Strength in Low Numbers

TIPS FOR PARTIES WITH LESS THAN TEN GUESTS 

I thought I would talk about a rampant misconception about parties which states that a party is only a party if there are double digit attendees. Any less and your event is called a dinner party, gathering, a hangout... basically it's called something that is lesser than the party it deserves to be called. Well, I'm here to debunk that and for those of you hesitant to call your event a party if you have less than 10 guests, I'm here to say hesitate no more! If you can have a party of two you can have a party of five, am I right? I kid, but seriously there are a few ways to have a rowdy and rousing party with less than 10 people.

Pump Up the Jams

I've had the unfortunate experience of attending several parties with no music. A big no-no especially if there are less than 10 folks in the room. With a small group, a lot of conversation gets crossed and shared throughout the evening. More often than not, you'll find all the people sitting closely together listening to one conversation and as soon as that conversation tapers off the inevitable sound of transitional silence falls upon the party. And sweet lady music should be playing to fill the void.   

{Recommendation} Have the music playing just loud enough to force guests to raise their voices slightly, play something beyond radio hits, nostalgic tunes are a safe bet and if you don't have time to create a playlist, use several movie soundtracks. Sidenote: my personal goal is to have the night end in dancing.

Put Guests to Work

This probably seems rude to have your guests work to plan the party you are hosting but if you give small tasks to a couple of guests it gives them stake in the party which gives them a small sense of pride when you start partying. It also gives you the opportunity to gush over their participation. Who doesn't like to be gushed over!

{Recommendation} Have them help with a dessert, party decor, the playlist; stay away from having them do things that people can't see or compliment, i.e. heavy lifting.

Food, Food and More Food

Do not skimp on the food. I repeat do NOT skimp on the food. A huge spread screams party and for those guests who may have written your "party" off because of the low numbers, a large amount and assortment of food will make their party sense tingle.  Also you will be surprised at how often people will go back and nibble all throughout the night.

{Recommendation} Keep the food in a separate area away from the hang-out area; guests should have to get up and travel to get it, which will keep people active and moving.

Group Games

A single digit guest count gives you the opportunity to play games. Games force people to participate, converse with each other and let their guard down. It is also a great time for people to relax, snack and have a couple drinks. I've been to parties where it seems like it's all about meeting new people and getting to know people. With such a small group, there's a good chance that most of the guests know each other or, at the very least, know of each other. So a game takes the "getting to know you" pressure off and lets people unwind and get absorbed by the fun.

{Recommendation} Choose games in which teams can be formed and that are easy to explain. Taboo and Guesstures are good group games. I discourage games like Mafia, Apples to Apples, Video games. These games require no teams, no movement and specific taste (I'm looking at you video games).

...

In short...send out your invites, hype the event and call it a party. Don't inform the guests that it's "no big deal" or tell them it's just "a small thing". It's a big thing, it's your party and you'll cry have under 10 people if you want to!