Party Thrower
host checklist
So you’re thinking about throwing a party. Depending how long you have before your party, here is a simple checklist of things to keep your party fun, safe, and friendly.
Three Weeks Before the Party
- Think about who you’re going to invite to your party. Is it going to be big open house? Or is it going to be small and limited to the people that you know?
- Think about how you’re going to advertise this event. If you want to keep strangers out of your party, then posting an event for a “kegger at my house” on Facebook would not be a smart idea.
- If you plan on holding a big event, such as an evening barbeque for Picnic Day or a 4th of July house party, think about submitting a Noise Permit Application to the Police Department (located at 2600 Fifth Street). The Noise Permit will allow you some more leeway in how loud your party can be without getting a noise violation. You will need to submit this Noise Permit Application at least 16 days prior to your party to the Police Department.
- In conjunction with your noise permit, visit your neighbors and tell them that you will be throwing a party and to let them know the contact information of at least one sober host in case things get out of hand. This will open the door to letting them contact you before the police should anything happen.
Two Weeks Before the Party
- Designate the roles of sober hosts:
- Bartender making sure that no one gets too intoxicated
- Bouncer regulating who gets inside the party and how many people get inside
- Host inside who can collect car keys and call 911 if the need arises
- Think how many people are realistically going to show up. If it’s an open event on Facebook, plan on having many uninvited guests.
- Think of how much food and drinks you’re going to provide.
- Remember to provide some non-alcoholic drinks for people who choose not to drink and plenty of water for everyone.
- There are some simple party food recipes that you can find on this website.
One Week Before the Party
- Confirm all host responsibilities (Bartender, Bouncer, Inside Host).
- Plan how people will be getting in and out of your party. Controlling one entrance makes it easy to regulate how many people come in and who you want in your party.
- Coordinate parking - make sure no cars will be blocking your neighbors' property and ensure that no one will be getting tickets for parking illegally.
- Plan how people will be getting home (ex. Tipsy Taxi, taxis, DDs, etc). If there will be a lot of people, think about giving Tipsy Taxi a call to give them a heads up about your party. Remember Social Host Liability: you are liable for the actions of people who leave your party intoxicated.
- Parties can be messy. Think about some way to protect your floors from spilling and dirt. Cardboard or plastic drop cloths are a simple solution to this problem.
- Think about where you want people to chill in your house. Section off bedrooms so that no party-goer can accidentally throw up on your bed or to steal your iPod or laptop.
Day of the Party
- Make sure everything from the pre-party checklist is being followed (i.e. parking, music, etc.).
- Go visit your neighbors one more time to give them the contact information of the sober host (It would be nice if you invited your neighbors to your party).
- Clean up your place
- Section off any area you don’t want people in with furniture or some other barrier.
- Now would be a good time to place down any cardboard or plastic drop cloths.
- Keep cups and drinks inside - taking them outside draws more attention and creates more trash.
- Have a set volume for the music - music has a tendency to creep up as the party progresses.
- Don't provide alcohol to obviously intoxicated guests. This is actually against the law and you could face fines up to $1,000 and 6 months in jail!
- Watch guests for possible alcohol poisonings and aggressive behavior. Call the police if things get out of hand and don't be afraid to call an ambulance if anyone may need to go to the hospital.
Day After the Party
- Clean up any trash left surrounding your place and anything that spilled over to a neighbor’s yard or property.
- Make sure your neighbors didn't experience any problems.
- Celebrate the success of a safe and fun party!
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