Q: Why should the
fun stop when the lights come up on the dance floor?
A: It shouldn’t!
Keep your spring fling fun going into the wee hours of the
morning (or until curfew—happy, Mom and Dad?) with a party plan that’s gonna
let the good times roll, girlie!
Plan the festivities
Get together with your girls and sketch out your ideal
spring dance timeline. Where do you want to get ready? Who do you want to take
you and pick you up? Where do you wanna hang out afterward? Consider all the
elements before talking to your ‘rents—how many people you want to invite, what
sort of activities you want to do and how much space you need. Try to split up
the evening so one chica’s mom (or your own) isn’t stuck chauffeuring you and
your chicas around all night.
Hot spot
If your folks aren’t too keen about having a bevy of your
buds over—or your tired of the same-old sleepover thing—consider taking the
party elsewhere. An old-school arcade or bowling alley that’s open late could
be a nifty option.
Invite your crew
Even if you’re spreading the word in advance, it’s nice to
send out formal invites with all the who/what/where/when deets. Not only will
your friends be able to leave all the info home for their parents, just in
case, but they’ll also be able to include it with other mementos from the
evening. A cardstock cut-out of a paper doll dressed in an evening gown, a
bedazzled star or a glittery flower are super cute options.
Deck the walls
Most spring dances and proms revolve around a central theme:
Under the sea, flower power, blast from the past—you get the idea. Bring the
dance’s atmosphere to your after party by adopting the same attitude. Hang
crepe paper in shades of blue and green on the walls for an oceanic vibe. Craft
tissue paper flowers to adorn tables for a spring-tastic jubilee. Go retro with
old-fashioned party games.
Good eats
Sure, your dance might’ve had some munchies scattered around
the dance floor, but chances are you haven’t had much of a meal since
lunchtime. Pass on piles of potato chips and sugary sweets and instead offer
your guests some tasty appetizers that’ll fill their tummies. Think fruit and
veggies, tea sandwiches, quesadillas and kabobs. Yum!
Tip-top tunes
Have a couple of playlists ready so you’re prepared for the
mood your guests are in when ya get through the front door. Wanna keep on
dancin’? Pack one with boogie-ready rhythms. Feelin’ nostalgic? Opt for a
playlist that pulls together your gang’s favorite songs from the past few
years. Wanna unwind? Low-key indies tracks are the way to go.
Chill-out!
The name of the game is to be ready for every possibility,
whether it’s gabbing, grooving or peacing out to the tune of an epic Uno tournament
or your fave teen flick. Have a stack of board games, card games and DVDs ready
to go. Got a huge group? Consider setting up a bunch of options: A DDR
dance-off in one corner, air hockey at the coffee table, never have I ever in
the kitchen.
What’s your secret to acing an after party?
BY BRITTANY TAYLOR ON 3/19/2013 12:00:00 AM
POSTED IN weekend fun, party ideas, spring parties, spring fun, how to throw a killer party