Ideas for Your Next Private Party

You know who we lowkey admire? The Royals. Hear us out on this…

Because surely they know how to party behind closed doors. They’re forever composed in public.. But do you know what else they are? Smug on a Sunday at Church. Because no doubt they’ve had a debaucherous Saturday night in the privacy of their own homes.

Afterall, what can be more satisfyingly smug and a subtle flex than coming up with, and flawlessly executing, unique private party ideas that leave your closest friends munching on some memberberries for months, if not years after they are done? The private parties that go down in history, but are kept on a “if you know you know” basis. You know the ones that – if there is photographic evidence – Facebook / Instagram memories remind you of down the track. Or even the ones that get triggered in the “remember that time” style of conversations? Like that time this author held a 200 person 90s party and the next day noticed that the doors were missing #truestory. Who needs doors anyway right?

Well actually, it’s probably to keep gatecrashers and the rona outside of your home.

Unless you’ve been in the Big Brother house, we’re clearly very aware that iso has changed the partying game (#stayhome), so you will need to get creative with your next private party.

Pysch!… we’ve done all the creative thinking for you, obviously.

Buckle in and get your private party planning ready, because:
a) you have the time, and,
b) we have the juice on ideas for your next private party.

We won’t be isolated forever, so when things return to (somewhat) normal and we can high-five (or kiss) whomever we please, we are going to need to celebrate the fact that we can, well, celebrate.

Read on for our private party ideas on how you can party remotely (but still exclusively with your clique) in the best interests of everyone right now, and how to start planning for when this whole rona mess is over and done with (currently cueing that 200person 90s reunion party and unhinging my doors in preparation).

Netflix Party

Fear not, you can still throw a modern movie marathon for your film fanatic mates, thanks to the Chrome plugin ‘Netflix Party, ‘ which is completely free! You’ll get a party URL and group chat feature which allows for screenshots, emojis, and GIFs so you can still enjoy some running commentary with your very best crew.

Hopefully you tackled cuffing season early, and cuffed yourself to a bae before iso came into effect, so you can Netflix Party… drop out of the URL and chill… then opt back into the Netflix Party… then chill. See what we’re getting at here? Load up on the popcorn, curate an iconic selection of movies and be safe.

Virtual DJ Set

If movies are too wholesome, then take a cue from Flex Mami and throw a YUGE iso house party. JQBX is a free app that links to your Spotify so you can throw a club-esque rave, where you can mix in your own beats or simply share the bangers with your friends. The question is: is it a banger? Well, my friends, songs can be cheered or booed, and there is a chatroom, so the hit or sh*t debates can still rage with your virtual iso crew.

Ladies Night In

Ladies… what’s more liberating than burning the sweatpants we’ve been living in? To be honest, this could go in one of two directions: you can go all out and dress up in black tie (if you don’t know exactly what that means, we have you covered), or strip right down to the basics… like your Bonds basics.

Make it virtual right now… tune your favourite girls into Zoom, let your hair down and your living room turned into a d floor. It’s a mature party option for the gals only, so anyone with a male partner / rona bae needs to send them off to the bed early. But if you take this IRL, when iso is over, be sure to bring in a few lads in their Bonds basics to bartend. Wink wink and cin cin ladies.

Yacht Raft Up

Kids, it’s time to raft up or go home. Let’s be honest here, when you can finally get back on a boat, there’s no way you’re going home after what feels like a lifetime in iso. So I guess rafting up is the only option here.

Shoot a message to your closest mates to organise their own yacht with a fun crew. Set a date. Set a location. Set yourself up for a ripper of a yacht raft up party.

Then on set date, have each of your mates set sail to the destination on their respective boats, and raft up for an exclusive yacht party. No outside boaties welcome.

Private Boat Party

If a raft up is a little too dicey to organise – we get it, people flake – then keep it to your tightest pals and hire a private boat / yacht / superyacht. Bring a few DJ, models, topless bartenders, on board and cruise through the day (or night) with a trusted crew to get down and sea legs wobbly with. Make it a Wolf of Wall street or Kardashians-in-Capri-on-their-superyacht vibe.

Bring someone new party

We’ve all been a little couped up and socially distanced, so what better way to celebrate the end of that than by meeting some new people? The ‘bring someone new party’ is a great way to gather your core group of friends and task them all with bringing a plus one (that no-one knows) along to the private party. Usually, we’d say you can organise some icebreaker games to acclimatise the newbies into the group, but if you get on board the Partistaff bandwagon, we have some legit party animals who don’t need no babysitting.

Go forth and watch your friendship circle double in one epic night.!

Singles Only… +1

Now as much as we’re all for our friends and a big friendship circle, sometimes those long-term couples kinda put on a drain on the night. You just wanna be single and mingle, not talk about renovations and what breeder they’ve been looking into when they’re about to get a dog. So this is a mature party for the singles only. Round up all your single comrades, get them to bring a single +1 (or, cough cough, a Partistaff +1), then Bob’s your uncle… who won’t be there because Bob is married and there are no couples permitted.

Just be prepared for the raging hangover after this one.

You really don’t have to hit the town to have rager of a night. Hosting your own private party is the new Ibiza people! If we have learned one thing recently, it’s not to take the pleasure of our friend’s company for granted, so as long as you have an exclusive but solid gang, the setting for a good time (or a cleared living room for a d floor) and, let’s be real, some booze, you are in for a wild night.

Top 10 Best Cocktail Party Themes

You can’t deny the inherent excitement for a cocktail party. It’s a universal love. An occasion for reuniting mates, laughter, letting your hair down, hedonism, woo-ing, and general beers and skittles. But what’s better than a cocktail party?

A cocktail party with a unique theme. Duh.

Uniquely themed cocktail parties are the lifeblood of a good time. It’s impossible to not have fun when you and 50+ other people are in a rude kit, surrounded by props that transport you to a different era, country, or galaxy. Heaven exists and we’re here for it.

If you’re throwing a do and struggling with a unique cocktail party theme… come on, you know we’re good for it. Lo and behold, the best cocktail party themes to whack on your invitation and your back….

1. Life in colour

Sometimes you need to keep it simple. Pick a colour any colour. Seriously, you can be as basic b*tch or Pantone specific as you wish. Need to be on brand with your sophisticated self? Opt for a chic colour theme like strictly all-white… how original! But in all honesty, you can’t go wrong with the Instagram photos when everyone’s decked in tout blanc. Or, if you’re more inclined to be vibrant, you can mix it up to be something bold yet still has the consistency. Wondering what the hell we mean by ‘bold’? Think a traffic light party (take one for the team and choose this theme to support all your single mates) or rainbow pride (hello #MardiGras).

2. Memes and Virality

Let’s bring things into real life. Let’s bring it to the inter web phenomenon that informs too many life decisions we care to truly admit. This unique party theme will really get the creativity brain juices flowing and guarantees some LOLs across the board. Roll the dice and see what comes to fruition… but prepare to be reminded why we can’t have nice things. Ok Boomers, Billie Eilish at the 2020 Oscars, World Record Egg, Celebrities as inanimate objects, Egg boi, an Instagram Story Filter. The only bad part of this cocktail party theme, is the indecisiveness everyone will suffer from on deciding their ultimate meme costume.

3. Bad Taste Trends

Fun and foul. Let your friends take the piss out of themselves.. and more likely their yesteryears. A little self deprecation never goes astray right? You’re not saving lives here… and you’re not even saving dignity. Poke a bit of light-hearted fun and find you and your guests in an ugly Christmas sweater, a Juicy velour track suit, Ed Hardy t-shirts (even Kim Kardashian went there) or yellow Livestrong bracelets. Who were even responsible for these? In all likelihood, us Millennials out there will no doubt make them trendy again. But we digress… if you turn the bad taste volume right up it doesn’t correlate to leaving a bad taste in your mouth the next day.

4. Awards Season

Let’s take things up a notch now. Or about 50 notches. Whilst there can still be bad taste during Awards Season events, celebrities always deliver on the high-end outfit creativity. You could almost come full circle back to the memes here. Timothee Chalamet as a Prada Valet Parking attendant anyone? Either way… roll out the red carpet for your guests (seriously, hire a red carpet and some party-worthy bouncers and hostesses to welcome your friends) and channel the Awards Ceremony vibes, or go for a Grammys Afterparty situation. Us mortals need to indulge in celebrity-like hedonistic behaviour sometimes right?

5. Through the Decades

Take your pick from one of the many different decades. Skip over the 30s and 40s though… they were a bit dull (sorry Grandma and Grandpa, it true). The key decades for dressing pleasure were 20s (hello flappers), 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, 90s and, of course, naughties. The real delight in decades parties, is they span fashion trends, toys and games, tv and film, travel destinations and popular culture. On that note, depending on the nature of your cocktail party, you may want to get super detailed on the decade theme. Cuba in the 1950s, Disco nights in the 70s, 90s TV characters, fashion runways of the naughties.

6. Thrift Shop

This is one cocktail party theme that also nods to the past, but delivers a mish-mash of possibilities. Macklemore said it best, “One man’s trash, that’s another man’s come up”. He ain’t wrong. Retro boiler suits, Hawaiian party shirts, double denim delights, 80s ball dresses or a cheap tuxedo. If you’ve never stepped inside a Vinnies, we pity you. Op shops are a costume gold mine! As a host, you also have the great pleasure of finding ridiculous or vintage props. Give new life to some taxidermy, a retro plastic chair, crystal glasses or that garden gnome you never knew you needed. It’s one cocktail party theme to keep the prop budget down for all, but rep some fun cocktail party swag. It’s also one to make you feel all the good feels: you let your guests have a bit of fun finding their get up pre-party, you do your bit for the planet by repurposing the old, and you ultimately help support a good cause. Be resourceful and own it baby!

We’ll just leave some key Thrift Shop lyrics here:

I’ll wear your granddad’s clothes
I look incredible
I’m in this big ass coat
From that thrift shop down the road

7. Studio 54

Whilst also a nod to the past, this salacious cocktail party theme deserves its own throne. A place that was full of seductive allure and secrets as much as it was of celebrities, Studio 54 has to be the most notorious nightlife venue of a lifetime… and hence one of the best inspirations for a cocktail party theme. The set up calls for a disco wonderland with hidden rooms (and love affairs) and an anything goes attitude. Think Bianca Jagger on a horse for her birthday, the Mafia (enough said), Grace Jones, Drag Queens Angel Jack and Hibiscus (YAS KWEEN), Cher or a disco dancer.

8. Sporting Heroes and Codes

Photo: Michael Kovac/Getty Images for Moet & Chandon

Where to even start here? Past or current? Tennis or baseball? Underdogs or champions? Steven Bradbury or Cathy Freeman? Or maybe most notably (and sadly) right now… Kobe Bryant. Honestly, we’re inclined to say scrap the whole sporting hero idea and just roll with an all out Kobe tribute. Slip into the Lakers uniform, turn your backyard into a basketball court, and make it happen. For the non-NBA die-hards, then ya have options. Wimbledon Finals anyone? Serve up some strong hits with Wimbledon Collins cocktails, Racquets and balls for props, and Tennis whites dress code.

9. Fantasy

Alice isn’t the only one that can slip down a rabbit hole into wonderland. The only limit here is your imagination. Incorporate the natural elements, jungles, far-reaching utopias, animals and mythical creatures, or opt for intergalactic, futuristic vibes. Still lacking ideas? Pull out your favourite fantasy and sci-fi films for some inspiration then make your own Narnia, Pandora, Hogwarts or Galaxy to let loose in. We say go big, or don’t bother.

10. Netflix, Stan or a Hulu Series

Indulge in a binge-worthy series and make it your real life: Euphoria (wooahh hectic), Animal Kingdom (gah even more hectic), Outlander, Cheer, Brooklyn 99, Stranger Things. There’s limitless possibilities across costumes, drink options and venue props. You could even play your chosen series on a projector. Our only advice would be to hold regular cocktail parties (monthly please?) to keep up with the endless cocktail party themes derived from streaming services.

The Best Party Snacks and Appetiser Ideas

[ Disclaimer: If you came here thinking this is a blog post full of snacks to perve on, you’re on the wrong page… you need to be looking here. For the rest of you genuinely needing the lowdown on party snack ideas, carry on. ]

We’re the type of people who have eagle eyesight when it comes to food. You know the type… no sooner have their ears pricked up at the slightest mouth crunching, whose noses twitched at the faintest waft of basil, than their eyes have darted to a plate of bruschetta.

Come to think of it… you’re probably one too. We’ve even developed a quiz for you to figure out if you’re the type:

You’re at a party and you spot a party host wandering the crowds with one arm cocked up and intermittently stopping at each archipelago of cliques amongst the sea of party people, with a smile drawn across their face. A smile that could be quasi-fake (as they’re hiding the weight of what they carry) but they’re that experienced it looks oh so convincingly genuine. The party host utters a few words to the posse they’ve stopped at, who receive those beaming words with pure joy, glance down and their eyes light up. You know it in your bones, without even really seeing what the host is carrying, that they’re offering those people a delicious party appetiser.

Then next minute, you either:

Make a beeline for the host; or,
Wave the host down like an absolute maniac whose life depends on it.

Did you answer 1? If yes, you’re the type.

Did you answer 2? If yes, you’re the type.

Didn’t answer? Don’t kid yourself, you’re the type.

It’s no doubt you’re the type, because it happens to everyone at every party. Because eating is not cheating. Because we’re secretly ravenous when we arrive at a good party. Because a party without food is a recipe for hell.

But what’s worse than a party without cold, hot, finger food or plate food, and without McDonald’s in UberEats delivering distance? A party with food that’s not even worth the calories. A party where you finally get to see what the party hor d’oeuvres being carried around are and they turn out to be slices of cabana sitting atop Tasty cheese on Jatz crackers. Whilst these can be a guilty pleasure for some (FYI, not guilty over here), it’s a truly underwhelming choice of appetiser for the majority of guests at an event.

If you’re hosting an event, it all comes down to treating people the way you like to be treated… with mouth-watering party snacks.

So let’s elevate the party snack game people! Let’s deliver the best party appetisers around that you almost need additional waiters or party hosts as crowd management. Because when those hawk-eyes and aroma-sensitive noses detect food, it’s game on.

Here are the top snacks for parties to match your best cocktails and bring your guests to the party snack intersection of Appetising Avenue and Binge-worthy Crescent.

Sausage Rolls

They need no introduction. Just make sure you forget the servo sausage rolls. We’re talking gourmet territory sausos.

Spring rolls

Keeping on a roll with the rolls, are you even at a party if there aren’t spring rolls being served? We think not. Definitely the most iconic Chinese appetiser in the 21st Century, make sure they’re extra crunchy.

Peking Duck Pancakes

Bless those Chinese! The richer cousin of Spring Rolls, Peking Duck Pancakes are just that little more delectable (although a little less universally loved due to vegetarians or vegans). Nonetheless this Chinese classic goes down faster than a ducks feet paddling to stay afloat.

Cheeseboard

Cheeseboards never go astray as the ultimate cold appetiser ideas for party… and they’re highly “Instagrammable”, if that’s your thing (which, let’s be honest, it is). Whack out a few wheels of cheese on a cheeseboard, littered with muscatels or grapes, berries, quince paste, pates, nuts, prosciutto and the MVPs of crackers, and you’re set to win over anyone. Just keep the vegan cheese in mind too. They say less is more, but in the case of a smorgasboard of cheeses, more is more. There’s an art to the cheese board, and it’s an over-consumption style of art.

Struggling to choose cheese?

The French know how to make a delicious fromage and the D’Affinois is the creme de la creme… literally it’s where the gooey, indulgence is at. There’s no going back.

Jarlsburg is a smooth sailing cheese across the board for all guests. Mild in taste and safe for anyone that may be secretly cooking a bun in the oven.

Castello Blue (even available from Aldi… of all places) is like crack. It’s also an easy blue for anyone to get addicted to. Careful, or you’ll devour it by yourself.

Bega does a Heritage Reserve Vintage Cheddar which will bring sharp flavours with a crumbly texture – the perfect match.

A baked Camembert.

Otherwise, just bring in the professionals to make one up for you. If you do the cheeseboard well, be prepared to find half the party hovering around the table it’s spread across.

best-party-snack-ideas-cold-appetisers-hor-doeuvres-191206160001-cheese-board-ideas-lead-2-super-169.jpg — Source: CNN Underscored

Truffle Ricotta

Perfect for sharing, and tres fancy thanks to the truffle, Truffle Ricotta is a party in itself. So it deserves it’s own throne.. not on the Cheeseboard.

Arancini Balls

The only issue with Arancini Balls is deciding whether to take them whole… or in halves.

best-party-snack-appetiser-ideas-prosciutto-and-spinach-arancini-85058-1 — Source: Taste.com.au

Taramasalata with Olive Bread

You’ll want as much of a mouthful as it is to say “taramasalata”.

Just be prepared to for the double dippers getting involved in the this heaven-for-tastebuds mix.

best-party-snack-ideas-cold-appetisers-1.-apprentice-chef-felicitys-taramasalata-and-olive-oil-bread_0 — Source: Sbs.com.au

Cob loaf

Speaking of being prone to double dipping…

Whilst there have been many takes on the cob loaf, the classic spinach cob loaf is where it’s at when it comes to the top party snack ideas. This shit is so scrumptious it can cause fights (true story for this blog writer who has seen an intense verbal showdown erupt when the cob loaf wasn’t shared). So take it from us, it’s better for everyone if there’s at least two.

best-party-snack-appetiser-ideas-spinach-cob-loaf — Source: Taste.com.au

Lemon & Garlic Sicilian Olives

If we had a Sicilian Nonna, we’d be asking her to marinate this style of olives every damn day. The perfect accompaniment to wine whilst helping you ease up on the indulgence train (we once heard they apparently fill you up and prevent hangry bingeing?). They’re legitimately healthy so will counterbalance any of the other party appetisers. You don’t even need to cook these babies… just go to your local deli and “molto bene”!

BYRON_OLIVES_SICILIANS_6-510x340-best-party-snacks-cold-appetisers — Source: Byron Bay Olive Company

Zucchini Fritters

Inoffensive to all and with the right amount of moreish crunch. Zucchini fritters are friendly to vegos, equally loved by meat eaters, and easy to pop into mouths mess-free.

We also recommend over-catering with your snacks for parties. Firstly, because running out of party snacks is embarrassingly irritating (for everyone’s hangry stomachs). Secondly, because you’ll reap the hangover snack rewards the following day.

Party snack away friends!