Party Essentials: People

By Lev Novak

Who’s coming to your party? That’s what’s going to define what your party is. Timing, setting and drink are all important for setting the stage, but people are the actors and it’s all improv, amigo.

So how do you increase the odds for a good party? Read on.

1. Remember Your Core

Your core are the people who are going to be at this party no matter what. They’re your close friends and housemates, and while you can take their attendance for granted you can’t at all forget their influence.

For example, last year I lived in a three story house with eleven other friends. Twelve of us in a run-down house- it was pretty awesome, all things considered and we obviously threw parties and while they were all successful, part of it was because we remembered that, at absolute minimum, we started the house with twelve dudes.

This is not a “where are the girls!?” type predatory situation; many of us had girlfriends or were simply more interested in pickle-backs (whiskey shots followed by pickle juice, trust me, they’re awesome) than anything else. But in terms of a party dynamic, you have to create a welcoming environment that anyone can walk into. We invited some of our platonic female friends to pre-game with us, and quickly, we had an even festive environment that anyone could walk into feeling comfortable and confident.

Also, if half your room-mates are on the Frisbee team, your house is going to be full of frisbee guys. I’m sorry, but it’s better to know ahead of time. Hide sharp objects.

2. Solidify People You Like

Tell the people you most want to be there in person. Find them after class or at lunch. At minimum, text them ahead of time.

In a world full of adventures and awesomeness, word of mouth and a Facebook event isn’t enough to promise that a specific person will show up- even if they’re “attending” on Facebook. So get them to sign on: tell them and bring them into the fold. In addition to getting your favorite people all lined up, you’ll get them to tell their friends. If you like them, chances are you’ll like their friends.

3. Prepare For Those You Don’t

Look: you can’t disinvite people from a party. Having a sign that says “No Freshmen” is frowned upon in today’s society. Same with a sign that says “No Kevin” even though, I know dude, Kevin.

The best thing you can do is prepare. What will you do if there’s a herd of Freshmen? If you have an exit strategy to get them out (fake “the cops are here” is always popular) then you’ll be okay, and more importantly, you won’t be worried all night. Some Freshmen are normal to have, and frankly, they bring an energy to any occasion. If you’re prepared, you might actual enjoy having them.

Do you have a friend who’s a problem drinker? Watch him a little and, in advance, have a friend who’s willing to take care of him if anything goes wrong. An ex-girlfriend in the house? A combination of “man up” and “keep her busy with platonic friends” is the proper plan. The actual cops? Someone should be sober(ish) and 21. If they’re good at talking and it’s predetermined, everyone else can take a big breath of fresh air.

4. Invite ~90 People on Facebook

About 90- it’s flexible. Any more and it’ll get out of hand; too many fewer and it won’t look like an actual party and people will skip it. Assuming you’re throwing a regular party and not a rager, 90 people or so (I’d round up rather than down) makes it look like a real thing without sending the message that it’s crazy.

It’s the simple things, you know?

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