So I'm throwing a party

[Charrington]

And I need suggestions for what music to get. I've never thrown a party before but I've been to a few. It's not like a formal dinner party, it will just be a bunch of late teens/early 20s hanging out and drinking/whatever so I need music for that kind of atmosphere. Classic rock, hip hop, rock, maybe some metal and some dancing stuff (I don't think there'll be much dancing though. Also, what do you think about setting out food?

[D-pad]

With that crowd can't go wrong with 90s hits.

Nirvana, Sublime, Cake, Weezer, Beck, Sugar Ray, The Offspring...

[Charrington]

With that crowd can't go wrong with 90s hits.

Nirvana, Sublime, Cake, Weezer, Beck, Sugar Ray, The Offspring...

These people are, well, rednecks kind of describes them. Very southern people, would think nirvana and weezer are too emo, sugar ray is too pop. But I think they could appreciate sublime and the offspring.

[D-pad]

Lol, well have fun...

[volomavi]

Depending on your customers. I roll from benny benassi, moby, the cat empire, to maybe queen, if you are looking for chill background music, I would not recommend metal, people are going to try to yell over that, or its going to be quiet and somewhat irritating.

Food is always great, just get some bags of chips for food, but it does tend to get messy (greasy hands, crumbs everywhere). If you wanna make it all nice go grab some stuff from a corner store and make little sandwiches. Get a large bottle of juice/coke (orange and pineapple work great with almost anything) maybe even red bull, so people don't have to worry about running to the store or worse driving drunk.

Some other stuff I found out is, make sure to stick extra toilet paper in the bathrooms, that shit disappears. Make sure people know where the bathroom is, otherwise they are gonna go peeking around your place and whatnot. Also, get your toothbrush and other toiletries out of the bathroom, including cologne/perfume. It helps if you have more than one bathroom, or even live in a house because people can go outside to piss/puke. (hope it doesn't happen on your property)

Big, visible ashtrays. Picking up cigarette butts is not cool.

Kegs are a great addition, maybe get some people to chip in or something, but keep it outside. Keg stands are fun, but beer will be spilled.

Carpets might need to be rolled up and removed, people spill alcohol, and unless its vodka, it sucks trying to get it out. On that note, try to keep some paper towels out near the drinks so if someone spills something, there is a chance they will go and clean it up.

If you have a lot of people coming, you may want to do something about the shoes/coats thing, like telling people to stick em in a closet. I don't like people wearing shoes in my house because its a lot more annoying cleaning the place up, and I have a shoe rack so people stick em in there.

Anything that looks like it can be sat on, will be sat on, so if its not sturdy, and cannot support a person should be removed, telling people is useless. Tucking away all valuables/anything fragile under a bed or in a closet is always recommended. Yes, most people are nice, but you can never predict what they may or may not do when drunk.

Depending on your neighbors, you may want to notify them that you are having a few friends over that night. So they will be expecting it and won't get all pissed off if people take their parking spots or it gets really noisy. It'll hopefully prevent them from contacting the police instead of you.

As much fun as it is throwing a party, you can't get smashed because you have to have control over the situation at all times. If something happens when you are too drunk to care, you might regret it.

Do not let people drink and drive.

Get your friends to help you clean up afterwards, thats always key.

[Charrington]

Lol, well have fun...

I appreciate the suggestions, and I don't think this music is bad (I'm a fan of most of those bands actually. Didn't mean the wrong impression, I just don't think it will fit.

Depending on your customers. I roll from benny benassi, moby, the cat empire, to maybe queen, if you are looking for chill background music, I would not recommend metal, people are going to try to yell over that, or its going to be quiet and somewhat irritating.

Food is always great, just get some bags of chips for food, but it does tend to get messy (greasy hands, crumbs everywhere). If you wanna make it all nice go grab some stuff from a corner store and make little sandwiches. Get a large bottle of juice/coke (orange and pineapple work great with almost anything) maybe even red bull, so people don't have to worry about running to the store or worse driving drunk.

Some other stuff I found out is, make sure to stick extra toilet paper in the bathrooms, that shit disappears. Make sure people know where the bathroom is, otherwise they are gonna go peeking around your place and whatnot. Also, get your toothbrush and other toiletries out of the bathroom, including cologne/perfume. It helps if you have more than one bathroom, or even live in a house because people can go outside to piss/puke. (hope it doesn't happen on your property)

Big, visible ashtrays. Picking up cigarette butts is not cool.

Kegs are a great addition, maybe get some people to chip in or something, but keep it outside. Keg stands are fun, but beer will be spilled.

Carpets might need to be rolled up and removed, people spill alcohol, and unless its vodka, it sucks trying to get it out. On that note, try to keep some paper towels out near the drinks so if someone spills something, there is a chance they will go and clean it up.

If you have a lot of people coming, you may want to do something about the shoes/coats thing, like telling people to stick em in a closet. I don't like people wearing shoes in my house because its a lot more annoying cleaning the place up, and I have a shoe rack so people stick em in there.

Anything that looks like it can be sat on, will be sat on, so if its not sturdy, and cannot support a person should be removed, telling people is useless. Tucking away all valuables/anything fragile under a bed or in a closet is always recommended. Yes, most people are nice, but you can never predict what they may or may not do when drunk.

Depending on your neighbors, you may want to notify them that you are having a few friends over that night. So they will be expecting it and won't get all pissed off if people take their parking spots or it gets really noisy. It'll hopefully prevent them from contacting the police instead of you.

As much fun as it is throwing a party, you can't get smashed because you have to have control over the situation at all times. If something happens when you are too drunk to care, you might regret it.

Do not let people drink and drive.

Get your friends to help you clean up afterwards, thats always key.


Thanks for the advice, it's all good and a few things never crossed my mind. Any ideas how to convince people not to dive drunk?

[ミュー]

Ironically, i threw a huge party last night.

Big apt in Azabu, crate of beer, cocktails, house music, and about 25 people

I'm guessing this is going to be your house.

Drinks - this is obviously the most important part of hosting a party. If they're redneck types as you say, beer is an obvious choice. Especially if it's a bunch of heavy drinkers, I suggest you provide the booze and have everyone chip in. This works really well because you can give everyone a standard selection. Also, it makes a budget for food which I'll elaborate on later. From an anti hangover perspective, beer and one type of generally accepted alcohol is the best. Also, if your guests tend to overdrink then a centrally-placed trashcan is a must. I have seen so many of my friends have house party disasters when someone vomits on the way to the bathroom.

Music - I suggest MSTRKRFT and Boys Noize for electro, and Skynyrd and The Clash for rock vanguards of getting smashed. I played house music at the party last night, because that's the official soundtrack to any good party in Tokyo. Generally, any music that makes you want to drink and generally raise hell is permissible. Making a playlist of songs beforehand is a great idea. No one wants to hear you scan through your entire library of music.

Food - I absolutely suggest getting food. For easy, delivery pizza is an obvious choice. If you're hosting it late, grab some big ass bags of salted plain tortilla chips and salsa/guacamole. Chips and dip is the be-all end-all of drinking food. I've had very positive reactions to raw shrimp and cocktail sauce, celery and cream cheese, cheese and water crackers, and chips with homemade salsa and guacamole. However, your redneck friends might call you a fag for considering gourmet party food. That being said, this kind of food is great for when you're trying to invite rich people and pretty women to any event.

Place - Take out the breakables, put cloth over tables, set out supplies in the event of a spill. If you have carpet, have that foam carpet cleaner within reach. Party fouls are not a certainty, but a very high likelihood that you should absolutely prepare for. Make sure empty cans are disposed of and thrown out, or else the next day your whole house will smell like stale beer. If you have anything non-beer, get clear plastic cups and plenty of ice. I use glasses at my house parties, but the general rule for parties is disposable serveware. I do a lot to work on the atmosphere of my parties like only serving good drinks and food, but paying attention to detail is only necessary if expected.

Safety - Don't do anything that might result in a police visit. If cops do come, make sure nothing or anyone illegal is in plain sight. State that you are the owner of your home, you will quiet down, stand in your doorway, and don't let them in without a warrant. I personally have agreed with my neighbors to quiet down/turn off music if they ring my doorbell. If this is a serious concern of yours, I strongly suggest you reconsider if you plan on inviting minors and/or letting people do illegal shit in your house. If people come by car, take their keys in advance and hide them. Friends don't let friends get fucked over by the cops for driving drunk.

Here's an example, my liquor shopping list for last night:
20 Asahi Super Dry 633mL bottles (bottled beer tastes better then can) $60
1 bottle Stolichnaya vodka $10
1 bottle Malibu coconut rum $15
1 bottle Cointreau orange liqueur $30
1 bottle Baileys creme liqueur $15
1 bottle Creme de Cassis liqueur $15
total= $145

This was for a party of 20 people, and it didn't last an hour. However, over-ordering will result in people drinking themselves sick. Having a 'reserve' set aside is a good idea. It all depends on the drinking style of your friends. Do whatever is necessary to make sure that everyone gets drunk, but no one gets sick.

Hosting a good party is a lot of work, but making an experience where everybody gets drunk and has an awesome time feels very rewarding. Friends will respect you, women will be attracted by it, blah blah hosting parties kicks ass if you do it right. I put a lot of work into last night, but I made business connections, strengthened friendships, and did all of this while getting batshit plastered.

Good luck!

[Swede]

Just have the music cater to the crowd. For most of my parties, it was a lot of power pop (sorta of like D-Pad said, Weezer and the like), and some goofy ones thrown in (The Final Countdown, Rock Me Amadeus, etc.), a good amount of Japanese songs (The Pillows, Tokyo Jihen, etc.), a little hip-hop like Lupe Fiasco... Now, I know that this probably doesn't help you much, but basically what I'm saying is that this music isn't typically what people consider party music but it still went over well. Just have a decent mix of faster paced songs, throw in a slower one everyone knows once in a while (maybe Jimmy Buffet or something for your situation) and it'll be fine.

Also, beer pong or some sort of drinking game going on is good for atmosphere in a lot of cases. Not always, like probably the sort of parties Mew throws, but often.


edit: Also, yeah, what Mew said about making a playlist beforehand is a must.

[qwert]

Top 100 Trance and Techno Party Songs of All Time

warning: I just listen to it while surfing the web...not sure if it is what you are looking for.

[Roxie]

Hrm, well. My party tunes would be similar to swede's with some basement jaxx, justice & thunderheist mixed in..but if your self described "redneck" crowd isn't into broadening their musical horizons, then let it be.

However, I do have a recipe for a chip dip that NEVER FAILS. Also, super easy.

1 can of chili (no beans)
1 pckg. cream cheese
Mexican Cheese shred mix (as much as you want)

put it in in a microwavable dish
chili on the bottom, cream cheese middle, and shredded cheese on top

microwave until the cheese on top is nice and melty.

Serve.
Easy & so good, you might forgo the chips and grab a spoon.

[Firefly]

Thanks for the advice, it's all good and a few things never crossed my mind. Any ideas how to convince people not to dive drunk?

Find out who will be drinking, who will be driving. Keep tabs on the drivers to make sure they're not drinking. Take keys and put them somewhere hidden. Let people know they can crash at your house.

Maybe you should ask the people your hosting what kind of music they like? Get a feel for a few bands, then make a playlist with that and some similar music.

Volomavi had good advice. I agree with a keg, they always go over well good.


Depending on how "crazy" the party is going to be - you won't need much food, honestly. Maybe some pizza, maybe some snacks chips/dip. Most parties I've gone to in college (I'm 22) Have had barely to no food save for what I mentioned. It's mostly about drinking. Booze is more important. And if you're supplying the booze- make sure you cover your bases. Beer for guys, fruity stuff for girls. (blah blah blah, I know girls drink beer to, but from what I've seen, it's not common) Hard Alcohol is always fun for everyone.

[Mr. Toto]

Everyone has pretty much covered everything else, but uh, here's a major tip.

And I need suggestions for what music to get. I've never thrown a party before but I've been to a few. It's not like a formal dinner party, it will just be a bunch of late teens/early 20s hanging out and drinking/whatever so I need music for that kind of atmosphere. Classic rock, hip hop, rock, maybe some metal and some dancing stuff (I don't think there'll be much dancing though. Also, what do you think about setting out food?
maybe some metal
metal
No. No no no no no no no.

Unless you're teenage boys smoking pot in your stepdad's basement, no metal. Ever. Cater to your crowd. What they like, play it.

[Citizen]

What if they like metal?

Or are you saying that only pot-smoking teenagers like metal?

[TommyA]

I am soooo shocked people are like, having house parties, to house music! I am happy it has gotten that mainstream!

When I was in HS (1994 - 1999) it was all R&B, rap, rock, punk, and anthems that everyone knew. I used to throw in some house, drum N bass, electronica (aphex twin and the likes) and people would dance or groan. Now when we have parties here in Japan, people are all into that!

As for house parties we throw here... drinking games!

Beer Pong, with rules.
King's Cup
Flip Cup

These will keep people having fun and drinking! Good times!

[Digital Masta]

As for house parties we throw here... drinking games!

Beer Pong, with rules.


I've never played a game with beer pong without rules.

[TommyA]

We have special rules that relate to the people in our circle of friends. Makes things interesting.

Example: "2 misses in a row and you have to chose someone of the opposite sex on your phone and text them to try to meet you that night for sex"

Makes it more interesting!

[D-pad]

What if they like metal?

Or are you saying that only pot-smoking teenagers like metal?

Pot-smoking teenagers and pot-smoking midtwenties lamers that never grew up and work at taco bell.

[Swede]

We have special rules that relate to the people in our circle of friends. Makes things interesting.

Example: "2 misses in a row and you have to chose someone of the opposite sex on your phone and text them to try to meet you that night for sex"

Makes it more interesting!


I'd like to see some more of these rules you play with, sounds interesting :watson:

[Samurai_Pooh]

Pot-smoking teenagers and pot-smoking midtwenties lamers that never grew up and work at taco bell.

huh. metal is the last thing I would want to listen to when high. but i also don't work at taco bell.

[Firefly]

I'd like to see some more of these rules you play with, sounds interesting :watson:



agreed. I dunno why I've never thought of this. Although, I don't really like beer pong. I prefer drinking games or just hanging out/chatting :/

[TommyA]

Some other rules:

Troll Rule:

Miss shots for the whole game, and become the troll. Troll sits under the table for the whole next game. Pictures can be taken at request. Must oblige.

Phantom Cup:

Each side gets time to spike ONE cup of their choice on the other team, with THEIR choice of liquor (good to have clear or beer colored liquors at your disposal OR be a great shot!).

Shirts:
Miss 3x without hitting a cup, shirt comes off.

There are many more! These fit the group of people we party with here in Nagoya. Everyone is game, no one backs down.

Have space for shoes:
http://photos-h.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc1/hs039.snc1/2422_57894651926_688151926_2000119_5653830_n.jpg

Invite all the black people you know so can take pics like this( 2 out of 3 are professional basketball players. Tommy isn't...):
http://photos-b.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2422/86/122/688151926/n688151926_2000105_5619685.jpg

Learn how to play a fun game of King's Cup:
http://photos-a.ak.fbcdn.net/photos-ak-snc1/v2422/86/122/688151926/n688151926_2000136_8387120.jpg

[Charrington]

Thanks for all the answers guys, it's quite nice considering how much of a dick I am to all of you. I postponed the party for next weekend because of scheduling conflicts so that will give me some more time to prepare. I think I'll make a pizza, chicken wings, bread sticks and I've downloaded a wide variety of music. Luckily my floor is tile so I don't have to worry about spills, and I'm gonna lock anything breakable/worth stealing into an empty bedroom. I'll probably buy a case or two of beer and have everybody chip in a few bucks to get some more.

[D-pad]

I'd say plan on spending 5.00 per guest on alchy, then have them chip in for more.

[h2orowe]

Don't forget to put on some Grateful Dead, mang.

[Vic_Rattlehead]

it's quite nice considering how much of a dick I am to all of you.

We know that you just want a hug! :innocent:

[l337moomoo]

I recommend the music of Zero 7 if there will be any hookah (GREAT FOR PARTIES/SOCIALIZING) or weed smoking or just plain kicking it. It's very, very chill and I guarantee people will be coming up to you constantly to ask "LEIK OMG WHOO IS DIS PLAYING IN DA STUREO???!!!" (check out "Red Dust" on youtube or basically ANYTHING from them, they are great.)

In terms of hip-hop, I think the obvious choice to go with would be some A Tribe Called Quest. Very chill (AND AMAZING) hip-hop that isn't too obnoxious and makes for good, relaxing party music. ("Electric Relaxation". nuff said.)

I'll try and think of more!

[stsparky]

Take the car keys of any drinkers. Cab the ones home if you have been drinking.

[riona]

The Offspring...
I'm going to see The Offspring on Sunday.
IRT convincing people not to drive drunk: Trade drinks for keys. Have people who won't be drinking drive people home at night, or find the number of a cab company if you live in a bigger city. Set up a tent in the yard (if you have both - a tent and a yard), throw in a few blankets, and tell people they can sleep there. Always works for me. Then again, my friends and I are REALLY strict about not letting people drive drunk since a kid I knew from high school died while drunk driving.

[bigmouthstrikesagain]

"Electric Relaxation"


I've always thought of this more as a song for the bedroom...

anyway, when picking music for a party I figure there's two ways you can go either play what you would want to hear at a party or play stuff you know/think your guests will like. in both cases I'd probably favour more upbeat stuff, though that can depend on the type of party/kind of guests. in general I'd just be willing to skip a track if the people don't want to hear it and be willing to put something on if the people want it and you'll be fine

as for drunk driving, allowing people the option of sleeping at your place if it's possible will help a lot probably.

[volomavi]

Its expected to see house become more accepted at parties as electronica starts pushing its way into main-stream.

Not letting people drive drunk;

1: Designated Drivers. They are a godsend to us sinners. They are the friends of a friend that won't drink but don't mind going to a party. One time, between my circle of friends I was told to be the DD, we made it home safe, but my friends were literally praying to get home alive. Sure its an amusing memory, but many things could have taken a turn for the worse. After that incident no one trusted me to drive a vehicle.

2: Making a list of people that are coming, and then checking it up against the people that can drive others home. The catch is, if you see someone offering others rides, be sure that they are in a stable condition. I earned myself a concussion in a situation like that.

3: Letting people sleep over at your place. As long as you have a few extra pillows, assuming the climate permits, is enough for most people. The one thing you have to worry about in this situation, is that they didn't drink too much. They might throw up in their sleep, or they might not wake up the next morning. So be sure that people drinking, are aware of their limit, and if they aren't, their friends will give two shits about them.

4: Cabs/Taxis/Public Transport. This is a fickle creature and depends on many factors. I live in a city with a decent public transport structure, the need for taxis is minimal. Once again, you have to make sure that the person taking the bus won't lose conscience half way through the trip, or won't opt to throw up half way through and get kicked off the transit. As for cabs, people rarely have the means of paying for one, if they do, fucking carpool. If you know people live in the same area, just get 5 people to pack a cab, and get off in the same area.

5: If you see that they are drunk, and then they try to tell you they are fine to drive, stop them. This includes anywhere from duct-taping them to the floor to simply offering them a place to crash.

Music-wise, tastes vary. Assuming you know your friends, it won't be that hard to put together a few play lists.

When I have people coming to my house, I either have everyone chip in for alcohol, or have everyone bring enough to get themselves to the desired point. From experience, I usually get a flat of beer and a liter of vodka plus juice and whatnot for every 6 people. If someone wishes to get something a little extra, more often than not it is shared between everyone else.

Remember, you know your guests better than we do. So you can take our advice and tailor it to your specific crowd.

PS: I'm serious about the toilet paper.

[Swede]

Definitely on the toilet paper. I think it tends to happen if you have more girls over, they go through it waaaaay faster than the pace that guys normally do.

[volomavi]

So how'd it go? Tales of the bottle? Pictures? Come on man.

[Charrington]

So how'd it go? Tales of the bottle? Pictures? Come on man.

It went pretty well. The advice here helped quite a bit. I won't being doing it again anytime soon though, clean up and general effort is too much for me to bother with.

[Trump]

Parties are a lot of work =/

[volomavi]

...Thats why you call their asses and tell them you are throwing another party, when people start coming, you start handing out cleaning supplies at the door. Be sure to stick some sort of banner at the entrance that reads "Cleaning Party!".

I did the cleaning up by myself once. I didn't mind organizing it, but I made fucking sure there would be people cleaning up the next day.

"It was a great party right? If you want to have another one like it you best be putting that broom to good use"

Seriously, if your friends don't feel like cleaning up after themselves, you definitely invited the wrong bunch.

[Swede]

I've usually made sure I have at least a couple close friends willing to stick around and clean up the next morning. Last one I had was great in that regard, even though people were pretty bad about making messes I had a guy who was mopping my floor the next day without asking, and he wasn't even one of the bad ones. World needs more people like that.

[bigmouthstrikesagain]

one time I was at party at these girls' apartment and one of their friends (probably the only person I will unreservedly refer to as a "bitch") started making me and my friends clean up before the party was even over when we were still very very drunk. their toilet flooded which wasn't our fault but she got us mopping the floor and then she had others out on the deck to clean up cigarette butts but they ended up picking up all this trash they had previously left out on the balcony that had nothing to do with the party eventually we figured out what was happening and peaced it out of there. I guess we had it coming being very drunk but you shouldn't take advantage of your guests especially when we didn't puke or make a mess.