Anyone who has been to a house party and had a good time will tell you that it's better than any expensive bar, so-called club, or random music festival. Nowhere else can you have so much fun with so few worries. As another journalist put it, «A house party, if done right, can be one of the most beautiful collective experiences in the world. It's a lawless life that even the most hedonistic clubs can't compete with. It's the land of the thrifty, the daring, the free.».
But the chaotic intimacy and delicate ecosystem of such a party can be intimidating and difficult to manage—the line between feeling comfortable and feeling too comfortable, for example, can blur with every drink, pill, or line. pill, or line.
Fortunately, like other things that have to do with hedonistic and Dionysian pleasures, the right way to enjoy a house party is something that can be learned. I know this because I've been to quite a few.
There are no strict rules for having a good time, and if you've been invited, it means that whoever made the guest list likes a couple of things about you. I hope you know the basic rules of guest behavior, such as helping the host serve food and drinks or filling the buckets with ice, and not doing things that will cause trouble with the owner, the neighbors, or the police. If so, just be yourself and you and those around you will have a good time. But there are a few more useful things to keep in mind.
Don't go empty-handed
There is usually no admission fee for parties, so you should bring a gift. It could be a six-pack of beer or some drinks, or two cartons of cigarettes. It could be laser lights or a smoke machine that you lend for one night. If you play music and think they will need a DJ, bring your USB. If not, have a good playlist ready. If you don't have anything with you, ask if you can order something.
Of course, bringing something is no excuse for bad behavior, but it gives you a good head start and helps you feel a little more comfortable at the party.
Take a change of clothes and some overnight items.
When you go to a party, you don't know what will happen. Maybe there will be a swimming pool. Maybe it will be crazy hot and you'll want to take a shower. Maybe you'll lose consciousness and stay there. If you're not prepared, you might not have as good a time as you'd like.
But if you pack a bag with useful items—a change of clothes, a toothbrush, your medications, and other essentials—you don't need to know anything in advance, because you're ready for anything. You also won't need to borrow anything from your host or other guests. Some people wouldn't mind, of course, but they would certainly prefer you to have your own things.
But don't act like an excited camper ready for an Armenian visa. This may upset your host, who is not expecting to accommodate you for the night. Keep your bag in your car or a friend's car until you are sure you need it. If that's not possible, tell a little lie that you are coming from somewhere else.
Be comfortable
House parties are supposed to be more relaxed than a night out. That means the worst thing you can do is be anxious and uptight, and the best thing is to feel comfortable without making others feel uncomfortable. Leave your social masks and pretensions behind and behave as you would like someone to behave in your home—honestly, friendly, and comfortably.
It won't be the same at every party, but generally speaking: pour yourself a drink and relax on the sofa, but don't rummage through the fridge, don't move the furniture around, and don't change the music without asking.
Wear something fun
These parties are a rare opportunity to wear your boa, your straps and your jockstrap, your neon wig, your platforms and other things that you probably don't want (or aren't allowed) to wear outside.
Do whatever comes to mind—you can change at any time.
Leave your cell phone
On the one hand, it makes you miss the moment. On the other hand, it makes you look like you don't want to be there.
Beyond a few photos, or maybe a song or jotting down someone's phone number or Instagram, keep screen time to a minimum.
Meet people
If you find it difficult to make friends, don't worry. A house party is probably the ideal setting to do so. The guests are hand-picked, so you're bound to have things in common. You have at least one friend you can introduce to everyone else, and there are likely quiet rooms and corners for conversations.
Make sure you get to know at least one other person, but if you can, get to know everyone.
Stay long
Don't overdo it, of course, but something happens in the wee hours of a house party—the other guests have left, you know you should check your phone but you don't want to and you can't find it, vaping devices have gone missing, there's nothing to say or do, and someone offers to order you your first meal in 12 hours.
I can't explain what it is, but there's a feeling that something magical is happening. If you've made it this far, you've probably enjoyed yourself.
Remember: the goal is to get them to call you again.
You know you've done everything right when the same hosts invite you to another party. Because if you had a good time and they invite you back, it means that everyone else had a good time with you too.
