This time of year is filled with excuses to throw a party. But how can you ensure everyone has fun and make your party memorable? Here are some ideas to get the group mingling and bring your circle of friends a little closer.
Singing Out LoudNothing puts people in a chatty mood like singing. So gather round the piano or plug in the karaoke machine and let the fun begin. Create spontaneous competitions—recalling old TV theme songs or one hit wonders. Simply having music as a back drop at your gathering can help people feel more relaxed or outgoing. Try some classic Motown hits or songs from your high school era—that wonderful time period where we all spent more on music than necessities—and watch your guests enjoy themselves.
Make it a GameHaving a party that focuses on something other than eating and drinking is a nice break from the ordinary, and games foster interaction among your guests. Breaking out board games or playing old favorites like charades can liven up any crowd. So have fun, play some games and enjoy the festivities.
Play Emcee.Practice giving your guests a great introduction to act as a springboard for more conversation. By finding common ground between your friends (such as hobbies, children or types of work they do), you'll give each person a tidbit to help them remember the person they've just met and an instant conversation starter. Remember, the only thing your guests know they have in common is your friendship—it's up to you to help them find other similarities.
Be CreativeA great way to get your guests talking up a storm is to ask them to let their creativity shine through in a skit. Divide guests into teams and ask each team to put together a skit based on a theme such as returning Christmas gifts, last-minute shopping or hosting the in-laws. Give a prize to the team with the funniest or most true-to-life skit. If you're not the acting type, give story-telling a shot. Start by telling the beginning of a Holiday story. Then ask each guest to add a few lines to the story. Keep it going to let the story—and fun unfold. You'll probably be surprised just how creative your friends can be! |
Let The Games Begin!
Hold a Pool TournamentWith a tabletop pool table, you can turn any room of your home into a billiards room. Your guests will have fun playing on teams or one-on-one and you may find a "shark" in the crowd.
Talent ContestCreate an "American Idol" style talent show in your own living room. Plug in the karaoke machine and let the performances begin!
Classic GamesKids big and small love the classic games of chess, checkers, Parcheesi and tic-tac-toe. |
