Original Entertaining: A Few New Ideas

Almost everybody loves a party. Some like them big, some like the small. Some like themed parties with direction, others just like the ability to hang loose, talk, and do whatever comes to mind. Some people like to get loosened up with a couple margaritas, other like sober and substance free parties. Some people like parties with an intellectual twist like a book club meeting with some food, drinks, and music thrown in. Here are a few ideas for the next party you want to throw.

1) Dinner party.
It's simple. It's classic. And it's generally a great success. You can cater out the party or do your own cooking if you so feel the need. Or you can do a mix. You make the appetizers and your caterer can do the main course and major side dishes. As for drinks you can serve the typical alcoholic drinks like wine and beer or if you feel like getting a little pricier you can hire a bartender for your event. Just send an e-mail to your local bartending school and they can provide you with the names of some well-trained and reputable bartenders. Be sure to have some non-alcoholic drinks on hand for those who choose to abstain.

2) Murder mystery party.
This usually involves a dinner as well, but for this event you'll probably want to cater out. You'll be too busy organizing the murder-mystery aspect of the party. Some people choose to also make this a costume party but you'll need to make sure your friends are game. Of course the level of costume can be very simple, such as a hat provided you. You can buy a murder-mystery kit online at a variety of sites. Just google murder-mystery party.

3) Scent party.
I heard about this from a friend. This works particularly well if you have an interest in aroma therapy or massage therapy. The way that this works is the host provides the guests with a variety of different scents and explains the difference (woody vs. flowery vs. musky). For this party you will really need to brush up on your scent knowledge.

4) Wine party.
This is exactly what it sounds like. Every guest brings a bottle of wine and the host provides the snacks. The wine most definitely does not have to be expensive. It's interesting to see the variety of wines your friends will bring. Red wine, white white, merlot, or pinot grigio. This is a great party because it gets everyone loosened up and in secret sharing and laughing mood.

5) Game night.
This is the classic good clean fun party. It was great when you were young and it's still a good party idea. For some simply physical fun Twister is always a good pick. For some more intellectual fun you might consider Taboo, Cranium, or Trivial Pursuit. Pass on Catch-Phrase, it's much too simple. If you really want to get the party riled up you can play Battle of the Sexes where both sexes try to answer questions about the other. Be sure to have plenty of snacks on hand.