Items you need for house parties

Disclosure: This site is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com

Are you planning a party but need a shopping list? You're in the right place! In this article I will give you many ideas on what to buy to host a cool house party.

You may want to get a notepad and write down what you need as not all items below will be suitable for your party.

Suitable place

Your place should have enough room to comfortable fit the people you want to invite. You should be able to have fun (play music etc) without the neighbors complaining. If you don't have a suitable place you can ask a friend if you can host a party at their place.

Drinks

If you're drinking alcohol at your party you will probably want to have enough for yourself. If you're feeling generous you may want to have some alcohol for other people.

Beer and wine are popular options.

If you get some spirits you may want to have some mixers like juices and soft drinks.

You may also want to have some low alcohol options.

If your party is alcohol free juices and soft drinks may be good to have.

Entertainment

This is usually music. You can play music on various such as a smart phone, iPod, tablet/computer, radio or CD player. You may want some good speakers too.

You may want a big screen TV if you're planning on watching movies. If you want to do karaoke you could get a gaming console (if you don't already have one) and a game like Singstar.

You could also get some board games for people to play.

Water pistols and/or a Frisbee could be good to have if you're outside on a hot day.

Food

Getting takeaways could be an option but you could do baking or fire up the grill for a B.B.Q.

If you're partying on a hot day you may want ice cream.

You may want some gluten free, vegetarian and vegan food/drink for people who need it.

Specific themes can have food associated with them. The theme "Diet Starts Monday" would have lots of candy and ice cream. A "Hawaiian" party may have tropical fruits.

Seats

You may want to get more seats in your party areas. This could be as simple as moving seats from other areas of your house/apartment or telling people to bring their own. I have written a separate article on house party seating.

Decorations

You can use all sorts of items to decorate your place. You can buy balloons, streamers etc.

Cooler and/or ice packs

If you're partying outside and/or it's not easy to get to a fringe you may want a cooler. Click here for my article on party coolers.

Ice packs can be useful whether you have a cooler or not. If a cooler isn't for you you can still put ice packs in glasses to keep drinks cool.

Clothing

Of course the host should wear the appropriate clothing.

If you're having a costume party, wear the costume. If you want people to show up in beachwear, wear beachwear. You get the drift.

Depending on the costume, you may need a wig.

Sun block and other protection

If your party starts before sunset and is outside, you could have a supply of sun block. Some guests may forget to bring some.

A sun hat and sunglasses might be helpful to protect yourself from the sun.

Cleaning supplies and/or air freshener

Cleaning supplies might be useful for before and after the party. If your place is particularly messy you may want to clean it before. You may also want to clean your place the day after your party.

Air freshener might also be useful.

Lights

You may want some disco lights and even a disco ball to make your party seem like a nightclub.

Extra lighting may be useful above staircases or around your garden for safety.

Door locks

Door locks can stop people from going into rooms they don't need to. These might be useful if you have flat mates. You could also store your valuables in a locked room.

You can get a door lock at Amazon. Alternatively you could get a door-chain, also at Amazon.

Other items specific to your theme

Specific types of parties need different items.

For example a pool party would need a pool. If you're throwing a Toga party you should have at least one bed sheet or a few bed sheets in case people don't bring Togas.

Pen and paper

You may want paper to make signs.

Paper can be used to make invitations if you're not sending them with Facebook etc. You can either hand deliver them or post them. If you're posting invitations you'll need stamps and envelopes too.

Unless you're planning to print items like signs and notes you may want a pen.

Post-it notes can be useful to label food or for various games.

Other items for games

Party cups and a ball might be useful to play games such as beer pong.

You can play lots of games with cards. If you're playing poker some poker chips might be a hit.

Bags

If you want people to take home treats small bags may be useful. Alternatively you can tell people to bring reusable shopping bags to be kinder to the environment.

Items money can't buy

Sober attendee

This can't be purchased at a store but asking someone to be your sober attendee can be worthwhile.

Time

You'll also need time to do preparation and to clean up after your party.

A good mood

Your friends probably won't enjoy your party if you're not in a good mood so ensure that you're in good spirits.

Friends

Don't forget to invite your friends!

Thanks for reading

If you can't get something try asking your friends if they can bring the things that you need.

We also have an article on how to throw a party that gives details on the planning process.