So, I'm Turning 22 In November And...

[DarthScorpio11]

am thinking about throwing a party. I've never had a house party, and still technically won't be able to, since i don't have a house, and still live with my folks. But in my neighborhood, they let you rent the clubhouse unsupervised overnight for 100 bucks, in which you will get back if you clean up, and nothing is broken. There is a TV, stereo, and all sorts of stuff in there. Plus it's pretty big.

Thing is, I have quite a few friends under 21. While no one under 18 is invited under any circumstances, I plan on invited people 18+, and obviously there will be alcohol there. The police sometimes patrol the neighborhood, but they never go inside of the clubhouse. Even if the music was loud, it's far enough away from the houses that it won't matter. I'm just wondering, if everyone stays inside, and we do our best to make sure no one is drunk before leaving, we should be okay, right?

I'm honestly more concerned about people breaking $hit, and not getting my 100 dollars back

I could go out to a nightclub also, which is 18 to enter, 21 to drink, where i live. All of my friends would be able to come. However, with a house party you can choose the music, have things more personalized, without all of the extra noise, annoyances, and whatnot...

Also, seems kinda lame to go to a nightclub for my 22nd birthday...

 

[sivlin]

As long as people are not being stupid you shouldn't have much of a problem. You could go the extra step and put up a sign that says "no drinking under 21" so you have some sort of deniability if it comes to that.

 

[idodo35]

umm what is the question here? if you should do it? if it is go with it in light of what you said there is no reason for you to get in trouble...

 

[DarthScorpio11]

As long as people are not being stupid you shouldn't have much of a problem. You could go the extra step and put up a sign that says "no drinking under 21" so you have some sort of deniability if it comes to that.

yeah...that's pretty pointless. lol I'm sure if i had bad luck, and the cops crashed the party, they'd care about a sign that im sure no one would read or take serious in the first place

 

[Booze Zombie]

Also, seems kinda lame to go to a nightclub for my 22nd birthday...

Just make sure you've got a functioning bathroom and some buckets on the side in case anyone is ill, make sure the food is something that won't react badly to alcohol or give people upset stomachs (chips... er "french fries" are normally a safe bet, with some sauces for dipping) and for God's sake, have water ready to give to people who've had too much.

Other than that, play music you can dance to, watch movies you like, whatever works.

 

[DarthScorpio11]

Also, seems kinda lame to go to a nightclub for my 22nd birthday...

Just make sure you've got a functioning bathroom and some buckets on the side in case anyone is ill, make sure the food is something that won't react badly to alcohol or give people upset stomachs (chips... er "french fries" are normally a safe bet, with some sauces for dipping) and for God's sake, have water ready to give to people who've had too much.

Other than that, play music you can dance to, watch movies you like, whatever works.

yeah, the bathrooms in the clubhouse are good. There is both a womans and mens bathroom

 

[Wintermoot]

just move the breakables to a locked room or something.
and limit the booze.

 

[Zmerc]

and limit the booze.

WHAT IS THIS PROHIBITION!!! but yeah just invite people who know how to handle their drinks, and dont be afraid too kick people out who are obviously out of control. How many people are you planning on inviting. 10, 20, 30?

I mean if you have a lot of 21 under friends, why not just go to an actual night club, then come back too that rent of room or what ever it is and chill their for night and have more drinks. IMO house parties are more for highschool and Frat houses. But im not saying their bad thing they can be a lot fun, their just not my style anymore.

 

[Wintermoot]

and limit the booze.

WHAT IS THIS PROHIBITION!!! but yeah just invite people who know how to handle their drinks, and dont be afraid too kick people out who are obviously out of control. How many people are you planning on inviting. 10, 20, 30?

I mean if you have a lot of 21 under friends, why not just go to an actual night club, then come back too that rent of room or what ever it is and chill their for night and have more drinks. IMO house parties are more for highschool and Frat houses. But im not saying their bad thing they can be a lot fun, their just not my style anymore.

I don,t want him to not sell booze but limit (IE don,t give people over 20 beers for example)

 

[Jonluw]

I can't really offer any advice. I just wanted to say that this thread makes me feel bad for you Americans who can't drink 'till you're 21 and will actually face legal repercussions if you break that rule.

 

[Lt_Bromhead]

First time I had a houseparty, I made sure I had one of my friends "on staff" so to speak, who was very experienced with parties.

He spent the day at mine helping me prepare, and helped me create a decent guest list.

My advice, other than follow what people here have said, is to get a friend who knows about parties and how to throw them to help you plan. The aforementioned party of mine went off without a hitch, despite the fact I only knew two people there (myself included! ).
In essence, don't really force it into being "your party" if you get me. If you've not done one before, get a mate or two to help you - especially as I'm thinking you'll want quite a few people for a birthday bash, and numbers can be difficult to estimate/plan for if you're not used to it.

I've got quite a big house (5/6 bedrooms), but I always try to limit numbers to around 20-25 people max, and never have more than 14 stay overnight.

I also advise making it a BYOB if possible. Keeps your own costs down. Plus you've no idea how much people will be drinking on the night. Might be a lot - might be a little. Get a couple of crates in yourself, but warn them all to bring their own.

In reference to that, try inviting people you definitely know and trust. It's one thing having them in your own house, but it's another hosting them in someone else's place - even if you've paid for it. Go for sensible people who you're willing to trust not to break shit; the thing to remember is that even if you're a very hands-on host, you physically can't be everywhere at once. You'll need to trust people to look after themselves.

Don't be too clingy, but don't be too detached either.
There are two extremes of host - the guy constantly fussing over everyone, asking if they've got drinks and if they're happy etc, which gets rather annoying after a while - and the guy who doesn't do anything, which is anti-social and a bit rude.
Welcome people in, make sure you look after them for a few rounds of drinks, then let them do their own thing. Just keep hovering around all the rooms to make sure people are behaving themselves, and if someone's glass/bottle is totally empty then ask if they'd like another.

Oh, and don't be afraid to kick people out if they're causing trouble or have outstayed their welcome.


That's all personal experience, but hope it helps a bit!!
Good luck.

 

[Robert Ewing]

First, I'd make it a BYOB party, and you'll just have to explain the situation so that they don't smash stuff up.

I'd avoid inviting people that have a bit of a reputation for being rowdy.

Keep it a more social gathering, and keep it cool.

I wish you luck, and happy 22nd for November

 

[teisjm]

If they're your friends you shouldn't worry about them smashing shit up.
I've never had anythign smashed at a house party, except a few glasses

Ofc if they're not used to drinking, you might want to prepare for people getting sick weird places, took a a few moments to remember that some peopel would not be used to it, since the legal age of drinking where i live is 16.

Always found it funnt that you can vote, drive a car, own a gun, go to adult prison, and even be legally convicted of pedophilia before you were old enough to drink.

But in the end, if you're throwing a poart for your friends, and not everyone and their mother, who lives somewhat near you, you'll know the people coming, and you should be able to trust them.

 

[NotSoLoneWanderer]

If possible have the people planning on being sober not exactly play mom and dad and not check every car but make sure no one is driving drunk. Just for them to keep it in the back of there minds.