Sure, just because you’re broke doesn’t mean you can’t go out on the weekend. However, by 12:30 a.m., you’re going to feel real stupid — and subsequently annoyed — being the only sober person in the bar. Unless, of course, you’ve followed some of our previous advice on how to make and save extra cash.
We have good news, though! Even if funds are low, you don’t have to miss out on the good times if you just bring the good times to your place. The following is a sure-fire formula for an epic night in, able to rival almost any night out.
The first thing you got to do is round up an appropriate amount of people that will fit comfortably at your place. So if you live in a studio apartment, don’t send a Facebook invite to all 371 of your friends. A decent-numbered group of your not-so-rowdy drinking buddies will be perfect. Remember, you’re inviting people to your residence. So you probably don’t want people who are going to treat your place like Guns N’ Roses treated hotel rooms in their heyday.
What, When and Why
After you’ve secured who’s coming, tell them you’re having a party at your place and to bring whatever booze they want. For the most part, people won’t mind a system BYOB. They’re probably as broke as you are and would appreciate a break from spending more at the bar.
You also have the option of making a theme party. Just try not to be creepy about it. Forget the “No Pants Parties” from your sorority or frat days. Go with something that makes everyone comfortable, like a 90s themed party. Or a Disney themed party. Or a horror themed party (especially great in the Fall, near Halloween!).
[Note: Before we continue, let it be known that there are ways to stay in and have fun without involving alcohol. However, this writer does not know of any.]
Let the Games Begin
Feel free to put out some chips or other inexpensive, light snacks for your friends as they arrive. Once everyone has arrived and settled in, gather them to the table. Note: You’re going to need a table that people can sit around. Start a game of Circle of Death – a.k.a. King’s Cup. Why this game? It’s a drinking game that is ideal for big parties. It will put everyone at more or less the same level of drunkenness, without forcing anyone to go too hard. You can adopt a bunch of hilarious house rules, which makes the whole thing even more hilarious. Our favorite is “No pointing” or “No saying anyone’s first or last names.”
Let the Games’s Continue
Once the drinking game ends, it’s time to play a team-based game. Split everyone into teams and set up a game of Taboo, Pictionary, or charades. It sounds lame now, but picture your drunken best friend trying to act out Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles or trying to draw Brokeback Mountain. Totally worth it.
Whatever you do, stay away from karaoke or video games like Rock Band or Super mash Brothers. On paper, they sound like a hoot. However, you can’t really have more than four people playing at once. The people on the sidelines will get bored very quickly after watching you butcher the vocals of Taylor Swift’s “You Belong With Me” more than once.
Host Responsibly
Once the party dies down, or when people are done drawing phallic symbols on the first person to pass out, it’s up to you to make sure no one drives home under the influence. Whether you offer up your couch or spare room, and just take charge of ensuring everyone orders a cab, make sure to take care of your guests. As a bonus, anyone who stays the night can be roped into helping you clean up the next morning.
So there you have it. Stick to this formula and, more likely than not, you’re bound to have a great time. If none of your friends like charades, Pictionary or drinking games, well, why are you even friends with them in the first place? Seriously though, other potential options include board games, playing poker, or something like Cards Against Humanity.
One last word of advice. If you’re hosting this shindig, make sure to drink responsibly. You’ll want to make sure your place stays in half-decent shape. You also need to ensure none of your friends over-do it. Save the dangerous binge drinking for a different locations (or maybe just don’t do it at all).
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