How to Host a Party!

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"How to Adult" is a "life skills" edutainment channel brought to you by Executive Producers Hank Green and John Green. Subscribe for new videos!

This lesson on partying brought to you by this unscholarly source:
Missoula, Montana. "Partying, The Art and Science Of" Kate Whittle’s Early to Mid 20s, edited by Mssrs. Whittle, et. al., Hardcover, 2017.

[MeisterHaar]

Tip 2.1 if your neighbors are nice invite them to your party that way they can't complain about the noise

[prysmakitty]

One thing to add: if you have pets, please consider them. They may, depending on personality, find this sudden invasion really frightening, so give them a safe quiet hideout and check on them intermittently. If they're sociable, then keep an eye out that they do NOT ingest any alcohol or any food that might be dangerous for them - double-check somewhere reputable for a list of what to avoid. Don't let your awesome night turn into hours of misery for your pet or a rush vet visit!

[libby]

I'm surprised that there isn't a comment about not having friends to invite to a party...

[cfloster]

get toilet paper yall. Alcohol = more bathroom use.

[Kassidar]

Enjoy and roll with it,
Unless someone's on fire; then stop drop and roll with it.

[Jemima]

Interactive food is always a plus. Also: some kind of theme/reason for the party helps - you don't have to go all out with it, but subtle little details everywhere can really tie a party together...

[kujmous]

If a pool is involved, have a place designated for changing that can be locked. You may also want to have some extra bug spray and sunblock just in case.

[catiedoesit]

-If you're having an outdoor gathering, have sunscreen and bug spray on hand
-a lot of people will ask what they can bring. actually tell them something specific so you don't end up with 12 bowls of chips (additionally, if your friend/ family member have a signature dish, it's okay to ask them to bring that, because chances are, they'll be flattered)
-make sure you have enough ice to fill all the coolers you'll be using (and enough for drinks, even if you're not using a cooler)
-make sure you have enough seating for everyone who's coming. if you're having an outdoor party, it's okay to ask people to bring their own chairs
-for parties with guests of honor, make sure you're in contact with them so you know when they'll be there. don't start the actual festivities (games, activities, cake, etc.) until they get there

[booknoser]

What perfect timing. My birthday party is literally tomorrow

[netaniarivera]

Russian Roulette cupcakes/chocolates/etc was a big hit at Halloween parties. Fill one or a couple cupcakes with hot sauce or hot chopped peppers, pass around in a big group or go in a circle for a small one, or just let someone find that unfortunate treat naturally as time goes on. Make sure everyone knows whatever you made is Russian Roulette though, not everyone can handle spicy.

[fredabear]

Even in college I followed all these steps and it was great. Also too much people bringing beer is never a problem. I love how eveyone brings there favorite drink that i get to enjoy long after the party has finished.
Also board game parties are the best for giving people something to do. And even if people stop playing the games it just turns into a normal party.

[dvklaveren]

I'd appreciate a 'how to adult' on 'How to host guests in a small space'. I feel like the art of receiving guests is becoming lost as the middle class generation is cramped into smaller and smaller spaces, that are messier and messier by the day.

I feel anxious receiving people in my apartment and the room I have is positively huge compared to what I used to have!

[hayleypflug]

College student pot lucks are literally the best, and that doesn't leave one person to spend all the money. Really affordable foods to make are soups and pastas. I try to theme out all my parties, and look for inspiration at the dollar store. Also, if you're at all concerned about not having enough food, stand behind the counter and serve people yourself. It won't come across as rude, and you don't have to worry about that dude Mike taking like three spoonfuls lol.

[djradost]

hank/team, let those background dancers know that their shuffle-shuffle-shuffle game was on point.

[JustAnotherMe]

As an introvert, I scout the quite corners and have escape plans in case I need them.
Party at my place, that scares me...

I need a 'how to be an introvert without being a recluse?'

[cheeseisgreat]

Here's a good tip: If you plan on allowing people to crash over post party, always always *always* either have enough sleeping arrangements for people coming from far away, or let them know beforehand whether they need to bring their own stuff or plan for a long ride back. It's pretty douchecanoe-y to invite them and force them to have to make convoluted arrangements on the fly and you will suddenly have a few fewer friends.

[alvingray]

Our best party trick is having Vapshot alcohol mist machine! It is so much fun serving shots in a balloon!

[RisWish]

Punch is easy to prepare in large quantities and games like Cards Against Humanity or Twister only get more fun with alcohol consumption

[arnibarni]

Thanks for pointing out the coats/shoes thing – that didn't even cross my mind! (I live in university halls so I'm going to have to come up with something 😅)

[sumayya]

Hey hank could you make a video about how to take care of yourself when you get sick? Cos when I get sick it's terrible I could really use some advice!