Ask MetaFilter posts tagged with party

Help me convert an entire office into cheese fiends.

Xere — Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:04:03 -0800

I've been put in charge of a workplace cheese lunch. Introducing the staff to the world of fancy cheese, hopefully to convert them away from the usual radioactive-orange ... stuff ... that's out there. But I have no idea what to prepare. French bread, I think? And sparkling cider because we can't have alcohol on the job? But the cheese? What cheeses are near-guaranteed winners, and won't be overpowered by sparkling cider? Help! I wish to go down in history as the awesomest cheese introducer ever. My work colleagues don't know much about cheese, and can't imagine what I could possibly come up with. They're telling me, Well, nacho cheese dips and mac-and-cheese are pretty ordinary, isn't it? WELL OKAY THEN LET ME BLOW YOUR MINDS.

So my idea is an expanded version of a fancy lunch basket. The wine/bread/cheese basket, except that I can't really have wine. Although I do think sparkling cider will kill the taste buds.

Workplace pays for this, so there's no budget!

Toucha-toucha-toucha touch me

Ndwright — Fri, 11 Jul 2008 02:06:39 -0800

How do I go about finding platonic physical affection? Due to a lifestyle that involves lots of travelling and an awkwardness with meeting people, it's been about 19 months since I've had any kind of physical affection with much of anything and it's driving me up the wall at the moment. I hear that a pet is one solution, but not only do I not like pets, my travels prevent me from owning one. Any suggestions on finding someone/thing to touch?

I specify platonic because I find one-night stands dissatisfying, plus it's hard to start a relationship when you simultaneously have difficulty meeting people and don't live in any one place for more than eight months.

cocktail party near Irvine/Costa Mesa/Fountain Valley?

Joannalaine — Wed, 09 Jul 2008 17:33:46 -0800

What is a good office party venue in the Irvine/Costa Mesa/Fountain Valley, CA area? We are planning a small, informal cocktail party for the folks at the office. There will be about 30 people attending. We need a place that isn't too fancy, but has a separate room for us and can serve drinks and appetizers. The Yardhouse in Triangle Square would have been ideal, but that location does not have a separate room. We may be considering the location at the Irvine Spectrum if we can't find anywhere else. Our office is on the Costa Mesa/Fountain Valley border, so something within 10-15 min of here would be preferred.

Summer Sat in NYC...

hboogz — Sat, 05 Jul 2008 16:49:23 -0800

Where to go tonight in NYC? Group of Mid-Late twenties party people looking for a good party ?

I'm running dry of ideas..

Idea's I've thought of already:

Plumm
Mansion
Suzie Wong
One
205

help me out mefi's -- any of you mefi's with a connection, hook a fellow mefi up!!

Looking for a mixed crowd that spins a mix but mostly hip-hop

Island Vacation Party Food?

ClaudiaCenter — Tue, 24 Jun 2008 21:47:50 -0800

Help me plan and buy food for "Island Vacation" party -- San Francisco. I'm having an "Island Vacation Pride" party this Sunday in SF. I'll be serving champagne & tropical juices (think mango mimosas), fruit salad, and ... here's my question.

I'm thinking about picking up some garlic shrimp and mahi-mahi, maybe some pork-type food, from One Hawaiian BBQ on Sloat. Has anyone used that restaurant for party food? What did you think? Any other suggestions for restaurants in SF with Hawaiian or island-themed food? Or maybe super-easy recipes? Thanks in advance.

Not quite a party, but more than a get-together

cheeken — Tue, 17 Jun 2008 02:17:21 -0800

I'm going to be hosting weekly patio-sits/get-togethers/hang-outs, but want some theme ideas to keep the conversations interesting, without too much work on my part. Help? I have a great patio, a table and some chairs, and a hookah. I'm going to be hosting same-place, same-time every week get-togethers with any of my friends who will come. Essentially, I'll be sitting outside smoking my hookah at the same time every week, and if people can come, then great. I need some ideas to keep the conversational wheels greased; but not like a full-fledged Theme Party with food and costumes and all that jazz.

I'll email/text all my friends the first week with the conversation starting theme, and then I'll either stick with that theme for awhile, or we'll change it up.

For example, I thought about having a Show-and-Tell week, which would work just like it sounds. Also, a Conspiracy theory week where people talk a little about their favorite conspiracy theories.

So, I'm looking for some interesting topics of conversation, I guess, but that would get people coming and thinking about things during the week, rather than just have a weekly event where everyone talks about work and politics.

Also, what might make something like this more interesting for you? I'm not interested in providing food every week, but maybe I could have some board/card games available? Any interesting decor-ideas? Anything else I should consider?

DIY party tent?

inactivist — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 14:34:49 -0800

How do I build a big party tent? Big double-birthday party going on tomorrow afternoon at the park... and it's supposed to rain! Unfortunately, my apartment is too small to host that many people comfortably (50+), but I have yard space. My landlord does not care, so I thought... why not throw up a giant, temporary tent in the yard? Does anyone have ideas as to how I could do this? I don't care if it looks silly as long as it keeps the rain off our heads. The space I have to work with is roughly 25 square feet.

I'd like to keep costs down and ensure no permanent destruction of the yard.. please convince me I'm not insane and that this is possible?

Baby, baby, how was I supposed to know

GardenGal — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 19:16:10 -0800

My first baby shower is tomorrow... what do I do? How do these things work? I've got three baby showers coming up (one for each workplace and one for friends) that other people asked to plan for me. My first is tomorrow and the organizer hasn't contacted me to give me any details other than the time and place. Here's the catch - I've never been to a baby shower before, and have no idea what actually goes on in them. I don't want to appear clueless in front of my coworkers!

I'm planning on bringing something like banana bread (it is supposed to be a potluck), but is there anything else I should be bringing? Or doing?

I am fairly reserved and actually really dislike getting gifts except from close friends (though I love giving them). It makes me feel very awkward, though I try to be gracious and enthusiastic. On top of that, I don't know many of these people's names (except for about 6 of them, we work in different buildings) and am afraid I won't be able to thank them properly, especially with everyone else looking on. Is it expected that you open your gifts at a baby shower, or is it okay if you set them aside to open in private? If you have to open them in front of people, what do you do if you get two of the same thing?

I will most likely be expected to give some sort of speech, at least at the work parties. I'm afraid I'll forget to say something really important. Is there anything I should absolutely not forget to say other than thanking the organizer and the attendees?

I'm sure there's stuff I've forgotten to ask simply because I don't know what to expect. Suggestions? Anecdotes? Please help me be gracious and confident!

And please also pardon the Britney Spears title reference... it won't happen again. -grin-

Summertime Beers?

rossination — Tue, 10 Jun 2008 14:03:37 -0800

What kind of beer should we serve at our party tomorrow? We're having a dinner party tomorrow night and are serving tacos (fish and chicken) and spring rolls (I've successfully duplicated the ones from the steelhead diner, much to my delight). I'm looking for some sort of lightish summery beer to serve but I don't really know anything about this kind of stuff. Corona comes to mind but it's not my favorite -- any other recommendations?

I'm not opposed to buying 2 or 3 six packs, and I have access to a regular Trader Joe's, if that helps.

A Conspiracy Theory-Themed (Housewarming) Party

S_Alzis — Mon, 09 Jun 2008 14:11:10 -0800

We have decided to host a conspiracy-themed party in order to celebrate our new home, and we need more drink/food/activity/decoration ideas! Hello all,

We have decided to host a conspiracy-themed party in order to celebrate our new home, as there is a vast pool of ideas to choose from for food items and party activities (not to mention costumes).

We have a few plans already (some feasible and some not-so-much -- but don't hold back!), and we need to come up with more food/drink/activity ideas! We are planning to start this gathering during the day, and utilize our pool and hot tub to maximum conspiratorial effect.

Here are a few ideas we have been throwing around:
-Custom-made tinfoil hats given out at the door to each party-goer
-All-Seeing-Eye pinata (filled with Agent Orange dust)
-Bermuda triangle floating platform for our swimming pool (as a floating conveyance for drinks)
-Carnival-style life-size image with face cut-outs of conspiracy figures hanging out; probably tea-party style (thinking JFK, some aliens, etc.)
-Large syringes filled with brightly-colored alcoholic shots
-Big Brother-style "suggestion" box with form
-Decor: images from conspiracies, hopefully including real conspiracy theory blog excerpts
-Backwards/subliminal message music (to be decided or created)
-Conspiracy videos (to be decided)
-Cupcakes with soldiers around a downed UFO cake

All drink/food/activity/decoration ideas are welcome! Pun-inspired items are definitely encouraged. Thanks.

Dallas Bachelor Party

flipmiester99 — Thu, 05 Jun 2008 07:12:20 -0800

DallasBachelorPartyFilter: Im attending a bachelor party this Saturday night in Dallas. Most of the guys attending are in there late 20's and early 30's. Please help me gather a list of bars (Not clubs), that would be fun to start the night out and of course we will be ending the night with a visit to a few strip clubs so i need a list of those that would be recommended also.

Need help for 21st birthday facebook event...

likeapen — Mon, 02 Jun 2008 21:11:56 -0800

Need help for 21st birthday facebook event... My friend is turning 21 and wants to make an event on facebook for the party. It's a house party.
The event needs a creative title (Not "My 21st bday party"), a tagline, and a description for the party. She wants it to be really witty and humorous.
It's going to be a casual party with friends, who are between the ages of 18-26.
She was thinking of putting some funny rap lyrics in the description but wasn't sure if that was the right way to go..
Also we need an event picture if you guys have any ideas...

How can we party like it's 2008?

The ____ of Justice — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 18:41:25 -0800

Any tips for having a Rock Band/Sing Star/Guitar Hero party? Want to have some people over to play. I've had friends over before, but would like to extend invitations to friends of friends, acquaintances, etc.

I figure I'm going to have to provide alcohol to get at least a couple of the people singing. So we'll have beer and food. We probably won't be able to provide any cocaine, however, for the shy ones.

We live in an apartment with a pretty small living room, so I'm not sure what's a good number to invite.

Any tips or suggestions by people who've thrown/attended these types of parties before? Not looking for a big production, just want everyone to have a good time.

Party favors for "Death & Taxes"?

Jaqi — Mon, 26 May 2008 12:50:27 -0800

I need ideas for creative (and cheap) party favors for a "Death & Taxes" party I'm hosting early in June! Early in June, my sweetie and I are having 40 of our closest friends and relatives over to our place for a themed party, and we'd like to leave everyone with a token of our appreciation for their travels and attendance.

Relevant notes:
- We'll be having a fun competition at the party, so we could have one set of prizes for the winners (there will be two teams of 20 each) and another set for the "losers", but we want everyone to get something

- The group will consist of folks of all ages, so the gifts need to be "good" for a wide variety of people

- We're cheap, so the more thrifty / frugal, the better!

- The party's going to be themed as "Death & Taxes," but if you have fabulous party favor ideas that you just know'll knock their socks off, don't hold back.

Awkward parental relations: how to prevent?

Anonymous — Wed, 14 May 2008 15:07:03 -0800

My divorced parents are both going to be at my college graduation party. How do I deal with this? My parents divorced when I was in grade school. It was not a friendly divorce; there was animosity on both sides and all of the "how divorced parents should speak to their child" rules were broken as both mother and father openly squabbled and berated each other in front of me. They still do this, making nasty comments about each other when opportunity arises, but now I am old enough to remove myself from the negative situation.

This weekend, both will be at a smallish graduation party at my apartment. Originally, one parent was not going to attend but when that parent's friends indicated that they would come, that parent felt obligated to attend.

I don't know how to interact with both of them at the same time and feel like the situation will be horribly awkward. For example, what if one parent's friends are all there and the other parent's friends are not? Do I just leave one parent sitting on a couch while I interact with other people/other parent?

I am sort of hoping that the parent:parent friends ratio is equal and that they will both be able to occupy themselves and completely ignore each other. But, if that doesn't happen, how do I deal with this other than just getting really drunk?

A Communist (Birthday) Party

theRussian — Wed, 07 May 2008 18:31:54 -0800

Ideas for a Communist Party, Go! Hi all,

So I've decided to have a Communist Party for my upcoming birthday, due to the abundance of punny food/drink items that are possible.

I've seen this comment, and those are definitely going to be made. So, hive mind, I need more punny food/drink/activity ideas! A lot of my guests will be vegan, though don't let that stop you from suggesting something, I can likely vegan-ize it.

So far, friends and I have come up with the following ideas:
Proleteriyaki Tofu&Pineapple bites
Tea-nanmen Sandwiches
Hum-Mao-s
KGBean dip
Gulag-amole (this might be slightly offensive)

I don't know any appetizers with Lentils, but there's opportunity there...or perhaps, Lenin (Lemon) Bars. Also, anyone know any good appetizers to be made with Manifesto Pesto?

Drinks ideas include
Mao-hitos
Molotov cocktails
Scotch on the Marx, or something with Makers Marx
And then all of the "real" drinks, like White/Black Russians, Moscow Mules, etc.

Certainly not expecting to make all of these, I just want to get as many ideas as possible so that I can create foods/drinks that go together. Any other decoration/activity suggestions welcome, too! Thanks.

Hosting my first-ever birthday party - and it's for a preteen!

parilous — Tue, 06 May 2008 22:57:57 -0800

I am throwing my first birthday party ever, for my pre-teen niece. Needless to say, I'm completely out of touch when it comes to kids' birthday parties (having not attended any since the 1980s) and don't know what's considered typical and usual. Please share your experiences and advice. This is probably an easy AskMe, but I'm really clueless when it comes to logistics of a kids' birthday party.

1. Cost. How much do these typical things cost? We were thinking of a budget of $150 for the party and another $20 for the cake/ice cream. Is that realistic for a girl of her age, or is it on the low side? Guest count will likely be 6-15 people.

2. Goody bags. Are they still required/expected, or are they passe? If they're still expected, what kind of stuff to put in male/female goody bags for 6th-going-on-7th graders that costs less than about $30 total?

3. Invitations. There's no rule at her school about having to invite everyone in her class, so how do we do this? Her birthday is in July and school finishes on May 22nd -- do kids use "save the dates"? Or how is it that kids relay the information about the birthday party back to the parents BEFORE we're able to give them an ACTUAL invitation?

(We can't send out specific invitations because what we do depends on how many kids can attend. We basically have to test the waters to see how many kids can likely attend and then we pick the party location, sending out the invitations when we know for sure.)

4. Unexpected guests. Is there a way to word the invitations that indicates that we're only reserving/paying for the number of people that RSVP and that any unexpected arrivals -- including parents who want to stay for the party -- will be asked to pay their own admission, or is that poor etiquette?

5. Opening gifts. Are gifts opened at the party? Do they have to be? Should they be? If they are, should the birthday kid still send out "thank yous" or is opening the gifts and thanking the gifter in public sufficient?

6. Bringing in the birthday cake. Most of the places allow you to bring in a birthday cake. One of the party ideas we have is to send the kids to a matinee movie. Has anyone ever tried doing the birthday cake thing in a mall Food Court? Is it better to get forgiveness (at the time, surrounded by a dozen pre-teens) rather than permission (where it could easily be denied)?

7. Is there anything that I'm missing that is considered standard at parties nowadays? The poor kid has been through a lot; I want to make her birthday as normal, usual, and predictable as possible.

Also, a caveat: I do data analysis for a living. I also single-handedly planned our wedding for 120 people. It is entirely possible that I'm overthinking this whole process.

How to throw a "high on life" party?

the jam — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 10:44:13 -0800

The phrase "high on life" is usually a sarcastic punchline, but a recently I've been wondering: how high exactly can one get on life? More specifically: if you put your mind to it, how would you take 5 or 6 willing participants and over the course of a few hours, engineer a state of transcendental euphoria? An ecstasy party without MDMA? Plenty of things can supposedly produce euphoria... running, swimming in a river in January, those crazy wire scalp massager things, religious-revival-type-activities (speaking in tongues, laying of hands), dancing, certain types of music, hugging, chanting, meditating...

Unload your psychological tricks for inducing a state of euphoria. If you're ambitious, block out an evening's agenda for 5 or 6 friends who are willing to work for it and look a pretty silly in the process if that's what it takes.

Limited alcohol and caffeine use is ok.

And to clarify, I'm looking for things that induce actual, honest-to-god, visceral euphoria. Not hypebolic "I read an intellectually stimulating book and it was bliss".

How should I celebrate my 30th?

wingless_angel — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 06:21:30 -0800

Help me plan my 30th birthday Unlike previous ask MeFi's I don't want to go away. I have travelled so much lately that I'm considering staying at home. My birthday is also a holiday (day after Christmas) so it's near impossible to get people together for a party. How can I celebrate this milestone in a low key way, and make it a day to remember? I usually live in Sydney, but am currently living in Europe away from my husband. On previous birthdays we've travelled (China, Hawaii, Singapore, etc), but we have been away so much I just want to stay at home.

Because my birthday is the day after Christmas, lots of things are closed, people are away, they just don't want to think about it. I don't want to make a big deal about my 30th (though I'm happy about it), I'd like to just celebrate with my husband, but not sure how.

I'd be interested in an activity - a class (art, food, etc) or maybe a massage/spa or something else that's generally relaxing but the public holiday is a problem. Happy to travel around NSW or even to Melbourne for the day.

Activities for a chocolate party?

mgarnhum — Fri, 25 Apr 2008 08:38:54 -0800

I'm having a chocolate party (tonight!). I've got the chocolate all set, but I'm looking for activities, games, or entertainment. I've got some giveaways but need a unique way of awarding them.

20 years later, a park instead of a bar

luriete — Wed, 23 Apr 2008 09:59:09 -0800

Need help finding a good park for a high school reunion family BBQ in the Berkeley/Albany CA area. I need a place that can hold up to 150 people and will have at least one large BBQ area and be near restrooms. Right now I'm thinking Tilden Park, although I'm not sure which picnic area is best and am not able to drive down there to look, or the Marina.

Alternatively, a Berkeley city park - like Cedar Rose, Live Oak, Cordonices or something like that (if it has a BBQ area and restrooms) would be fine too. Any suggestions?

Ideas for a death metal theme party?

sveskemus — Tue, 15 Apr 2008 09:14:28 -0800

I'm hosting a death metal/black metal themed party on Friday. I would love some recommendations for ways to make it memorable. If anybody has suggestions for my costume, decorations, a welcome drink, a party game and/or anything else it's much appreciated!

Things I've already done: Ordered a pig's head from the butcher and bought a couple of Mayhem albums. I'm not really sure what I'll do with the pig's head yet but it seemed appropriate.

Do third party hydro providers save you any money?

perpetualstroll — Tue, 08 Apr 2008 05:59:31 -0800

Has anyone tried using a third-party hydro provider? What are your experiences with it? A friend of mine keeps on being pestered by people coming by her door asking to sign up for third-party hydro providers. Any AskMeFites in Ontario ever sign up for this service? Does it save you any money on your electricity bill?

I WANNA BIRFDAY PARTY DADDY!

dw — Wed, 02 Apr 2008 12:20:08 -0800

I need a venue for a 4 year old's birthday party in Seattle. So my special snowflake is turning 4 this month, and she REALLY WANTS a birthday party. Problem is that we just don't have the room for the rabble she wants to invite (her whole daycare class, 6-8 kids). Last party she was at the kids eventually dissolved into a battle royale in the middle of the floor.

So, I'm looking for other options. The obvious one is a nearby park, but given Seattle weather in April, that's going to require a backup site. I've considered getting a shelter, but with the parks department lottery system I'm not sure I can land something this month (and while I'm ok with it not being on the day, I do want to get it in this month). I'm not in the mood for Chuck E. Cheese (is there even still one around?) and I think 4 is a little young to get anything out of that place, anyway.

I'm looking for three things: A good space for 4 year olds, room to move around, and the freedom to play some party games. Oh, and a place that's going to be OK with having 6-8 4 year olds possibly having a battle royale in the middle of the floor. Ideas?

Help me make my Barack Obama event successful

brandnew — Fri, 28 Mar 2008 02:54:10 -0800

So, I have twenty-some unknown Barack Obama supporters coming to my house on Sunday, and I don't know what to do. So, I had this great idea. I wanted to host an event where local Barack Obama supporters could come together to meet each other and discuss various political topics. Easy enough, I just went to Obama's web site and posted a "meet & greet" event open to all. Great idea, right?

Now, I have twenty-some random strangers planning to come to my house this Sunday evening, and I have no idea what to do! Please help me!

The session will run from 5:30 - 7:30 PM Sunday evening. I want to make this event as enjoyable and productive as possible for everyone. However, I've never hosted such an event (or any event for that matter), and I'm not sure what to expect. I'm afraid that a bunch of people will show up, stand around in silence for 15 minutes, and then leave.

What are some things that I can do to make the event most enjoyable for all? What can I prepare? Should I have literature available? Should I have snacks? Are there ice-breakers tactics that I can use to loosen people up? Any tips or tricks would be helpful...