10 Actionable Ideas: Fun Things to Do at a Party

Hosting a party often sounds like a wonderful idea—until you have to actually plan it.

If you want it to be perfect, research every aspect of the event, from the date, time, and venue to the activities and refreshments you’ll serve.

Luckily, if you live near a populated area like Salt Lake City, you may have a variety of location choices. As you’re deciding between park venues in Salt Lake City and throwing a gala in your home, consider the activities that you’d like to entertain your guests with. Often, hosting the party at a venue other than your house gives you more freedom and flexibility.

But maybe you haven’t decided on the evening’s festivities yet, and that’s okay! Here are 10 fun things to do at a party to ensure the event is a smashing success.

1. Make it a Theme

Start with a fun theme and encourage your guests to dress to match the atmosphere. From decade-specific choices to color combinations, this is a surefire way to grab everyone’s attention and make it easier for you to decide how to decorate. If you stick with a specific era, you’ll even know what music to play.

2. Play Interactive Board Games

While the days of Twister may or may not be over for you, designing an interactive board game for everyone to play makes you the epitome of the ultimate host. Games like Life, Sorry, Battleship, and Pictionary can be turned into large group activities everyone will enjoy.

3. Make it a Casino Night

Whether gambling is your “thing” or not, a casino night is an exciting way to be a winner as a host. Set up a few sturdy tables and grab some Craps and Blackjack covers. From there, all you’ll need are dice and casino chips, a couple of dealers, and a few decks of cards. Let the (fake) gambling begin!

4. Have Interactive Food-Making Activities

Instead of spending big “dough” on already prepared meals, why not invest in the ingredients for a few popular items that everyone likes and don’t have to be cooked? Charcuterie boards, cheese boards, no-bake cheesecakes, and other goodies are fun to throw together, and guests can eat their finished projects.

5. Host a Bonfire

If your choice of location and weather permits an outside bonfire, this favorite activity is a lowkey crowd-pleaser. All you’ll need to have is a permit (if necessary), wood for the fire, refreshments, and a super scary ghost story!

6. Hire a Mixologist to Teach Drinks

Why stick with the traditional open bar, which can get expensive, when you can use those funds to hire a mixologist? Let the expert teach your guests the proper way to pour and mix a drink and the proper time to shake versus stir. Then, they can practice their favorite recipes with the rest of your product.

7. Have an Open Ice Cream Bar

Not every party has to include alcohol. In fact, many people would prefer an open ice cream bar! Set up a table full of toppings and ask your guests to bring a pint of their favorite ice cream. Keep the cold goodies in a freezer or cooler in easy access, and let everyone enjoy their self-made sundaes throughout the night.

8. Set a Stage for Karaoke

What party is complete without someone making a fool of themselves — all in good humor — singing karaoke? With an inexpensive karaoke machine and some party music, the stage is set for laughs and, who knows, maybe the next American Idol!

9. Combine Art and Wine

Art therapy is skyrocketing in popularity lately. Many venues combine a wine night with an art lesson. Hire a local artist (or do it yourself) and ask your guests to chip in on the art supplies, and they can learn how to paint, sculpt, or draw like a pro by the end of the evening.

10. Have a Book Exchange

Is your guest list full of book lovers? Ask everyone to bring their favorite book and mark a passage they love ahead of time. Once at the party, they can read this excerpt aloud in front of everyone if they’re comfortable with that, or partner up with others in a Speed Reading event.