20 tips for throwing the perfect at-home party

If you're hosting your first shindig at home, it's essential to figure out if you're going for an intimate dinner party vibe or something more upbeat, like a costume party. From there, you can figure out what type of supplies you'll need and how many people to invite.

Once you've set the tone for your evening, make a list of the people you plan to invite, whether that's via email, on social media, or via a good old-fashioned phone call. 

Thanks to technology, creating a fun invitation for your party is easier. Use a program like Photoshop or Canva to create an image with all the details — date, time, attire, and theme — and blast it to your friends in an email or on social media. There are also, of course, old-fashioned paper invitations sent via mail. Don't forget to ask for RSVPs so you can plan for how much food and drink to buy. 

Once you've got a good idea of how many people are coming, it's time to set the menu. Whether you're planning a seated dinner party with family-style eats or just setting out a bunch of snacks, make sure you've got enough food — and drink — to make it through the night. There's nothing worse than a party that runs out of food or cocktails too early. 

Music is just as important as lighting when it comes to setting an ambiance, so spend a little time building the perfect playlist for your party. Using an app like Spotify or Apple Music, you can also select from pre-made playlists that help set the mood for everything from an intimate hang with friends to much bigger fetes. 

Even if folks will be milling around your space for the night, everyone wants a comfy spot to sit down when they're over at someone else's house. Don't be afraid to make use of any seating in your home — ottomans, folding chairs, and rearranged dining room chairs are all perfectly fine options. 

Spare your guests the indignity of having to snoop through your cabinets to find a roll of toilet paper, and make sure the bathroom is fully stocked with soap and other essentials. You may also want to set out other personal care items, like mouthwash or Tylenol, for folks to use if needed. 

Whether you plan to call anyone who's had too much to drink an Uber or a few friends who are willing to serve as designated drivers for the night, getting everyone home safely is an essential part of throwing a party. 

When your guests arrive, don't be afraid to put them to work! Most folks are happy to help with tasks like shaking cocktails, setting up bowls of snacks, or simply greeting guests at the door as you put the finishing touches on your party. 

Whether it's a dedicated coat closet or simply the bed in an extra room, make sure that everyone's got a spot to store their belongings while enjoying the party. No one wants to get stuck without a chair because it's stacked high with purses. 

If you've got the space — and a little DIY spirit — setting up a photo wall for your party isn't that difficult. Grab a ring light and fun props like hats, feather boas, or even just a fun decorative backdrop, and let your friends snap selfies together as they make memories. 

If you've got a backyard, open up those doors and instantly transform your space. You can have so much more room for folks to mingle and set up activities like a fire pit for roasting marshmallows or a game of cornhole. 

Whether it's a few fresh floral centerpieces or themed decor for your murder mystery party, a few decorative pieces make any party feel more cohesive. 

Depending on what kind of party you're planning, you're going to need to figure out a lighting scheme. Consider dimming the lights for a dinner party or adding fun neons for an at-home dance party. 

If your tiny apartment doesn't have dimmable lights, candles are an excellent alternative. 7-day candles are especially great because they burn for hours, exude a nice warm glow, and won't make a waxy mess on your surfaces. 

If you're worried about a lull in conversation or keeping everyone entertained for a few hours, plan some activities. Set up a s'mores station at your fireplace or outdoor fire pit, or consider bringing your friends together to do a craft. 

Who doesn't love classic party games, like charades or Pictionary? There are also plenty of app-based games, like Heads Up, that is fun to play with a crowd and will definitely keep everyone having a good time. 

Instead of shoving all those leftover snacks back into the cabinet, send your guests home with goody bags filled with appetizers, candy, and even wine or other leftover spirits that they can drink on another night. 

While planning your party, make sure that you aren't letting yourself get too wrapped up in the details. Sure, you might run out of wine or accidentally burn one of the appetizers. As long as everyone's having a good time, that's all that matters. 

Once your guests begin to arrive, make a conscious effort to shift your mood out of prep mode and into party mode. After all, the point of throwing a party is to have a good time, and that's also true for the host!