“1 event invitation.”
The requests tab of your Facebook page so conveniently displays this image reminding you that you might be able to have a social life outside of college after all.
But, on the other end of the invite is the person who sent it, using party planning as a way to procrastinate further from their schoolwork. How can you be so lucky to be the host of this party? Well, here’s how.
Get your act together
The first step in planning a party will be coming up with the idea. It can be as simple as saying, “I want to have a party,” to as complex as picking a theme and deciding which fancy hors d’oeuvres to pass around.
Matt Skalski, senior, said he, along with his roommates, has thrown many different parties, and often times likes to choose a theme.
“Usually we have people give us ideas (for themes), and then we select from the better ones,” Skalski said. “And we make sure all the roommates agree.”
Alice Moua, assistant manager for 50-50 Factory Outlet, 3315 State Road 93, said the store provides many options for people looking to throw a party.
“We carry about everything – you can come in here and find about anything,” she said, adding they carry supplies for birthday themes from 1-year-old to juvenile to over-the-hill and every day birthdays.
The store also sells decorations and party supplies for themes such as Mardi Gras, casino parties, Hawaiian luaus, Cinco de Mayo and a variety of other Mexican themes, Moua said.
Moua said the store helps customers through the party process.
“Usually when our customers come in we’ll help them all the way through on whatever supplies they need,” she said.
Moua said the store helps customers keep on track with their budget, being sure to keep in mind the supplies needed to satisfy the number of guests coming to the party.
Skalski said the key ingredient to being prepared for the party is organization.
“(I would recommend) being really well organized and making sure everyone is on the same page,” he said.
Three’s a party
Skalski said he enjoys hosting parties because the home atmosphere provides a safe environment for people to get together.
He said he has used Facebook to send out party invitations, but most of his guests find out via word-of-mouth.
“I’d say (Facebook is) a good tool, but I wouldn’t recommend it because of the privacy aspect,” he said.
From there, Skalski said planning the party comes down to determining items such as decorations, admission prices and drinks.
Getting in the mood
Themed parties are a good way to create the atmosphere of the party, Skalski said.
“It makes it more fun . it kind of sets a good mood to begin with,” he said.
Skalski said he and his roommates have hosted several themed parties, including Hawaiian themes, black and white parties, a country theme, Christmas parties, New Years parties, Toga parties and even a Harry Potter theme.
“You name it, we’ve probably done it,” he said.
Don’t forget the passion
Passion parties are a trend that have been gaining popularity for several years now. A passion party is essentially a sexed-up version of a Tupperware party, in which party-goers learn about products available to enhance their sexual relationships.
“Passion Parties are designed to inform and educate women through tasteful in-home presentations,” according to the Passion Party Web site. “(It gives attendees the) opportunity to experience sensual products designed to enhance your sexual relationships.”
Angie Polinsky, executive director and independent consultant for Passion Parties, said the company started because a group of women saw it as a good way to help enhance women’s relationships in a home setting.
“I wouldn’t consider it an entertainment, its an educational presentation about your body and your relationship with your partner,” Polinsky said.
Polinsky said this sort of education is a way of saving the nation from its growing divorce rate.
“Sex is the glue that keeps your marriage together,” she said. “So if you’re not having good sex your not having a good marriage.”
Passion parties provide women an understanding of how to incorporate something new in their relationship, she said, making sure the sparks last.
Despite its educational value, Polinsky added it is a good way for girls to have some bonding time.
“It’s for girls to get together so that they can have a night away from all their worries,” she said.
Google
Like always, there are Web sites available to help hosts plan their events.
Web sites such as bestpartyever.com and www.evite.com, offer users tips on budgeting and simplified ways to plan their party.
Skalski said it’s also good to keep in mind the people you are inviting to the party to ensure nothing will be broken or stolen from your home.
He and his roommates also always plan ahead to ensure the safety of their guests.
“Make sure you regulate people leaving as much as they come in – (we have to) be responsible at our parties,” he said, adding they make it extremely easy for people to spend the night, offering plenty of sleeping bags and comforters.
He also said they have taxicab numbers posted near their door – just in case.