Types of Parties: The First Step To Planning Your Event

This event is characterized by serving an elegant meal incorporating multiple courses, drinks, and dessert for a large group of acquaintances with the intent of social or professional networking. 

Meals may be plated or buffet-style, seating can be assigned or open depending upon the formality of the event. Morning, daytime, and evening meals are all appropriate choices when considering the timing of your event.

 

A block party is generally a public event for all the members of a particular neighborhood to come together for a good time or to commemorate an event or holiday. 

Generally, a city permit must be sought to throw one and a police vehicle may be sent out to close the street to cars. Music and dance are usually featured in block parties, with local musicians or DJs performing for the guests. 

Food and other activities for children and adults ensure a good time for every age group. They are most common in urban areas where blocks house relatively large numbers of people. 

Variation: A smaller scale, private version of the block party is a house party or cookout where all residents of the neighborhood, building, or "block" are personally invited.

Music, dancing, drinking games, and bon fires are also popular entertainment at these evening events held at a private residence or clubhouse belonging to the host or host organization.   

Cookouts or backyard barbecues are classic American gathering centered around outdoor eating, with the host typically providing some signature grilled meats and side dishes with optional contributions from guests. Cold drinks are a must while alcohol availability is dependent upon your personal tastes. 

If you aren't a griller extraordinaire, or prefer to spend more time interacting with your guests, a pig roast is a great alternative. A whole pig is roasted over an open flame or underground pit as guests arrive and socialize. 

The Hawaiian luau tradition also involves dancing and entertainment in addition to bestowing leis, which are tokens of friendship. 

Variation: Fish fries are cookouts where fresh fish, such as catfish or cod are battered and deep fried, while clam bakes typically feature shell fish and mollusks, such as lobster, crab, clams, and oysters. Accompanying dishes include corn on the cob, hush puppies, tartar sauce, lemon wedges, and coleslaw. 

For outdoor entertainment including meals, late afternoon is usually the preferred time of day to start as the waning light brings the party to a natural close.

   

Just like it sounds and tons of fun, the main activity of this social gathering is moving to the beat of your favorite tunes. Dance parties are a great way to bring a large number of guests together and encourage post-event social interaction for wedding receptions and corporate events. 

Live music is not a requirement, although encouraged, if feasible; alternatively, hire a deejay that can adjust the musical selections based upon your guests' reactions.

Breakfast - Although we tend to associate this meal with comfort, a breakfast party can be as ceremonious as you want it to be. One possibility includes a “pajama party” for close friends and overnight guests who socialize as breakfast is prepared before them. 

Another informal option for the workplace is a social hour featuring finger foods and coffee. At the other end of the spectrum is a catered multi-course affair complete with fine silver and china. The degrees in between can be adapted for just about any occasion and/or setting. 

Brunch - This combination meal of breakfast and lunch provides the perfect excuse to eat all your favorites in one sitting. Traditional brunch commonly takes place around 10am, but in some places it runs as late as 3pm, so make it your own time. This meal style is typically a good option for weekend shower events or friendly social events. Find more brunch ideas at fitskitz.com.

Luncheon - Luncheon is the formal version of the “lunchtime” meal, usually occurring between 11:30am to 2pm. It often incorporates three plated courses (soup/salad, main, dessert) or a buffet-style meal. Easily adapted for conference settings, and may include speakers, entertainment, or business announcements. 

Dinner - American tradition usually treats the evening meal as a fine dining experience, featuring more elaborate dishes and multiple courses, served plated or a buffet style for larger gatherings. Many times it includes a cocktail hour before the meal and may precede cultural events. More details about planning a dinner party here.

Hosting a potluck-style dinner party is also a fun and inexpensive way to sample many delicious dishes contributed by different home cooks in more comfortable array.

Arranging an outing for you and your guests can take the onus of home entertainment off of the host and makes a fun, low-stress alternative for groups of friends or acquaintances. 

Physical activities such as team sporting, boating, golf, skating, bowling, hiking, amusement parks and going to the beach are great group activities to take the occasion outdoors. 

Cultural events such as going to art museums, concerts, sightseeing, and touring may involve traveling or gathering at a particular destination as a shared interest activity. 

Dining out at your favorite restaurant has all of the joy of sharing a meal together without the hassles of putting it together, and is usually a failsafe alternative (provided you are familiar with the restaurant before-hand). 

“Going out” to bars or clubs is also a fun way to dedicate the evening to a guest of honor or special occasion. Costs associated with attending these events can be controlled since attendees will likely pay individually, and everyone is sure to be entertained by shared interest in the activity which drew the party together.   

Planning an activity to guide a gathering can be an effective and fun strategy for structured socializing. Getting together to share knowledge or interests will ensure that guests are interested, and can minimize the awkwardness of gathering acquaintances who may not know each other. 

Cooking parties centered on a style or technique are informative and delicious ways of spending time together. 

Craft parties such as scrapbooking, painting, or making ceramics can expose individuals to new ideas and group dynamics while creating memorabilia. This may take place a hosts house, or various studios that are open for such parties. 

Book club gatherings give book lovers the opportunity to discuss their favorite activity with other individuals knowledgeable about the material, but may start a great dialog as interpretations and experiences differ between participants. 

Game night is also a fun activity-centered party theme, whether it involves cards, board games, or other party games, the activity will keep a focus to the party while allowing ample opportunity for socializing. More party ideas from TipJunkie.com.

Murder-Mystery parties are fun events that tie together an interactive storyline with brain games and typical party activities like eating and drinking. Many varieties exist as downloadable or boxed games that usually involve dinner and cocktails along many different themes. 

Typically a booklet with a role assigned to specific guests is sent to the guest with the invitation so that they can familiarize themselves with the backstory and their role, and arrive dressed in character. 

Large and small format games are available and typically take place over a 2-3 hour program. They can be adapted for settings ranging from a small group of friends in host’s home to a workplace-sponsored event in a hired entertainment hall.   

A picnic is basically a mobile cookout, so some additional planning is required for transportation and set-up. Often invited guests or designated groups bring food and accessories depending upon the size.

Variation: Tailgating is a popular type of "picnic" before and after sporting events and festivals with the added bonus of a "tailgate" for serving.    

A pool party is always a huge hit for adults and kids alike. Coupled with the opportunity to eat and drink together, showing off this year’s beach-ready body is always a fun time. 

Guests have a multitude of options for social engagement and activity level which tends to make everyone more comfortable. Schedule a pool party after the lunch hour at 1-3 PM and serve a late afternoon light meal or cookout.