Want to know the difference between a House Party and an EPIC House Party? Read on for tips on throwing a party that will be talked about for years to come.
We all love a good party, but not all of us love throwing one. Let’s face it, it takes a ton of work to pull it off and it takes a true hero to make it EPIC. Have you thought about hosting a raging, all-night blowout? Of course you want to have just as much fun as everyone else, and you want to create memories that will last a lifetime. Someone has to do it. Are you up for it?
I know a thing or two about throwing parties..because I have thrown a party or two..or three…or four…..anyway you get the idea! The difference between throwing a party and throwing an EPIC party is the planning and thought that goes into it. Anyone can go to Costco, grab beer, a couple platters and have a party. I’m not knocking this approach, I’ve done it on many occasions, it works and everyone has fun.
But an EPIC party takes partying to a whole other level! No-one knows this better than my good friends who threw a New Year’s Eve Bash! They are masters at throwing EPIC parties, let me explain how they do it and share their tips and tricks.
Tips for Throwing an EPIC House Party
#1 A Diverse Guest List
Of course you need to start with a guest list. Inviting friends from different areas of your life makes the party more interesting. Inviting your crazy college friends, work colleagues, and distant cousins will make the group diverse and create a fun environment for everyone, remember this is an EPIC party 🙂
#2 Get the Word Out
OK, so Emily Post would turn over in her grave if she knew we were sending invitations electronically instead of hand written via snail mail. Hand written invitations are lovely yes, but they take time away from the actual party planning! Facebook, EVITE, Paperless Post, or Instagram works perfectly. You can include all the details of the event and what your guests need to bring. It’s quick and easy and allows you to spend your time on the preparation aspect of the party itself.
#3 Pick a Theme for the Party
Remember this is an EPIC party, not just an everyday party. My friends chose a “Great Gatsby” theme for their New Years Eve Bash. It was fun to dress up in 1920s attire, put on a wig, and wear fishnet stockings for the evening. The men looked dapper as well, in 3 piece suits and tuxedos. Studies suggest that people have more fun at themed parties, so why not have a theme or a dress attire for your next party.
#4 Ask for Help
An EPIC party requires so much planning and preparation, there is nothing wrong in asking for help. Pulling off a party like this requires a team of people all working together with a common goal…providing a memorable experience for guests. When my friends asked for my help in preparing for this bash, I was happy to oblige and offer my assistance. Friends and family want to help, give them a call, you’ll be glad you did.
#5 Add in Fun Decor
My friends pulled out the “red carpet” to greet guests into their home. Lining the foyer was a red carpet and groups of different sized and colored balloons that were blown up and assembled just prior to the party.
For ideas on making your own balloon banner, check out How to Make a Balloon Banner, Balloon Backdrop, or Balloon Garland
At the end of the red carpet was a 2019 display of balloons and tinsel, this was a fun spot to stop and take pictures.
The party was held on the lower level of the home. Cocktail tables were decorated with centerpieces made from ostrich feathers and a festive backdrop added to the glamour of the space.
Party favors of hats, horns, and necklaces were available to guests for the midnight toast.
A gold tinsel entryway added glitz to the party space.
Confetti champagne made the midnight toast extra festive!
#6 Play Games
My friends have truly mastered the art of connecting people thru games. Pictionary, beer pong, flip cup to name a few of the many games we play while laughing hysterically with friends new and old.
#7 Feed Your Guests
Whether you make your own, request a potluck, or hire caterers, food and drink are a must at an EPIC House Party. You want to make sure that your guests are happy and a good spread of food and quality beverages is a surefire way to please people. If you are serving alcohol at your EPIC party, you must supply food, you want everyone to have fun and be safe at the same time.
Hiring a bartender for the night will make your party truly EPIC. Your goal is to provide a fun evening for your guests but you also want to have fun with them too, not worrying about preparing drinks, take a load off and source the job out if your budget allows.
Another clever and fun idea is to serve a signature cocktail or cocktails. My friends came up with 3 signature cocktails that were unique and fun for guests to try.
A variety of food such as a charcuterie board is always a crowd pleaser and easy to prepare, check out How to Make a Charcuterie Board – Step by Step Guide.
Cocktail tables are a must at an EPIC party. They are easy to set up and take down and provide an intimate gathering space. These fitted tablecloths look great, they are sleek, modern and easy to clean.
A popcorn machine with cart is a fun touch for an EPIC party. Whether it’s used for movie night, kids birthday, or late night munchies, it is always a hit. It comes in so useful and is used more often than you might think, but it’s important to get the right kind of popcorn for your machine is critical. Not just any popcorn works well in these machines, my friend turned me on to the perfect popcorn and now we can’t use anything else for our machine.
Preparing food for a large party can be stressful, and many choose to purchase goodies already prepared to save time. My friend made much of the food for this bash, preparing each piece of these mozzarella, basil, and tomato appetizers.
The pork belly, tomato and lettuce sandwiches were a hug hit, all homemade as well.
The chocolate covered strawberries were all hand dipped by our hostess, a variety of white and milk chocolate were used and some had a gold covered shell.
Crystals were scattered on a white tablecloth, making the table even more inviting.
Unique tall martini glasses were used to serve shrimp cocktail and guacamole.
Calamari, chicken tenders, egg rolls, and mozarella sticks were also on the evenings menu, all presented on beautiful white serving platters.
I can’t forget to mention the delicious beef skewers. All the menu items were thoughtfully prepared and easy to eat while enjoying cocktails, a great variety – perfect for an EPIC party.
Lastly, to make this party “over the top EPIC”, a backdrop and professional lighting was brought in to take pictures of everyone dressed in their Great Gatsby attire. A night truly to be remembered by all and one that lasted well into the morning hours 😉
Have I inspired you to host a raging all nighter? These tips work well for small intimate gatherings too 🙂 Cheers!
For other ideas on party planning check out
Our Christmas Home Tour & Annual Holiday Party 2018
Hosting a Friendsgiving Dinner Party
How to Prepare Your Home For a Large Party
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Wow! That truly was an EPIC party!! You have the most fun ever! <3 <3
Thank you Lynn!!! Hugs
I would love to go to that party! Happy New Year Denise!
Happy New Year Mel! It was a fabulous party, NYE is always a great time with friends.