, but are not allowed to drink and drive at the same time.
7. Twister: A physical game in which players must take different positions on a mat with colored dots without losing their balance.

These games will definitely keep you entertained and make your guests laugh. Are you still looking for games for your bachelor party – then read our post on bachelor party games.

Guests: Who, how many & Co.

Every party is only as good as its company. Therefore, your party stands and falls with the selection 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 some things to consider when deciding who to invite:

1. Number: Think about how much space you have. As a rule of thumb, there shouldn’t be more than 20 or it can escalate quickly and planning becomes very involved. If it is a garden party, there can be more. Also ask for firm commitments or cancellations.
2. Harmonious guest image: invite people who are likely to get along well with each other. A good mix of friends, co-workers and family members can make for interesting conversations and interactions.
3. Balanced Mix: Make sure you have a balanced mix of different genders. This can ensure that everyone feels comfortable and the party is exuberant.
4. Additional guests: It is important to set clear rules from the beginning about whether or not guests can bring someone. If you are open to it, you can note that on the invitation. However, if you want to keep control over the number of guests, you should make it clear that it is a closed party.

Travel and accommodation

If you have guests traveling from further away, you will need to make some travel and lodging considerations:

1. Travel information: Give clear directions on how to get there. Include the nearest public transportation, parking, or the best route for guests coming from out of town. You may also be able to organize a carpool.
2. Organize rides: If possible, consider a shared cab or shuttle service. This way you can make sure everyone gets home safely, especially if alcohol is involved.
3. Overnight accommodations: If guests are traveling from far away and don’t have a way to get home, you should offer or suggest overnight accommodations. You may have room for a few guests to stay overnight, or you can recommend nearby hotels or bed and breakfasts. Also consider the possibility of Airbnb or similar.
4. Arrangements for overnight guests: if guests are staying with you, make sure you have enough bedding, towels, and toiletries. A small breakfast the next morning would also be a nice gesture.

Miscellaneous: 6 final tips

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

1. First Aid Kit: It’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit on hand just in case someone trips, cuts themselves or has another minor injury.
2. Enough seating: Make sure there are enough seats for all your guests, especially if you plan to serve a meal that will be eaten at the table. Tip: beer crates and a pillow on top, and you’re done with seating!
3. Emergency contacts: Keep contact numbers for local cabs, emergency medical services and perhaps a local pizzeria handy just in case they are needed.
4. Set an End Time: It can be helpful to set an end time for the party and communicate it to guests. This will give guests a sense of when they should leave and help you make sure the party doesn’t end too late.
5. Clean up: plan ahead of time who will help clean up and how you will approach cleaning up the next day. This can avoid 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 is supposed to be outside? What if the grill doesn’t work or the main dish burns? A backup plan helps avoid the stress of such situations.

Planning a party: checklist to tick off

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

1. Determine party theme: Choose a theme for the party. This will help you make decisions about decorations, music, and food.
2. Set Budget: Before you start planning, you should decide how much money you want to spend. This will affect what you can do for food, decorations, music and other things.
3. Create guest list: Decide who you want to invite. Consider how much space you have and how many people you can host.
4. Set date and time: Choose a date and time that works well for most of your guests. Also consider what day of the week and time are best for the type of party you are planning.
6. Send invitations: Whether you use traditional paper cards, emails or social media, share the date, time, location and theme of the party with your guests.
7. Plan food and drinks: think about what you want to serve. Should it be a full dinner or more snacks? Also plan the drinks and remember to offer non-alcoholic options as well.
8. Make a shopping list: Write down everything you need for the party: food, drink, decorations, possibly costumes or other specific items that fit your theme.
9. Plan decorations: Think about decorations that fit your theme. Buy or make them ahead of time so you don’t get stressed out at the last minute.
10. Plan 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 fits the mood you want to create.
11. Plan activities and games: consider offering any games or activities for your guests. This can be especially useful if not all of your guests know each other.
12. Prepare space: Make sure you have enough space for everyone. Consider where people can sit, stand, dance, and eat. Move breakable items out of the way and mark areas that are off limits to guests.
13. Inform neighbors: If you live in a residential area, let your neighbors know about the party in advance. They will appreciate the heads up.
14. Photos and Memories: Make sure you have a camera or cell phone ready to take photos of the party. Also think about an area for a DIY photo booth.
15. Safety Measures: Make sure there are enough ashtrays in case smokers are invited. Also think of enough places for guests to put their glasses to avoid stains.

Conclusion and FAQs

In conclusion, planning a house party is fun – but also involves work and it requires creativity as well as organization. From choosing the perfect theme, to putting together a harmonious guest list, to carefully selecting food, drinks, music and decorations, there are many elements that need to be considered.

At the same time, it’s important to remember that the goal of any party is to have an awesome time with friends and family. So, even though there is a lot to consider when planning, it is crucial to focus on what really matters: Having fun and creating precious memories.

By keeping our tips and ideas in mind, you’ll be well on your way to hosting a house party your guests won’t soon forget. Have fun planning and, of course, having fun at the party! Let it rip!