The return of the house party: How to be the hostess with the mostest
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15.03.2022

The return of the house party: How to be the hostess with the mostest

Words by Maddison Cochran

Transform your house into a killer party venue.

Now that the long-awaited return of clubbing is here, we’re realising the sweaty d-floor might not be as good as we remember. These nights out tend to involve plenty of pesky strangers, long lines and $20 vodka sodas, so it’s no surprise the humble house party is making a solid comeback. 

House parties take everything we love about Saturday nights (the dancing, the drinking, familiar faces), and leave behind the stress and next day hang-xiety. But if the last time you threw a party at home was in high school, you may be a bit rusty in terms of the art of hosting. Here’s all you need to know when welcoming a crowd.

Speaker

An epic house party is not complete without an epic soundtrack to accompany it. The quality of sound can make or break the night, so why not invest in a speaker that is durable and can replicate that real nightclub feel, like the SOUNDBOKS (Gen. 3). It’s the world’s loudest portable Bluetooth performance speaker, along with the longest battery life, and can be connected with up to five nearby speakers wirelessly to create the highest quality sound possible. Move it from room to room, wherever the party flows, and you’ll be sure to impress with that thumping bass.

 

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Set up the area

The most important thing to consider before a house party is who, what, when and where. Before opening your doors, set your desired number of guests and invite trusted friends who you know won’t destroy your beloved decor. Make sure the area is clean and your most precious items are stored in a safe place.

Will the party be inside or outside? Set boundaries when your guests start to arrive and decorate the area where the fun will be taking place. Some fairy lights, disco balls or cheap decorations will do the trick, while adding a touch of nostalgia to your party!

Cheeseboard

You don’t need to provide a three-course meal when it comes to hosting a house full of people, but it is a good idea to have some snack-ables on stand-by for when people get peckish (aka drunk). 

Cheeseboards and grazing platters are great for events, not only are they super easy to make, they can keep a crowd nourished at the same time as looking Insta-worthy. Grab a sturdy board and fill it with multiple kinds of cheese, dips, fruit, meats and crackers until it looks overcrowded, and voila!

Leave this, along with some plates and napkins, wherever you want people to gather, as people tend to gravitate towards a delicious spread. As a bonus, there are even local businesses that can do it all for you. 

Drinks

The same goes for drinks, most parties come with an implied BYO, but starting the night off with a tropical punch or homemade cocktails is a great way to get the conversation flowing and guests arriving on time for the freebies.

In a large jar, mix together 1.5L pineapple juice, 1.5L lemonade, 1 ⅓ cups of vodka and 1 ⅓ cups of white rum. Add frozen berries and ice, and serve with paper cups and straws for easy cleanup.

Lights

No one wants to dance the night away under the harsh lighting of your living room. Set the mood by stringing up some LED lights around the place, or hanging a flashing disco ball outside. You’d be amazed how adding some colourful excitement (and even syncing it to the music) can transform the vibe of a party.

With these tips and tricks under your belt, be prepared to never make a return to the dreaded sweaty clubs, and enjoy partying in the comfort of your own home!