What makes a fantastic party?

[NeedATan]

I love throwing parties, usually in our garden in the warmer months. In the past we've had caricaturists, face painters, DJs, caterers, tattoists, and others. Our friends and family look forward to our parties because they are always great fun and have a really good vibe.

They do take a lot of planning, work and preparation but they are so worth it IMO.

So I wanted to ask: what makes a great party in your opinion? I'm talking big parties, with lots of friends, family, friendly colleagues, etc. not small gatherings where you just chit chat. I'm talking parties where you get to dance (if you like) and see people you may not have seen for a while. Thanks!

A relaxed host, which you sound like you are.

Can I come around?

Lots of booze

There is always plenty of food and drink - including breakfast the following morning for those guests who stay with us overnight :-)

Drugs.

That aside: for proper parties in our social group we always rent a big country house, usually with a pool and hot tub etc and arrange for cleaners to arrive before official checkout. It means that no one has the pressure or worry or work of being a host, we don’t have to either ruin the mood during party to tidy up as we go or leave it all to the host, everyone can just relax and enjoy themselves and feel free to be socialising in the main living area, doing something chill with a smaller group in a bedroom or smaller room, people who want a break from the dancing and music and drugs and alcohol can get fresh air outside and so on. Several of our friends are hobby DJs - so good music is also a must.

sounds like an orgy Comtesse

OP that sounds fab, just keep doing what you're doing ... as a PP said a relaxed host is very important.

Good space used well - it's nice to be able to get away from the food or music if you want to, and to be able to naturally mix and mingle so you never get stuck with one group of people, and can easily escape without being too obvious about it.

Decent range of food and nibbles, and a place to put my drink down while I'm eating. Enough savouries - I've been to a few parties where it's 90% cake.

Not making people participate in games/entertainment/fancy dress if they don't want to. I will usually happily play along, but I feel bad seeing people obligated to have fun and hating it.

Don't make me take my shoes off.

Don't make me watch someone open presents - I find it really awkward.

Don't make me pose for a big organised group photo.

If I don't know anyone else there, let me bring a +1. I'm ok at socialising, but I cannot endure 5 hours of work chat from somewhere I've never worked.

Host needs to be chilled out and not fretting about who's late/who's eaten all the cheese/where is John he said he'd bring the beer/when are we opening the presents/careful you'll mark the sofa

Host's pets/children should be well behaved or elsewhere.

Plenty of food

Either staff or friends or family being given the job of going round refilling glasses until everyone feels a bit more at home. Good lighting, inside or out. Agree with not forcing people into games.