136 Creative Party Ideas
Transform your parties with our 100+ creative ideas. Fun, unique, and perfect for any celebration, these suggestions include themes, activities, recipes, and decorations that will impress your guests and make your event unforgettable. Get ready to host the best party with our comprehensive guide!
✍️ July 11, 2024
Every online list about the best party ideas, themes, hacks, and recipes will leave you deeply unfulfilled…
Until now. 😁
We’ve spent months, if not years, combining our decades of experience as professional party practitioners to create the ultimate list of party ideas so unique, so brilliant, and so utterly memorable that your guests will want to live at your house in anticipation of your next great ode to Bacchus.
Whether you’re planning a small get-together or want to go down in the annals of party history, this list has everything you’ll ever need.
Party Themes
Want to add an extra flair to your party? Try out any of these creative party themes that will surely impress your guests and make your event stand out:
1. Drive out movie
Get the gang together and drive to some abandoned buildings in nowhere. Make sure to bring a sick projector (you can rent one for less than the cost of most parties).
Project a movie or two on the side of one of the abandoned buildings at night, and prepare to give your guests one of the most memorable experiences of their lives. Snacks are a must.
2. Silent party
A silent disco is where, instead of having the music play throughout the venue, it’s synchronically broadcasted to headphones your guests can put on and take off whenever they want. This is a perfect party idea for lots of different reasons!
You can have multiple DJs playing different genres at the same party. You can talk without screaming over loud music and not worry about the neighbors calling the cops.
Our favorite way to do this is with the Pulse Social Radio app. It’s free, so all your guests can download the app, and you can send them the link to your party’s station when you invite them. Dope.
3. Murder mystery party
There are only two kinds of people: people who love murder mystery parties and people who haven’t been to one yet. Most people don’t realize how easy throwing one of these things is.
Tons of websites offer murder mystery storylines and packages, so you don’t even have to face the fact that you have no talent for telling a good story. It’s all laid out for you.
Each guest is sent a card detailing their character in advance (it can be sent digitally through email). Everyone shows up and plays their roles, all while trying to get to the bottom of a whodunnit and maybe a bottle of Jameson.
4. Secret party
Those who seek shall find. It sounds crazy, but you can create a lot of excitement for a party directly in anticipation of it.
Set up a party where every aspect is a mystery until your guests arrive. This could be having them arrive at a secret location or showing up for an event where they don’t know what they will be doing until you tell them.
👉 Suggested read: Theme Party Ideas: Get inspiration for your next party
A good example would be renting the Typhoon Lagoon Surf Pool at Disney World before hours to take surf lessons. Or having everyone come over in bathing suits, only to discover that you’ve constructed a giant slip-n-slide to accompany your barbecue.
The options are endless; just tell everyone what to wear for the occasion!
5. Midnight in Paris party
Let’s be honest; they knew how to party better back in the day. Or maybe that’s just Golden Age Thinking.
Either way, having a 20s-themed party has all the fun built right in. The music, fun, drinks, and dancing do all the hard work for you. Dressing up is half the fun, so announce in advance that you’ll be awarded a prize for “Best Dressed.”
6. Harry party
No, you’re not going to be playing Quidditch (unless you want to, of course). Instead, team captains are drawn from a hat, and then the captains take turns doing a draft, picking the other players on their team for a night of games, challenges, and contests.
Will you be in Gryffindor or Slytherin? Only the sorting hat knows!
7. Cat party
Contact your local humane shelter or animal adoption center to see if you can set up a cat party. Tell them you want to find new homes for as many cats as possible by hosting a pet adoption party.
Invite all your friends who aren’t allergic and see if you can find those cute little devils a new home. Cats are pretty chill, too. So it’ll end up being like a regular, relaxed get-together. Only you know, with cats. 😺
8. Blindfold party
This is so wild, but you’re gonna love it. There’s only one rule. Once inside the house, every guest must always wear a blindfold.
It’s like a masquerade, only with blindfolds instead of masks. Enjoying a party in which your other senses are so heightened will feel surreal and make for an entirely new experience.
Make sure your guests take photos and videos all night, too. One of the funniest parts will be the next day when you have everyone upload the pictures they took from the previous night to a custom hashtag for everyone who attended the party to see.
There might never be better party photos than those taken with everyone, including the people taking the pictures, blindfolded.
9. Drink and dessert crawl
It’s like a bar crawl but for foodies! Find a line of great restaurants that don’t require reservations, all within walking distance of one another. This is relatively easy to do in just about any town or city.
Start at the first and have everyone in the group order drinks and desserts. How about that new restaurant in the city center that just opened up? Why not stop in for wine and dessert cups?
Then you can walk to that vibey Japanese place and grab mochi and sake bombs. Follow it up with whiskey and dark chocolate mousse from that hipster’s joint.
And then top it all off with some cheesecake and hot buttered rums at that exciting place you like. Dinner is overrated.
10. Scavenger hunt party
This one’s a classic. It’s ideal for bachelor and bachelorette parties or any time you want to go out and do more than dance or nurse drinks.
Many killer scavenger hunt lists are already available online, so start with whichever one interests you most and get out there and do it.
11. Bachelor vs. Bachelorette party
Separate, together. The best way to cap off your single days is by proving you were better at it.
Have the bachelor and bachelorette parties compete in an all-night, Hangover-style scavenger hunt to prove who’s better at scavenger hunts?
If you’re looking for more ideas, check out our Stag Do Ideas, our Bachelor Party Ideas, or our Bridal Shower Ideas Article!
12. Land sailing
Who says you need to take your boat out on the water? I’m kidding. We know you don’t have a boat. But we know you probably know someone who does.
Have everyone come in bathing suits and boating clothes, or you can even wear that captain’s hat you’ve been waiting for. And if you want to get crazy, you can trailer the boat around a parking lot and “wakeboard” by tethering people behind it on skateboards or rollerblades (at your own risk).
Simulate all the fun of boating minus all the work and cost (just filling up a boat with gas is expensive). Plus, you can safely drink as much as you want without leaving the dock.
13. The mole
A twist on the murder mystery party. This is perfect for when you don’t want to go all out, and you can play this throughout a regular party without too much disruption.
One person is THE MOLE, and whoever can uncover that person’s identity first wins. If no one reveals that person’s identity, THE MOLE wins. Put one playing card for each person into a hat (or any modern vessel of your choice).
Make sure to clearly mark one of the cards with the word “MOLE” in large writing. Then, each player takes a turn drawing a card out of the hat.
Once the last player has drawn their card, players can start making accusations about who they think THE MOLE is. If a player makes an accusation, the accused player must show any card in their possession to the player who made it.
If the card shown does not say “MOLE,” the accuser must give one of their cards to the accused. If a player has no more cards, they are out of the game and cannot make any more accusations.
If the card shown says “MOLE,” that accuser wins. If THE MOLE survives until the end of the night (or set game time), THE MOLE wins. Putting a prize on the line makes this game especially fun.
14. Frozen party
Turn the temperature in your house or venue way down, tell people to dress warmly, and prepare for a faux, frozen wonderland. Get an ice luge as your centerpiece, cover the floor and ceiling in white balloons, and serve shots in these ice-shot glasses.
If you want to get crazy and blow your guests’ minds, you can even order fake snow!
Have a ball… and make a fucking mess.
15. Singles party
Everyone who’s invited is single. No exceptions!
You’ll want to encourage lots of intermingling by playing games that help people get to know one another. We recommend The Question Gam (see ‘The Question Game’ below under ‘Party Games’) and Prestige.
You can even run your version of The Dating Game (or Singled Out if you’re an 80s baby). Just put up a partition to divide the bachelor or bachelorette from their three potential suitors.
👉 Suggested read: Top 15 Fun 18th Birthday Party Ideas You Have to Try
Use some of these questions or copy some from the original show, and your guests are guaranteed to have a fantastic time. It’s a fun, low-risk way of actually meeting people before you swipe them away forever.
16. Monte Carlo night
You may be poor, but you can forget that for one evening by having a Monte Carlo night. The dress code is black tie, and you should get out all your finest glasses for champagne and cocktails.
Have tables set up for all the classic casino games: Texas hold ’em, blackjack, craps, and you can even act like you know how to play baccarat. By the end of the night, you’ll be having so much fun you’ll forget gambling is illegal.
17. The super sleepover
You’re not ready for this. INVITE ALL YOUR ADULT FRIENDS OVER FOR A SLEEPOVER. Yes. You’re welcome.
If you’re bold enough, and your friends are cool enough, this will be one of the most memorable nights of their lives, and they’ll be begging you to throw another one soon. The goal here is to take everything back to the nostalgia of your school days. The dress code is pajamas.
Have everyone bring sheets and blankets to build the elaborate sheet tents you all dreamed of as children but are only now unapologetically able to pull off. Watch childhood classics like The Goonies or Sandlot. Snack food only. Make alcoholic hot chocolate.
Play Truth or Dare, Spin the Bottle, or Seven Minutes in Heaven. Tell scary stories. Take it all back. Way back.
18. Cabin party
Rent out a cabin on Airbnb and partake in all the fun of camping, minus all the things that suck about camping. Some cabins have insane amenities for a cheap price, like lakes you can boat or kayak on, jet skis, hot tubs, etc.
And just about every cabin is perfect for setting up a fire, making smores, and drinking.
19. Fitlympics
Are you so into fitness that even your alcohol is paleo? Enter the Fitlympics.
Pick a beautiful day and meet in an open field or park where you can split everyone into two teams. Then, have a series of events like relay races, tug of war, and even team games like ultimate frisbee (more fun than it sounds) or prisonball (precisely as fun as it sounds).
Just break up the fun with a barbecue and a few cold beers. Whichever team wins the best of five events is crowned the reigning champs, but everyone will have so much fun that both teams will be back for a rematch.
20. Food battle
When throwing a party that’s more in the vein of a get-together and less in full-blown party territory, one of the most fun, memorable things you can do is host a food battle. Have all your guests throw their names into a hat (or any modern vessel).
Draw out four names. The first two are on team ‘A.’ The second two are on team ‘B.’ Now, draw out three more names. These are the judges.
👉 Suggested read: 19 Adult Birthday Party Ideas for a One-of-a-Kind Party
Each team has one hour to cook a dish using whatever items are available in the host’s kitchen (the same dish can never be cooked again in battle). When time is up, each team has to stop (ready or not) and serve the meal they prepared for the judges.
Judges then vote on what they thought was the best dish. The team with the most votes wins!
Party Hacks and Tips
A party isn’t just about the theme or specific activities; it’s also about creating a fun and memorable experience for your guests. Here are some party hacks and tips to help you plan and host the best party ever.
1. Confessionals
Bring back those Real World: Las Vegas vibes by setting up a confessional in your house! You only need one GoPro, a walk-in closet, and a big memory card.
You can hook your GoPro up to external power to record nonstop without the battery dying, and you can station it in your walk-in closet. Then clear out the closet and string up some Christmas lights for vibe and decoration (plus a little extra lighting for the camera).
Put a large clear sign on the door that says “Confession Booth” or “Confessional,” and announce it at the beginning of the party. Hit record and capture pure gold on camera. Edit the best bits for bonus points, and play it at your next party.
2. Lawn seating
Lawn chairs are for schmucks. If you really wanna get luxurious (we’re talkin’ Cleopatra style), air mattresses are where it’s at.
🤓 Suggested read: 🍺 17+ Insanely Fun Drinking Games To Try In Your Next Party
Borrow air mattresses and blankets from everyone you know who has some. Set them up outside and layer sheets, blankets, and pillows on top so your guests have comfortable outdoor seating.
If you don’t have air mattresses, blow-up kiddie pools work great, too. Just stack those blankets in there.
3. Crown a party champ
You need people to help you start the party (and keep it going). And no better way to incentivize good party-starting behavior than by announcing you’ll be awarding a prize to the best partier!
The better the prize, the better the party.
4. Mason jar candle holders
Place your lit candles inside mason jars and light your outdoor setting with them. It’ll look cooler, and the pots protect the tiny flames from the wind.
As for the bugs, that’s a moot point. While paper bags with tea lights look cool, they can also be used as incendiary devices if windy.
5. Black balloons
You suck at decorating. That’s okay. When in doubt, more balloons.
Fill tons of black balloons with helium and cover the ceiling of your sub-par party location to give off the illusion that you know what you’re doing. Also, hang balloons without helium from the ceiling at staggered heights to add depth.
Balloons are also one of those weird things that seem like they wouldn’t make a big difference, but you’ll notice just about every person in your party playing with them at some point throughout the night.
6. The sound split
Some people want to dance. Some people want to talk. Some people want to do both.
Split your party into at least two main areas: one quiet area where people can talk and one with loud music where people can dance or listen to a band, artist, or DJ play live. This gives everyone at the party a reprieve from just one type of environment while still catering to what almost everyone finds fun.
Or go all the way and make a silent disco (see ‘Silent Party’ above).
7. Parting gifts
No one is going to expect this. So, drop some surprise parting gifts on people as they leave the party; the memory will be seared onto the surface of their brains.
Don’t go expensive either. A couple of condoms or gag gifts wrapped up with some Costco candy packs you bought in bulk and dumped into a cheap mason jar will do wonders.
8. Blow-up pool
Throwing a pool party? Air mattresses double as impressive floats. Just ensure you’re not using electric air mattresses because you probably don’t want to die.
You can even use inflatable pools in the pool. Mix it up!
9. Light it up
Attach Christmas lights to anything and everything. Use vibey lighting anywhere regular lights would be too bright.
Try to avoid candles in enclosed spaces where people are drinking, though.
10. Contests
If you’re hosting a party, one of the easiest and most memorable things you can do is put on contests, games, and matches. Handstand contests. Twerk competition. Who can put a condom on a banana the fastest using only their mouths?
📖 Suggested read: Cheers to 2025: 10+ Trendy New Year's Party Ideas!
Have prizes for the winners. Again, they can be cheap. Starbucks gift cards or a bottle of anything alcoholic will do the trick.
11. Outsource
No one ever thinks of hiring a face painter for an adult party. Even better, a body painter.
A lot of what people think of as being a good party is just perceived value.
If you have a buddy who DJs on the side and doesn’t suck, put him up to it. Hire a bartender for a couple of hours. Pay some Instagram models to come and make it look like you have attractive friends.
You can outsource anything nowadays. Take advantage.
12. Photo booths
Having a photo booth at your party will draw much attention. Plus, you can give all those Instagram boyfriends’ arms a rest.
You can rent out real photo booths, but why drop the bands when you can make your own for free? Our favorite way to do it is a simple booth, but many excellent options are available.
13. On-site babysitter
Kids are an adorable nuisance. Let your guests pawn them off on a stranger so they can enjoy a night out without worrying about finding someone to watch those cute little freeloaders.
Hire an on-site babysitter, and no one will have an excuse to miss out on your fantastic party.
14. Class up the keg
Kegs don’t have to be relegated to college frat parties. You can easily appear more worldly by contacting local liquor stores and seeing what kinds of non-traditional imports they have in keg form.
If you’re putting together an event, you may also be able to get it sponsored by a local brewery. The brewery might give you a keg or two for free (or at a hugely discounted rate).
🤓 Suggested read: 500+ "Would You Rather" Questions for a Fun Night In 🤣
15. Party hashtag
Make everyone who didn’t show up regret it by creating your party hashtag. #twerknomenon
Have all your guests use it whenever they post throughout the night. You can even give away a small prize for the best photo.
16. Fog it up
Fog machines are just cool. You can pick up a cheap one on Amazon and add instant ambiance to any party.
Don’t use the cheap fog liquid you can buy at amusement parks. It’s thinner and doesn’t make the same thick clouds that last for hours.
17. Swing a bit
Not that swinging. I mean, we don’t judge.
Tie two long pieces of rope with a double-running bowline knot from a high, sufficiently sturdy tree branch or supporting beam. It’s easier than it sounds.
Take a thick plank of wood as the seat and bore two wide holes on either end, just wide enough for the ends of the rope to fit through. Level the swing’s seat a few feet above the ground and run the ends of the rope through the holes in the seat.
18. Adult piñatas
Fill a regular piñata with blush-worthy items like condoms, airplane shots, and anything else your depraved mind can think of. Your guests will thank you.
The bonus of filling a piñata with adult-themed items is that you don’t have to worry about the kids getting their hands on them. It’ll be a party for adults only. Sorry, kids.
19. Light up cooler
If you’re partying at night and don’t have a fancy cooler, throw some glow sticks or LEDs in there so people can see while trying to grab a drink. This is perfect for bonfires.
There’s nothing worse than trying to fish for a drink in a dark cooler when you’re already tipsy. Save your guests the struggle and light it up.
20. Elevate your ice
Regular ice is boring. It’s just water pretending to be something else.
Spice it up by putting fruit slices in your ice tray before freezing it. Strawberries, kiwi, and pineapple will make you seem much more sophisticated than you are.
21. Use your tub
This one’s a given. Fill the tub with ice and put all the drinks that can’t fit in your fridge.
This will save you a ton of fridge space and keep everything fresh. Make sure you do this in a bathroom where people won’t blow up.
22. Night sports
Want to get a night game in, but it’s too dark? Use Christmas lights and glow sticks.
If you want to play volleyball, string Christmas lights all over the net and connect them via an extension cord or a portable generator. The same works with soccer goals or anything else.
Pro Tip - If you get a portable generator, you can also use it to charge people’s phones and power speakers for music.
If the court is not lit, use glow sticks around the rim of a basketball hoop and/or backboard. You can also use the same trick to outline the edges of tables (especially for beer pong).
👉 Suggested read: 15 Best Easter Games for Adults to Enjoy with Friends
23. Leave a mark
Paint a single wall or surface with chalkboard paint. Leave some chalk and have your guests sign it, or leave a special message.
This will not only give your guests something to do but also serve as a cool memento of the party. Plus, you can easily erase it for the next one.
24. Party windows
If you have a TV at your party location, you can create what we call a party window. You’ll need a device that can mirror your computer or phone screen to the TV.
You hook up a GoPro anywhere in the party where things will get the wildest (not the bathroom). If you made a confession booth, you could kill two birds with one stone (see ‘Confessionals’ above).
Livestream from the GoPro to a TV in a different part of the party. Not only will people get crazy for the cameras, but the guests in other parts of the party, wherever it’s being live-streamed, will be entertained, too.
25. Get lit
Hang Christmas lights, LEDs, or glow sticks under every horizontal surface. This is a cheap way to add an extra dimension to your party and give it an impressive aesthetic.
Stick to one color for all the lighting to keep the same style throughout the party. Trust us, it looks way cooler than many different colored lights. Plus, buying one type in bulk is cheaper.
👉 Suggested read: 16 Fun Water Games for Kids to Beat the Heat This Summer
26. Keep your drink
Dip the bottom of wine glasses or champagne flutes in chalkboard paint. Leave some chalk near the glasses during your next get-together; people can write their names on their glasses to avoid mix-ups.
This is a stylish and practical way to keep track of your drink, and it adds a unique touch to your glassware.
27. Polaroid wall
Leave some Instax cameras around the party for people to take photos with and pin up on a designated photo wall. Tell people you’ll award a prize for the best photo in advance.
You’ll get awesome, candid shots of your guests having a blast. Plus, it’s a fun and interactive activity for everyone at the party. Make sure to provide enough film for the cameras!
28. Hanging drink seating
Partying outside without enough tables for people to put their drinks on? Run a string between two trees (or posts) and hang up a few beer sleeves so people can set their drinks down to play games or hop in the pool.
This is a simple and creative solution to the problem of limited table space. Plus, it adds an element of fun and uniqueness to your party setup. Just make sure the string is sturdy enough to hold the weight of drinks and won’t get in people’s way as they move around.
Party Games
The key to a great party is keeping your guests entertained and engaged. Here are some fun party games that will keep everyone laughing and having a good time.
1. Truth or Dare
Truth or Dare is one of the most famous party games ever. It’s pretty simple: One player asks another player, “Truth or Dare?”
Then, the other player decides whether to answer a question truthfully or perform a dare. Try this game; it’s guaranteed to be fun!
2. Prestige
Prestige is quite possibly the best party game ever devised. You and your friends will have to devise creative ways to act out words without using any sound or talking.
The host gets four equal prizes, such as bottles of liquor, gift cards, and motorcycles (depending on how baller you are). The winners will receive these.
Each guest randomly gets a single playing card from a deck when they enter the party.
Players can trade cards to have one of the aces at the end of the night.
To make a trade, lower-card players must throw in something additional to sweeten the deal to trade up to a higher card.
The best part is that each card comes with special powers. For instance, if you’re holding the Queen, you can make anyone get you a drink or fetch you food.
Yes. True power.
You’re welcome.
3. Blind Mario Kart
This works with any racing game, but Mario Kart is the best. Break into teams of two. One person is THE DRIVER, and The other person is THE NAVIGATOR.
THE DRIVER gets blindfolded and holds the controller. THE NAVIGATOR has to act as THE DRIVER’s guide by talking them through the course.
If you feel so inclined, add stakes by having the losers take a shot. The only safe way to drink and drive.
4. Never Have I Ever
This classic is as easy as they come. Never Have I Ever! is perfect for when you’re huddled around a fire or have a small group gathered together at the end of a night.
Clockwise, one at a time, participants say, “Never have I ever…” and then finish it with a statement of something they’ve never done. For example, “Never have I ever had sex in a car.”
All the people who have had sex in a car must take a drink. Pause for good, relevant stories or when further explanation is required. And if you’re playing right, further explanation will be required.
5. Ring of Fire / Kings Cup
Ring of Fire, also known as King’s Cup or Kings, is a great game to lead off the night and get everyone loosened up. A large cup is put in the center of a table where everyone has gathered.
Each player takes a turn drawing a card and then following the instructions corresponding to each card.
An example of a card would be ‘raise your hand to heaven’ if you draw a ‘7’. The last person to do so takes a drink.
6. Most Likely To
Ah, Most Likely To is another classic. Sit in a circle. Clockwise, players get to ask questions that begin with the phrase “Who is most likely to…”!
For instance, “Who is most likely to do cocaine.”
On the count of three, everyone points at the person they think would be most likely to do cocaine. The person with the most fingers pointing at them has to take a drink (not a shot) for each person who selected them.
7. DDR
Don’t even trip. You can buy a couple of Dance Dance Revolution pads for your PlayStation for under $50.
No amount of DDR will teach you how to dance, though.
8. Peg a friend
Get a plastic clothespin or anything fairly lightweight to clip onto someone’s clothes. The PEGGER with the clip must secretly attach it to someone’s outfit or hair without them noticing.
The PEGGER then moves away from the “PEGGY?” (the person to whom the clip was attached) and starts counting slowly down from ten. Everyone else at the party must join in on the counting while frantically checking to see if they were the ones to be pegged. No players can help any other players.
If the count reaches zero and someone still has the peg attached, they must take a shot and become the new PEGGER. If the peg is detected and detached before the count reaches zero, the PEGGER must keep trying until they get someone.
(Take as long as you like between attempts, though. It only adds suspense to the game.)
9. Beer pong
Beer pong is perfect because it’s excellent for both participants and spectators.
Unfortunately, it’s developed a somewhat unfair (yet partially deserved) reputation for being relegated to frat parties, but in all actuality, it’s great for all ages (21 and over, of course).
We can personally attest to its greatness, as we’ve seen many grandmothers turn up at the beer pong table.
10. Drunk Jenga
It’s Jenga, except each block gives you something to do when you remove it from the stack. There are a bunch of versions, but this one’s pretty good.
Trust us, Drunk Jenga is better than regular Jenga.
11. The question game
This one’s simple and super useful. Players take turns asking the group a question, and everyone gives their answer along with any accompanying story to explain their answer. There are only three rules.
- No boring questions.
- You can’t ask any questions that have already been asked.
- You have to answer truthfully.
It’s not quite a game since there’s no objective other than to have fun, but it’s perfect for chill get-togethers, singles nights, or any time people sit around with drinks during a party and want something fun.
12. Matches
This one is a singles game you can play whenever you want to take shots as a group. Get shot glasses for everyone who wants to play. Place an ‘X’ under two glasses with a dry-erase marker (or anything you have on hand).
Everyone takes the shots together and then looks under their glasses. The two people with the ‘Xs under their shots have to kiss or take another shot as punishment for their insolence.
13. Drink drank drunk
Drink Drank Drunk is fun in a box. Just grab a deck and start playing.
There are five card types: Action, Special, Rule, Weakness, and Power.
There are also several different built-in game modes to keep your guests engaged.
14. The pool dive
The perfect start to any pool party. Throw random items at the bottom of a swimming pool before your guests arrive.
Put a number in a hat (or any modern vessel) for each guest, then have them draw them out one at a time to determine the play order.
Each guest gets one dive to come up with a single item. They can stay down as long as they want, but whatever they have when they come up for air (even if it’s nothing) is what they get.
Make some of the items prizes and the rest of them duds. For instance, you can throw three cards in the pool as items.
One can be a gift card, and the other two can be cards that say, “You bring shame upon your family,” or whatever you want.
15. Protect that egg
Every guest gets an egg upon entering the party. Whoever’s egg remains unbroken by the end of the party gets a prize. People will likely be drinking. Do the math.
This game is fun because they’ll likely name their eggs and treat them like people. You can even leave out some markers so people can draw faces on their eggs and dress them up.
16. Grape toss
This is the perfect outdoor game. Break everyone into teams of two. A CATCHER and a TOSSER.
Start each team 5 feet apart. The TOSSERS have to throw a grape into the mouth of the CATCHER.
TOSSERS must remain behind the starting line, but CATCHERS can move from the starting position only after the grape has been thrown into the air.
Each team gets three tosses at that distance to make one catch. Once all the teams have done their three tosses or made a catch, the ones who missed all three are eliminated, and the remaining teams separate from each other another five feet.
This continues until all but one team (the winners) have been eliminated.
If there’s a tie because more than one team misses all three tosses at the same distance, each side gets one additional toss until the tie is broken. If the next toss distance is made by more than one team, the remaining teams still move back five feet and continue with another set of three tosses at that distance.
17. A foosball party
Set up two tables. Put some large bowls at one end of each table, beneath the edge of a stool or chair.
You may have to put a few books or magazines underneath the bowls to raise them to the right height. You want the bowl’s lip to rest right beneath the edge of the table.
You can even create goalposts by placing two 2-liter soda bottles on the table and marking where the edges of the bowl are.
Two players each get party blowers (or party horns) and crouch down behind the table opposite the bowls. Give each player a supply of ping pong balls.
When the game starts, players set the ping pong balls on the table in front of them and try to hit them across the table between the “goalposts” and get the balls to land in the bowl at the other end.
The first player to get five balls in the bowl wins; make sure someone’s watching and keeping count to announce when someone’s won since players may not be able to see.
You can also do it relay style with two or more players on a team, and if you want, you can make it so losers take a shot.
18. Flip cup
Another classic drinking game. Flip Cup is all about speed and coordination.
Two teams of an equal number of players stand on opposite sides of a table, facing one another.
Each person is given a plastic Solo cup filled with the same set amount of beer. When the game begins, the first person in the line on each team has to drink the contents of their cup and then place it right-side-up on the table, hanging a bit off the edge (to give them room to flip it).
Then, using just one hand (no blowing), the players have to try to flip the cup over 180 degrees in a single motion until it lands upside down.
After each failed attempt, the cup must be reset to its starting position right-side up, but players can make as many attempts as necessary to obtain it.
Once a player successfully flips their cup upside down, the next person in line can begin drinking and flipping their cup relay-style.
The first team to get the last person in their line to successfully drink and flip their cup wins!
19. This blows
Players must blow up a balloon. Then, use the air it exerts to blow down a series of cups lined up along the edge of a table before their opponent.
As the game progresses, players must keep moving further back from the table, making it increasingly difficult to control the balloon.
20. Medusa rules
This is another perfect game for starting a party off or pre-gaming. Everyone sits around a circular table with shot glasses containing various spirits (liquor, not souls).
Everyone counts to three and then looks up at someone. If the person you’re looking at isn’t looking back at you, you’re safe.
If the person you’re looking at is looking back at you, you must shout out, “Medusa!” while maintaining eye contact and taking one of the shots from the table.
The game ends when all the shots on the table are gone.
21. The pocky game
It’s like that scene from Lady and the Tramp, only with a Japanese treat you’ve only ever eaten if you watch anime. First, you need Pocky. You can get it in the “Asian” aisle of almost any grocery store.
Two players start simultaneously nibbling away at either end of a stick of Pocky. Whoever pulls away first loses and has to take a shot.
22. Freeze or drink
This game is perfect to keep as a running theme throughout a party. One person is designated Ms. or Mr. Freeze. At any point throughout the party, that person can, well… freeze.
Everyone must follow suit. The last person to catch on must take a shot or chug a beer bottle.
23. Modified flip sip or strip
This is an updated version of a classic party game by The Best Drinking Games. Get in a circle and have the first player flip a coin. Have the person to their left guess what the coin flip is.
If they get it right, they get the coin and flip for the person to their left.
If they get it wrong, flip the coin and have them guess again.
Keep doing this until they get it right or get it wrong three times in a row.
If the person guessing gets it right on the first try, they get the coin and have no consequences.
If the person guessing gets it right on the second try, the person flipping gets to ask any question the guesser must answer truthfully before receiving the coin.
If the person guessing gets it right on the third try, they must take a shot before receiving the coin.
But if the person gets it wrong all three times, they must remove an article of clothing before receiving the coin to flip for the next person.
Creative Drink Ideas
What’s a party without some delicious drinks? Impress your guests with these creative drink ideas.
1. Bomb shot bar
Make it easy on yourself and set up a simple bomb shot bar. A bomb shot (also known as a depth charge) is a beer (or other drink) with a shot of liquor dropped in before the entire thing is chugged.
Think, Irish car bomb, or sake bomb, or anything with a bomb in it.
Have all your guests bring their favorite beer or alcohol and set up a little bar at the party where people can make their bomb shots and see who can come up with the best combination.
Sapporo and sake are pretty good. So is whiskey and any beer, really (these are known boilermakers).
If your beer is an IPA or stout, you might want to go sweet with the liquor. If your beer is on the sweet side, you know the drill.
2. Egg nog disaronno
If you’re trying to get your holiday party game on, few things are better than Disaronno and egg nog. It’s ridiculously easy to make. Just fill a tumbler glass halfway with egg nog and add Disaronno to taste.
Top with some cinnamon, and don’t say we never did anything for you.
3. Cotton candy pink champagne
Put cotton candy in champagne flutes. Pour some vodka over it in front of your guests and watch it instantly dissolve.
Then add pink champagne (leave a little space at the top).
Then, rest a piece of cotton candy on the glass like a pink cloud. Take care not to let it fall into the deliciously sweet, alcoholic mixture below until the drinks have been served.
Check this video out by Tipsy Bartender if you want to see it in action.
4. Crouching tiger
Put one part lychee liqueur and one part silver tequila in a cocktail shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a shot glass.
Be careful about these. They’re almost too delicious.
5. Swamp water punch
Tipsy Bartender comes through again. Party punch doesn’t have to be boring.
Drop fruits like strawberries, lemon, lime, and apple slices into the base of your container.
Then, pour 25oz. each of tequila, sour apple pucker, and melon liqueur, 64oz. each of sweet and sour mix, and lemon-lime soda on top.
Add the blue curaçao in and stir again, then avert your eyes away from the green deliciousness before you.
6. Mimosa bar
Get a ton of different juices and put them in decanters, get a ton of different champagnes, and pop all the bottles. Put out a few garnishes, like sliced fruit and cotton candy, and let everyone go crazy.
The best thing about the mimosa bar is that everyone can customize their drink, making it perfect for large parties with diverse tastes.
7. Jello shots
Jello shots are a classic party drink that never gets old. They’re easy to make and come in all sorts of fun flavors, making them perfect for any theme party.
Plus, who doesn’t love a little jiggle in their drink?
8. Nacho libre shot
Add equal parts tequila, Bailey’s, and Disaronno in a shot glass. Nachooooooo!
If you’re feeling ambitious, rim the shot glasses with salt and drizzle a little chocolate syrup on top as an ode to the classic Mexican candy.
8. Trash margaritas
Mix a can of frozen lemonade concentrate, one bottle of Corona, and some Bacardi Limon in a blender. Serve in margarita glasses with half-salted, half-sugared rims.
These deliciously trashy margaritas are the perfect party drink for any occasion. You can even make a big batch in advance and keep it chilled until your guests arrive. Blend it up again before serving, and you’re good to go!
9. Kahlua floats
Put a few scoops of chocolate ice cream in a glass and top with Kahlua. Then drizzle chocolate syrup on top and fill with your favorite root beer, cream, or club soda.
You can also add a splash of vodka for an extra kick. These boozy floats are a fun twist on the classic root beer float and make for a tasty dessert at your next party.
10. Pink bikini
Mix raspberry lemonade, coconut rum, and amaretto liqueur in a pitcher. Halve a coconut with your bare hands (use your kung fu), then fill both halves with the mixture from the pitcher.
Throw in some straws, umbrellas, and any other garnishes you want to spice it up. This is perfect for pool, tiki, or beach parties.
11. Blood lust
Fill a glass with champagne, Sprite, and a splash of grenadine. Throw in a few strawberry slices or raspberries and garnish with a slice of fruit on the rim.
You can also add a little vodka to make it extra potent. This drink is perfect for Halloween parties or any spooky-themed events. Serve in goblets for an extra eerie effect.
12. Flatheads
It’s like a screwdriver but even lower brow. Pour out a third of a bunch of Sunny D’s into a large pitcher (make punch with this later) and fill the space in the juice bottles with half vodka and half grenadine.
Recap them and shake well. Serve outside on a sunny day.
Ohhhhhhhhh… Sunny D.
Just got that.
13. Coconut rum punch lemonade
Spike store-bought strawberry lemonade with rum and throw it inside emptied coconuts. Decorate with straws, cocktail umbrellas, and fruit.
Pineapple and orange juice can also be added for a tropical twist. This drink is perfect for summer parties or beach-themed events. Plus, it’s super Instagram-worthy!
14. Walk the plank shots
Be careful with these. Combine each part of coconut, spiced, Kahlua, rum cream, and Bacardi 151 and shake well.
Pour the mixture into shot glasses and top with whipped cream and a sprinkle of cinnamon. Take them to the head.
15. Barcardi limona coronas
Pop open some Coronas and fill up the neck with Bacardi Limon. Stick a lime slice in the top and salt the rim.
When you hand them out, have people push in the lime wedge, put their thumb over the opening, and flip over the beer so things mix up a bit.
Drink and enjoy.
16. Apple cider mimosas
This is a bomb recipe from the folk over at Delish. Mix two tablespoons of sugar on a plate for every tablespoon of cinnamon. Dip the champagne flutes in water to wet the rims, and then dip them in the cinnamon-sugar mixture.
Fill 1/4th of the champagne flutes with apple cider, then top off the rest with champagne.
Garnish with a thin apple slice if you’re trying to get crazy.
17. Watermelon margarita punch bowl
We love this fantastic margarita recipe by Minimalist Baker served with our little twist. Get a big, beautiful watermelon and cut it in half, lengthwise.
Flatten the bottom of both halves by trimming down the rind so the watermelon halves can rest open face up without rolling. When you flatten the bottoms, you don’t cut all the way down through the rinds to the fruit.
Scoop out the watermelon and cube it. Put the cubed watermelon in a large blender and blend until it’s a juice.
Add 1 1/4 cups of watermelon juice, 2 1/2 tablespoons of lime juice, five tablespoons of silver tequila, and ice in a cocktail shaker. Shake vigorously.
Pour the mixture into the empty watermelon half. Adjust the amounts to fit the amount of juice you have and repeat until the watermelon halves are mostly full, like a punch bowl.
Let people self-serve with ladles into margarita glasses with salted rims.
18. Spiked strawberry milkshakes
Mix a bunch of strawberry ice cream, strawberries, and brandy to taste (and strength) in a blender. Pour the mixture into party glasses and add a swirl of a whip on top of each.
Garnish the glasses with a strawberry pressed onto the rim and throw some milkshake straws in.
19. Oatmeal cookie shots
This popular shooter has taken on many different forms. Our favorite is with equal parts Bailey’s and butterscotch schnapps, a splash of Jaegermeister, and a splash of cinnamon schnapps to get that real oatmeal cookie taste.
Combine in a cocktail shaker with ice and shake well before straining into shot glasses. Top with cinnamon and serve.
20. The Captain vs. The Kraken
Fill a pint glass halfway with lemon-lime soda (Sprite or 7UP) and a splash of blue curaçao. This is the ocean. Then, separately, fill one shot glass with Captain Morgan and another with Kraken rum.
Rest the two shot glasses inside the top of the pint glass so they’re holding each other up.
To take the drink, remove “The Captain” (the shot of Captain Morgan). This will send “The Kraken” plummeting down into the depths below.
Take the shot of Captain and then immediately down the pint glass.
Creative Food Ideas
Looking to wow your guests with some unique and delicious food options? Check out these creative food ideas for your next party.
1. Hot dogadillas
These sound gross, we know, but this incredible combination of two classics will blow your mind when you try it. Heat a layer of shredded cheese on an open-faced flour tortilla.
Wrap the hot dog with your cheesy tortilla like a tightly wound burrito and tuck it as such. Fry the whole thing in oil one side at a time until it’s flat on four sides.
Cut them in half with a slight angle, and serve with Stubb’s Sweet Heat Bar-B-Q Sauce for dipping. You can stack a large plate with these cheaply, and they’ll fill your guests up.
2. Vegetarian chorizo breakfast tacos
Vegetarian chorizo is one of the only imitation meats that are, dare we say, better than the real thing. I know, it’s hard to believe. But make these street tacos for your guests, and I’m sure they’ll agree.
Buy little street taco tortillas and lightly crisp them in a pan with oil, flipping them with a spatula so they don’t burn. You want them soft, moist, and somewhat crispy.
Once your tortillas are done, fry your vegetarian chorizo in the same pan. Then, throw a few eggs in there and mix it all up until the eggs are cooked in with the chorizo.
Mix together some Mexican-style shredded cheese just before it’s finished cooking. Spoon the chorizo into the tortillas and top with more shredded cheese before serving.
3. Baked mac and cheese bread bowls
Make your most fire-baked mac and cheese with this. Instead of serving it on plates or in regular bowls, scoop out the center of a roll and use the outside of the bread as the bowl.**
Butter the insides of the rolls you removed, warm them up, and serve them separately.
4. Gummy kebabs
Get a large assortment of different gummy candies and some skewers. Perfect for summer parties or anything outdoors.
Assemble a variety of gummy candies on skewers and display them on a platter for guests to enjoy. For added sweetness, you can even include some chocolate or caramel dipping sauce.
5. Crunch and munch trough
Get some Costco-sized boxes of Crunch and Munch (in different flavors) and fill a large trough-type dish with them. Who doesn’t love a trough full of sweet and salty snacks?
This grazing-style snack option is perfect for parties with many guests, as it allows everyone to grab what they want without crowding around a single platter. Leave out some disposable cups or paper cones for people to scoop with. Way better than popcorn.
6. Fruit bowls
No, I don’t think you got it. Fruit bowls. Use fruit peels as containers for appetizers and desserts.
Cut an orange in half, scoop out the fruit, and make ice cubes (see “Elevate Your Ice” above). Then, serve ice cream or sorbet in the peels.
7. Hot dog bar
Instead of just doing the traditional barbecue things, make a bunch of hot dog variations. You can include toppings like bacon, chili, cheese, and mustard.
Set up a bar of every possible hot dog topping so people can make their traditional hot dogs, Chicago dogs, chili dogs, brats, etc.
8. Corn tortilla quesadilla
Once you try this quesadilla, it’ll be hard to return. Place some canola oil in a pan and place a corn tortilla in it. Evenly layer shredded cheese on one side and fold the tortilla in half. Any kind of cheese works, but the Mexican style is usually the best.
Fry the little quesadilla until it’s golden brown and slightly crispy on both sides. Buy salsa (or make your own) for people to dip and serve these fresh, like food at a barbecue.
The average person will eat 5-10 of these (because they’re so good), but a big pack of corn tortillas costs about $0.
9. Frito pies
We’re not supporters of corn chips over here. In fact, some would go so far as to say that they’re irredeemable… except for that great smorgasbord of flavors known lovingly as the Frito pie.
For some strange reason, this concoction tastes amazing and makes for the perfect party food.
Mix your favorite chili, shredded cheese, sour cream, guacamole, scallions, and jalapeños with the bag of corn chips and serve.
10. Bacon-wrapped tater tots
Make tater tots. Make bacon. Wrap the former in the latter.
Yum? Yum. For an added twist, add some cheese or jalapeno slices before wrapping the tots in bacon. Serve with your favorite dipping sauce for a delicious and indulgent appetizer option.
11. Tostada bowls
Get enough tostada bowl shells for everyone at the party and make a massive vat of ground beef. Put the beef in the tostada bowl shells and let people dress them just how they like them by putting out a topping bar.
Put out some avocado slices, pico de gallo, jalapeños, lettuce, guac, salsa, and shredded cheese.
12. Dessert kabobs
Skewer pieces of donuts, strawberries, pound cake, brownies, marshmallows, donut holes, churros… whatever will stay on. Then drizzle everything in chocolate.
It’s like a dessert shish kabob! Serve with whipped cream on the side for dipping.
13. Savage sliders
Get a bunch of slider buns and mold some ground beef into little burgers about two inches across. Cook or grill them medium rare and put some cheese on top to melt about a minute before the burgers are done.
Butter and lightly toast the buns so they’re still soft but golden brown.
To make the sauce, mix mayonnaise, ketchup, and mustard to taste. Put together the sliders, then drizzle the sauce on top of the burger before you put the buns on top.
Cheap, easy, and ridiculously good.
14. Picnic burgers
Grill up some regular bacon cheeseburgers, but use King’s Hawaiian Sweet Hamburger Buns instead of regular buns. Put the burger together, but top it off with a healthy heaping of cold macaroni salad before you place it on the top bun.
The tangy, fresh sweetness of the pasta salad gives it that refreshing kick that’s so fitting. You’ll wonder why you’ve never tried this before.
It’s so good you won’t even need condiments.
15. Bagel bar
Set up a bagel bar with various bagels, kinds of butter, jams, cream cheeses, and lox. Have a toaster handy (you can even borrow one or two extras from friends).
Put out some knives and paper plates and let everyone create their combinations of carbs to soak up all that alcohol.
16. Vegetarian chorizo party nachos
Nachos are crazy easy to make, and these are no exception. Layer tortilla chips across a baking pan. Top with cooked vegetarian chorizo, shredded cheese, and jalapeños.
Repeat by adding another layer of chips, chorizo, tons of shredded cheese, jalapeños, and this time top with Cholula drizzle.
Bake until all the cheese is melted, and top with a scoop each of guac, salsa, and sour cream.
17. Chicken and waffle sliders
Make a big batch of chicken tenders. If you have a waffle maker, you’ll want to make your waffles with that. But if worse comes to worst, just buy some frozen waffles and make them in your toaster.
Each waffle will make two sliders. Just cut the waffles into fourths and sandwich a piece of fried chicken between two waffle pieces.
Lock the stack in place with toothpicks and serve with maple syrup on the side.
18. Dessert cups
Layer different desserts inside small mason jars so your guests can pick one that appeals to them, grab a spoon, and go to town. Layer them however you like, but alternate textures for the best experience.
Here are some layers that always seem to go over (in no particular order): brownie, ice cream, cake, whipped cream, strawberries, pudding… you get it.
Endless flavors. Endless combinations.
19. Fajita bites
Make some bomb fajita, but instead of serving it on plates with rice and beans or in tacos, make them into a grab-and-go app. Melt some cheese on top of them and cut them into bite-sized pieces.
Then, use a toothpick to pierce grilled or roasted yellow bell peppers on top of each portion of cheesy fajita.
20. Ice cream sandwich bar
When humans are finally welcomed into an interspecies intergalactic civilization, they’ll probably credit ice cream sandwiches as our most magnificent creation. Have everyone bring or bake their favorite cookies (see ‘Outsourcing’ above).
Get a bunch of different ice cream flavors and let people go to town making their own ice cream sandwiches.
Put out a little chocolate chip tray so people can roll some onto the sides of their ice cream sandwiches.
Pro Tip: Warm up the ice cream scooper in hot water (NOT in the microwave) before scooping. It’ll glide through the ice cream like MJ in traffic.
There are endless possibilities for delicious and creative party ideas that won’t break the bank. With creativity and simple materials, you can impress your guests and have a great time.
👉 Suggested read: Bachelor Party Ideas
Remember to keep it fun and stress-free, and don’t be afraid to get adventurous with your choices. Your party will surely be a hit with these fun and easy ideas!
