How do I become a person who hosts gatherings and parties?
May 28, 2020 8:01 PM Subscribe
Please help me get over my anxiety about hosting gatherings. I have huge anxieties about inviting people over because I’m worried that they don’t really want to come, or they’ll say no. This question is mostly to people who are hosts. Do you ever get scared no one will want to come? Do you just keep hosting parties and having gatherings whether people come or not? Do you ever deal with rejection, and if so, how?
I have a nice house and a beautiful patio. I want to become one of those people who have friends over on warm summer nights, and host game nights! The only thing stopping me (besides Covid right now) is my own anxiety.
Extroverted party throwers, how do you handle people declining your invitations without internalizing it’s and never wanting to try to plan a party again?
Please help me host a party! (After covid, of course!)
I have a nice house and a beautiful patio. I want to become one of those people who have friends over on warm summer nights, and host game nights! The only thing stopping me (besides Covid right now) is my own anxiety.
Extroverted party throwers, how do you handle people declining your invitations without internalizing it’s and never wanting to try to plan a party again?
Please help me host a party! (After covid, of course!)
I'm not extroverted at all, but I used to do a lot of hosting. A couple things that help:
1.) Have a couple reliable friends who will come a little early and help set up and greet others, or just be there to keep your mind busy so you don't stress over whether/when others will show up. You already have your favorites there! (To be fair, this was something I started when we would have parties in grad school, and I didn't want to risk getting stuck in awkward conversation with just me and whichever early arriver or two showed up first, but there are many benefits.)
2.) You just have to accept that not everyone will always come, but if you hold regular events, that will encourage better attendance, because they will start to think in their minds, "oh, first Tuesday is katypickle's potluck/game night/dance party, better not schedule anything else then".
3.) If you're comfortable suggesting that your friends can feel free to bring a friend, that's nice, since they'll be sure they have someone they know besides you there. Helpful if you aren't looking at inviting an already cohesive group.
4.) If you're making something tasty, advertise it! Also, people like to contribute. An easy thing is to suggest they bring a favorite drink.
posted by ktkt at 8:26 PM on May 28, 2020 [4 favorites]
1.) Have a couple reliable friends who will come a little early and help set up and greet others, or just be there to keep your mind busy so you don't stress over whether/when others will show up. You already have your favorites there! (To be fair, this was something I started when we would have parties in grad school, and I didn't want to risk getting stuck in awkward conversation with just me and whichever early arriver or two showed up first, but there are many benefits.)
2.) You just have to accept that not everyone will always come, but if you hold regular events, that will encourage better attendance, because they will start to think in their minds, "oh, first Tuesday is katypickle's potluck/game night/dance party, better not schedule anything else then".
3.) If you're comfortable suggesting that your friends can feel free to bring a friend, that's nice, since they'll be sure they have someone they know besides you there. Helpful if you aren't looking at inviting an already cohesive group.
4.) If you're making something tasty, advertise it! Also, people like to contribute. An easy thing is to suggest they bring a favorite drink.
posted by ktkt at 8:26 PM on May 28, 2020 [4 favorites]
When I only invite a select few people, the party can get a little weird and people are more likely to flake. Trying to curate a good guest list gives me anxiety because I'm not great at it. Instead, I host parties where I invite almost every person I know (within reason). People who aren't really into it won't come, people who aren't having a great time will leave when they feel like it, and at the end of the night I always have a fun core group of people who wanted to stick around. I also make sure to let the guests know I'll be providing dinner, snacks, drinks so there's extra incentive to show up.
posted by Penguin48 at 8:38 PM on May 28, 2020 [4 favorites]
posted by Penguin48 at 8:38 PM on May 28, 2020 [4 favorites]
I do sometimes struggle with worries about rejection. When I have hosted the past few times, I've actually had larger events and invited lots of people because then I am not expecting everyone to come. If I invite 30 folks, and ten come, that's pretty great! And definitely a party.
posted by bluedaisy at 9:02 PM on May 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by bluedaisy at 9:02 PM on May 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
Since no one can go anywhere right now, would a Zoom party be a good first step? Pick an occasion and some relevant questions to get the ball rolling, ask folks to feel free to drink their drink of choice, and voila! You are hosting a party.
posted by mollymillions at 9:03 PM on May 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by mollymillions at 9:03 PM on May 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
I am definitely one of those hosts who can spiral out thinking about people declining invites. I just try to remember the times when I've declined things even though I like the host, since people are busy and life is complicated. I think it's good to acknowledge that yes, sometimes someone saying no to an invite might be part of a "slow fade" for a friendship. But if that friend is otherwise responsive and open to hanging out, it's probably not personal.
Something that helps me with throwing parties is to have one or two close friends who I pick the time with, and are "confirmed", before inviting a larger group. That way, even if everyone else flakes, I know I can still have a fun night with that friend.
Alternatively, depending on the type of crowd, doodle polls can also help alot. You can send out a mass email saying something like, "I'm thinking about hosting a game night. If you're interested, respond to the doodle with the times that work for you!" That way you can get a sense of how many people are into the activity and available at particular times. In my personal experience, a couple of the people who answer the doodle favorably might still flake, but it's been more reliable than facebook.
posted by tinymegalo at 9:08 PM on May 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
Something that helps me with throwing parties is to have one or two close friends who I pick the time with, and are "confirmed", before inviting a larger group. That way, even if everyone else flakes, I know I can still have a fun night with that friend.
Alternatively, depending on the type of crowd, doodle polls can also help alot. You can send out a mass email saying something like, "I'm thinking about hosting a game night. If you're interested, respond to the doodle with the times that work for you!" That way you can get a sense of how many people are into the activity and available at particular times. In my personal experience, a couple of the people who answer the doodle favorably might still flake, but it's been more reliable than facebook.
posted by tinymegalo at 9:08 PM on May 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I host fairly often and I always worry people aren't going to show up, so I hear you. I would really just power through and send an invitation anyway. It's okay no matter what happens! If literally no one comes, which I think happened to me once, then no one is going to be there to know about it. If only one or two people come, they will still have a nice time. I threw together a last-minute invitation for New Year's Eve and literally only one person showed up, and not one of my closest friends, but she still had a really nice time.
Also, from my time as a host and as a guest: It's so easy to take it as a personal rejection if people don't show up when you're hosting, but when you're a guest it's usually not personal at all. Maybe family or work stuff came up, maybe I had prior plans, maybe I just didn't feel like going out one day because I was in a bad mood. None of that is a referendum on the host, and I am still so happy to be invited to events.
Happy hosting!
posted by ferret branca at 9:11 PM on May 28, 2020 [7 favorites]
Also, from my time as a host and as a guest: It's so easy to take it as a personal rejection if people don't show up when you're hosting, but when you're a guest it's usually not personal at all. Maybe family or work stuff came up, maybe I had prior plans, maybe I just didn't feel like going out one day because I was in a bad mood. None of that is a referendum on the host, and I am still so happy to be invited to events.
Happy hosting!
posted by ferret branca at 9:11 PM on May 28, 2020 [7 favorites]
Always invite the neighbours (unless you really dislike them). Even if they don't come, at least they know what is going on.
The question that would always stump me, "Who's coming?" I wasn't sure if that meant that they wanted a detailed guest list or what. Then I realised that in a big city, people are nervous turning up on their own, so I flipped the question and asked them, "Not totally sure yet. Is there anyone you would like to bring along? They are more than welcome. Any dietary restrictions?"
posted by Barbara Spitzer at 9:51 PM on May 28, 2020 [3 favorites]
The question that would always stump me, "Who's coming?" I wasn't sure if that meant that they wanted a detailed guest list or what. Then I realised that in a big city, people are nervous turning up on their own, so I flipped the question and asked them, "Not totally sure yet. Is there anyone you would like to bring along? They are more than welcome. Any dietary restrictions?"
posted by Barbara Spitzer at 9:51 PM on May 28, 2020 [3 favorites]
Seconding the advice that a great way to get over this anxiety is to wait until 1 or 2 close friends have confirmed they will 100% attend the party before you invite other guests, so that you know that no matter what, you will have a good time with some friends. However, I disagree that the next step is to throw a large party with an invitation to all and sundry. I have enjoyed myself much more as a party hostess on the occasions when I have carefully considered the guest list and invited people who I really want to see and who I think will all enjoy each other's company. Otherwise, there's too much of a risk of your party being overrun with socially awkward semi-strangers, IMO. People are also more likely to say yes to invitations if you message them personally and invite them to come to a small event, rather than sending out a mass email blast or 100+-person Facebook invite.
After all, guests can have anxiety too! When I end up on one of those 100-person invites, I always wonder if my presence is really wanted; if a friend reaches out to me with a personal invitation to a smaller party, I will feel more secure and happy to attend.
posted by clair-de-lune at 10:02 PM on May 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
After all, guests can have anxiety too! When I end up on one of those 100-person invites, I always wonder if my presence is really wanted; if a friend reaches out to me with a personal invitation to a smaller party, I will feel more secure and happy to attend.
posted by clair-de-lune at 10:02 PM on May 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
Best answer: I was you. I live in a tiny apartment and don't host frequently, but I used to DREAD the idea and now I enjoy the occasions when I do. There's still anxiety, but over time I've mostly funneled it into excitement or planning energy.
Part of what helped me was to look at how I felt about other people hosting events. Was I scrutinizing their guest list or how many people showed up, or was I delighted for the opportunity to hang out with people where all I had to do was show up with some wine? Very much the latter, and was grateful to the host for providing it, and I suspect that's how many people will think of your events. I think this will be even more true as people start to return to small gatherings after covid when for many of us, just spending an afternoon with friends again will be a wonderful gift, especially in a lovely outdoor space that might feel a little safer.
Lead time might be a consideration here, and this is where you'll know your friends the best. Do people want a decent amount of notice or is spontaneous better (and does "spontaneous" mean two days from now or does it mean get your coat?) Are Saturday nights a precious commodity you want to call a month ahead of time?
As for dealing with people declining--early on I vaguely remember talking with a couple of close friends to make sure they could be there for the date I was planning, and probably shared some of the anxiety I was feeling. That meant a couple people I really liked were a lock before I even sent an invite, and also they knew a lot of the other invitees and could talk me down a little. For other friends, hey, people have busy lives, 99.9% it has nothing to do with me. And it's okay to feel a little disappointed nonetheless--but similarly, if I had to skip somebody's party because of a prior commitment, I would never want them to take it personally or think I wouldn't want to come next time.
Another thought: as things start to open back up, consider some events that you're organizing but where "hosting" is more low-key, like a picnic or museum or hike. Something where you'd go and have a good time even if you were alone, and anyone else who shows up is gravy. I have totally had this fail in awkward ways--but like a lot of other things, the more you do it the easier it gets, and the less the success of any given event feels like it Says about you, and it's often less hassle than planning a whole party but still practice at the "what if nobody comes?" part.
Good luck! A few years ago even inviting a friend to a movie would be gruesomely anxiety-inducing, but now I host Friendsgiving and really cherish it, and I think my friends do too. (And sending an invite is still anxiety-inducing, but for me it's worth it to white-knuckle through.)
posted by jameaterblues at 10:17 PM on May 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
Part of what helped me was to look at how I felt about other people hosting events. Was I scrutinizing their guest list or how many people showed up, or was I delighted for the opportunity to hang out with people where all I had to do was show up with some wine? Very much the latter, and was grateful to the host for providing it, and I suspect that's how many people will think of your events. I think this will be even more true as people start to return to small gatherings after covid when for many of us, just spending an afternoon with friends again will be a wonderful gift, especially in a lovely outdoor space that might feel a little safer.
Lead time might be a consideration here, and this is where you'll know your friends the best. Do people want a decent amount of notice or is spontaneous better (and does "spontaneous" mean two days from now or does it mean get your coat?) Are Saturday nights a precious commodity you want to call a month ahead of time?
As for dealing with people declining--early on I vaguely remember talking with a couple of close friends to make sure they could be there for the date I was planning, and probably shared some of the anxiety I was feeling. That meant a couple people I really liked were a lock before I even sent an invite, and also they knew a lot of the other invitees and could talk me down a little. For other friends, hey, people have busy lives, 99.9% it has nothing to do with me. And it's okay to feel a little disappointed nonetheless--but similarly, if I had to skip somebody's party because of a prior commitment, I would never want them to take it personally or think I wouldn't want to come next time.
Another thought: as things start to open back up, consider some events that you're organizing but where "hosting" is more low-key, like a picnic or museum or hike. Something where you'd go and have a good time even if you were alone, and anyone else who shows up is gravy. I have totally had this fail in awkward ways--but like a lot of other things, the more you do it the easier it gets, and the less the success of any given event feels like it Says about you, and it's often less hassle than planning a whole party but still practice at the "what if nobody comes?" part.
Good luck! A few years ago even inviting a friend to a movie would be gruesomely anxiety-inducing, but now I host Friendsgiving and really cherish it, and I think my friends do too. (And sending an invite is still anxiety-inducing, but for me it's worth it to white-knuckle through.)
posted by jameaterblues at 10:17 PM on May 28, 2020 [1 favorite]
I feel exactly the same way. Loads of great advice above. I only want to add that it’s easier to deal with rejection on low stakes events where’s it’s not so personal (I.e not a birthday, anniversary or other such event). Another reason to focus events around interest related activities when staring out. Once you’ve gotten into the groove then you can start thinking about birthdays, house warming etc.
posted by BAKERSFIELD! at 10:36 PM on May 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
posted by BAKERSFIELD! at 10:36 PM on May 28, 2020 [2 favorites]
I've had great success inviting people over because I baked A Thing that I didn't want to eat by myself, e.g. a serious apple pie. They eat the pie, they talk, maybe they stay, maybe they don't. It's a good starter event.
posted by amtho at 12:17 AM on May 29, 2020 [3 favorites]
posted by amtho at 12:17 AM on May 29, 2020 [3 favorites]
It can be up and down. I usually like to invite all my friend groups to parties and let them meet each other. In August 2018 I had a porch party for my friends and probably 20-25 people showed up. In 2019 I had another birthday porch party and three friends and five strangers showed up. At the last Mefi meetup I hosted, one other Mefite showed up (she's awesome) but I've definitely had Mefietups where ten or more people have come.
It's tempting to blame yourself or think you're unpopular but there are so many other factors - people have scheduling conflicts, sick days, forgetfulness, whatever.
I love dinner parties and especially hosting them. My birthday tradition is to treat my close friends to dinner at a fancy restaurant. (That's not hosting but food is attached to so many comfort feelings.)
I like to think when I'm feeding my friends that I'm taking care of them. People like it when you take care of them.
posted by bendy at 12:17 AM on May 29, 2020 [1 favorite]
It's tempting to blame yourself or think you're unpopular but there are so many other factors - people have scheduling conflicts, sick days, forgetfulness, whatever.
I love dinner parties and especially hosting them. My birthday tradition is to treat my close friends to dinner at a fancy restaurant. (That's not hosting but food is attached to so many comfort feelings.)
I like to think when I'm feeding my friends that I'm taking care of them. People like it when you take care of them.
posted by bendy at 12:17 AM on May 29, 2020 [1 favorite]
Best answer: I don't host a lot, but my dad does quite a bit. Here is some of the advice that he's shared with me, and that I've observed:
1. Especially when you get older, time becomes the most valuable thing that you have, and it has to be split among everything that you ever want to do and all the people you want to be with. Make it very clear that rejections are absolutely fine, and upon receipt you appreciate their response and will invite them next time.
2. This does not apply to people who don't give you the courtesy of an answer; or say yes but often cancel at the last minute; the worst is saying yes but not showing. These people do not get invited again.
3. People will arrive late and leave early for various reasons, but they've committed and shown up. Shaming people won't make them want to come back.
4. Start small. While you'd love to have a great big and long party, people are reluctant to commit to so much if you haven't been hosting a lot. Invite a small set of people (mostly those who you can count on to show up) and maybe one or two others who are less likely. Don't schedule an entire afternoon for one meal, make it start not more than one hour before. Don't expect people to stay for hours after dinner for "activities".
5. Don't over-emphasize your role as the host. You are helping to bring people together and have a good time. The party isn't about how great your house is, or your excellent cooking, or beating them at the games you own.
posted by meowzilla at 1:03 AM on May 29, 2020 [3 favorites]
1. Especially when you get older, time becomes the most valuable thing that you have, and it has to be split among everything that you ever want to do and all the people you want to be with. Make it very clear that rejections are absolutely fine, and upon receipt you appreciate their response and will invite them next time.
2. This does not apply to people who don't give you the courtesy of an answer; or say yes but often cancel at the last minute; the worst is saying yes but not showing. These people do not get invited again.
3. People will arrive late and leave early for various reasons, but they've committed and shown up. Shaming people won't make them want to come back.
4. Start small. While you'd love to have a great big and long party, people are reluctant to commit to so much if you haven't been hosting a lot. Invite a small set of people (mostly those who you can count on to show up) and maybe one or two others who are less likely. Don't schedule an entire afternoon for one meal, make it start not more than one hour before. Don't expect people to stay for hours after dinner for "activities".
5. Don't over-emphasize your role as the host. You are helping to bring people together and have a good time. The party isn't about how great your house is, or your excellent cooking, or beating them at the games you own.
posted by meowzilla at 1:03 AM on May 29, 2020 [3 favorites]
I once hosted a party where one other person showed up, and we listened to “Boys Don’t Cry” by the Cure repeatedly. True story.
I guess what I’m saying is, if you fail, fail spectacularly.
What’s worked best for me other times is to have a hook, a reason for the party beyond simply wanting to have people over. This could be an event (graduation, housewarming), a holiday, or something like that. For me personally, I’ve had success with Pi Day, Corduroy Day (11/11), and Election Night parties. If you consistently host a party for a certain occasion, it’ll gain momentum over time. I hosted Corduroy Day parties for so long that now people ask me about Corduroy Day plans well in advance.
Probably the simplest hook is sports, especially football because it only happens once a week. Having people over to watch a game is fun and easy, and it’s harder to decline if it’s something they’d be doing anyway. Movie nights are another good one, especially if you have a nice home theatre.
As for how to handle rejection: make sure that whatever you’re doing, it’s something you’d enjoy solo. I’d love it if people would come to my cookout, but I love grilling and hanging out in my backyard already, so even if nobody shows up, I’m still getting some benefit.
posted by kevinbelt at 4:07 AM on May 29, 2020 [3 favorites]
I guess what I’m saying is, if you fail, fail spectacularly.
What’s worked best for me other times is to have a hook, a reason for the party beyond simply wanting to have people over. This could be an event (graduation, housewarming), a holiday, or something like that. For me personally, I’ve had success with Pi Day, Corduroy Day (11/11), and Election Night parties. If you consistently host a party for a certain occasion, it’ll gain momentum over time. I hosted Corduroy Day parties for so long that now people ask me about Corduroy Day plans well in advance.
Probably the simplest hook is sports, especially football because it only happens once a week. Having people over to watch a game is fun and easy, and it’s harder to decline if it’s something they’d be doing anyway. Movie nights are another good one, especially if you have a nice home theatre.
As for how to handle rejection: make sure that whatever you’re doing, it’s something you’d enjoy solo. I’d love it if people would come to my cookout, but I love grilling and hanging out in my backyard already, so even if nobody shows up, I’m still getting some benefit.
posted by kevinbelt at 4:07 AM on May 29, 2020 [3 favorites]
I always float the party past a couple of my closest friends who I know will show up. Once we agree on a date I invite other people. That way I know at least we will have a good time.
posted by lyssabee at 5:37 AM on May 29, 2020 [1 favorite]
posted by lyssabee at 5:37 AM on May 29, 2020 [1 favorite]
How do you handle people declining your invitations without internalizing it’s and never wanting to try to plan a party again?
Take on board that everyone has a lot going on in their lives and might flake for reasons in no way related to the value of your invitation or your worth as a person.
They feel tired after work; their cat is ill; they quarreled with their partner; they have nothing to wear or they feel shy about a pimple on their nose; the ex they were pining for just phoned; their drama queen best friend just phoned ... et cetera. None of this is to do with you.
When I was in my twenties and lived with housemates we used to host a party almost once a month. We worked out that if you wanted a party with about 30 people you needed to send out 50 invitations. So we had a flake rate of 40%. Some of the people who flaked would be trusted friends, and some of the people who did turn up would be casual acquaintances.
In your age group and social circle the "no show" rate may differ, but the same principle applies: not everyone will turn up, there will be notable absences, and perhaps surprising presences. And every party will be different and well worth the experience.
posted by Pechorin at 7:18 AM on May 29, 2020
Take on board that everyone has a lot going on in their lives and might flake for reasons in no way related to the value of your invitation or your worth as a person.
They feel tired after work; their cat is ill; they quarreled with their partner; they have nothing to wear or they feel shy about a pimple on their nose; the ex they were pining for just phoned; their drama queen best friend just phoned ... et cetera. None of this is to do with you.
When I was in my twenties and lived with housemates we used to host a party almost once a month. We worked out that if you wanted a party with about 30 people you needed to send out 50 invitations. So we had a flake rate of 40%. Some of the people who flaked would be trusted friends, and some of the people who did turn up would be casual acquaintances.
In your age group and social circle the "no show" rate may differ, but the same principle applies: not everyone will turn up, there will be notable absences, and perhaps surprising presences. And every party will be different and well worth the experience.
posted by Pechorin at 7:18 AM on May 29, 2020
I echo the advice to start small and maybe also with something you'd enjoy doing anyway. For example, one of my friends hosts regular movie nights because she and her husband watch movies in their home theater all the time anyway. So she sends out an invite to a lot of people and asks for an rsvp so she can ballpark the number of pizzas to order. Usually 2-10 people show up. If no one shows up, they save on pizza and still enjoy the movie.
Also, I share your anxiety about gatherings, so I have never done, like, a formal dinner party. But I have done the "who wants to come to my patio and drink a beer this afternoon?" text to a couple of friends (again, since I was happy to be on my patio anyway regardless of who came) and usually had 1-3 people take me up on the offer. I actually found it better to do things somewhat short-notice, because psychologically I felt better when people didn't show because then it felt more obvious that they already had something going on instead of secretly not liking me or whatever.
posted by TwoStride at 8:10 AM on May 29, 2020 [2 favorites]
Also, I share your anxiety about gatherings, so I have never done, like, a formal dinner party. But I have done the "who wants to come to my patio and drink a beer this afternoon?" text to a couple of friends (again, since I was happy to be on my patio anyway regardless of who came) and usually had 1-3 people take me up on the offer. I actually found it better to do things somewhat short-notice, because psychologically I felt better when people didn't show because then it felt more obvious that they already had something going on instead of secretly not liking me or whatever.
posted by TwoStride at 8:10 AM on May 29, 2020 [2 favorites]
What kind of parties do you enjoy? I like parties with interesting people to talk to, and good food of some sort. Book group was a great way to host, as most members showed up. Game night, travel slide shows when a friend returns from a cool trip, watching an event together (royal weddings, award shows). A dinner party when a family member or old friend is visiting. Brunch is fun, and the food is easy. I avoid the competitive schedules like major holidays, but Lonelyhearts on Valentines Day can be fun. Have a Midsummer Eve party every year. If the house is in good shape, sometimes I have different groups over in a short space of time.
Ask people to bring beer, wine, liquor. People like to bring something, and that stuff is expensive. I used to always do the holiday party for my book group and they drank everything in my house the 1st year.
Food. learn to make festive food. It's not necessarily expensive. Grow basil and make pasta with pesto. Pie is not hard, and you can invite people for pie & coffee on a Sunday afternoon. Even when I host a potluck, I make sure there's food, maybe a big dish of scalloped potatoes in case people bring 7 tiny salads and 4 hummus and carrots. I never assign food because it's fussy, and it always works out well, even (especially?) the time everyone brought dessert.
posted by theora55 at 10:58 AM on May 29, 2020
Ask people to bring beer, wine, liquor. People like to bring something, and that stuff is expensive. I used to always do the holiday party for my book group and they drank everything in my house the 1st year.
Food. learn to make festive food. It's not necessarily expensive. Grow basil and make pasta with pesto. Pie is not hard, and you can invite people for pie & coffee on a Sunday afternoon. Even when I host a potluck, I make sure there's food, maybe a big dish of scalloped potatoes in case people bring 7 tiny salads and 4 hummus and carrots. I never assign food because it's fussy, and it always works out well, even (especially?) the time everyone brought dessert.
posted by theora55 at 10:58 AM on May 29, 2020
This will depend on your psychology, but one possible way to reduce your feeling of rejection might be to throw something last minute. If people can't make it to your spur-of-the-moment thing, you can more easily attribute that to them having other plans.
posted by metasarah at 11:26 AM on May 29, 2020
posted by metasarah at 11:26 AM on May 29, 2020
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People like parties, it really doesn't require much to get them to come; good food and drink, a casual setup, some optional activity. If you want parents of small kids to come, have games and movies for the kids. They will love you.
posted by emjaybee at 8:17 PM on May 28, 2020 [1 favorite]