How to Throw a Party: Jameson’s House Party Tips
Thanksgiving, Christmas, and New Year; there is a lot to celebrate before we reach the cold and dark months of January (or the sunny summer if you live Down Under).
This is a busy party period filled with gatherings galore, some of which you might be hosting. Whether it’s a blowout bash or a small affair embracing the quiet luxury of time spent with friends over a few delicious drinks, with Jameson Irish Whiskey as your companion, you’ll sure to be crowned the “Smoothest Host” around.
In this article, we’ll guide you through how to throw a good party and the types of parties to throw while sharing insider party planning tips to elevate your hosting game.
1. Decide on Your Guest List
For things first. No people? No party. Curating your guest list is one of the most crucial steps when throwing a party. The right balance of personalities can create a vibrant atmosphere, where everyone feels included and appreciated. Think about who will enjoy the experience and aim to blend different groups to ensure a lively mix. A well-planned guest list not only enhances the party’s vibe but also contributes to memorable interactions and connections throughout the night. You never know, you could be responsible for a future wedding or two with a carefully selected guest list.
2. Decide on a Theme
Throwing a party is a lot of fun, but adding a theme can add another layer of gaiety to the festivities! Many themed parties occur naturally around this time of year, i.e. Halloween and Christmas, but the themes needn’t stop there. You could have a cocktail party where everyone has to make their favourite Jameson Cocktail for partygoers or a Best Dressed party with awards for the most stylish individual. Whatever you choose, as long as the theme of the party is to have fun, you’re on to a winner.
3. Plan Your Party Drink List
A well-thought-out party drinks list can elevate any gathering, so ensure your Jameson Black Barrel Bar Cart is well-stocked with essentials. For unique cocktail ideas, explore the Party Drinks Cocktail Collection. Start with a classic Espresso Martini, garnished with marshmallows for a sweet start to the night with a bit of caffeine kick. Embrace the Halloween spirit with a Jameson Smash, and don’t forget the importance of stylish glassware, as it can significantly enhance the overall vibe of your drinks.
Introduce a playful touch with the Hot Toddy Speed Setting—set your table as quickly as you can make this warming drink. For a festive atmosphere during the holiday season, serve a Whiskey Sour in coupe glasses to evoke the twinkling lights of a Christmas tree. As the year winds down, treat your guests to a cosy Irish Coffee to cap off the night.
4. Non-Alcoholic Drinks for a Party
Inclusivity is key to a successful house party, and offering non-alcoholic options ensures all guests feel welcome and catered for. Jameson has a fine selection of mocktails and Low ABV drinks to align with your party’s theme while using ingredients that complement the Jameson cocktails. Consider recipes like a refreshing Cranberry Sparkler or a Spiced Apple Fizz that captures the festive spirit without alcohol. For more inspiration, check out Low/No ABV options to cater to everyone.
5. Plan Your Decorations
Your choice of decor will set the mood for the evening and can add a real wow factor to the party ambience. Whether you’re going for spooky, festive, or sophisticated, by transforming your space with decorations, you can transport your guests to the perfect backdrop for a great bight. There are lots of ways you can decorate for the occasion with glassware, balloons, ornaments and even food and beverages. Putting out themed food is a real delight and of course stocking the home bar with fun straws, napkins, garnishes, and of course, a bottle of Jameson, are the little things that people love to notice.
6. Choose Your Playlist
Play it again, DJ! If there’s one absolutely essential ingredient to making sure a party pops off, it’s getting the music right. Music can completely control the energy of a gathering and knowing what you and your audience want from your party is key to curating a great party playlist. Include a mix of upbeat tunes for mingling, slower songs for more intimate moments, and of course throw in some absolute classics to get people dancing their socks off and signing their hearts out.
The right soundtrack can make great memories all the more visceral, so just like great Irish whiskey, don’t skimp out on finding the good stuff you know everyone will enjoy, no matter who they are.
Jameson’s Party Tips
Taking on the title of “Smoothest Host” ain’t easy, but these Jameson tips for how to prepare for a house party distil the route to shindig success.
Preparing everything in advance can make entertaining a breeze. You don’t want to work during all the fun, getting organised before the fun starts means more time enjoying the festivities with friends.
Focus on key elements like glassware and bar cart setups, ensuring your drinks are both impressive and stress-free to make. Pre-made batch cocktails are the best choice here.
Showcase a well-stocked bar cart and incorporate unique garnishes to add flair to your Jameson cocktails. For creative garnish ideas, check out creative cocktail garnishes.
How Long Should a Party Be?
There’s no defined length for how long a party should be, but it also might depend on your location. Perhaps the first question to ask is, “Where can I throw a party?”. If you’re renting a room in a social club, they’ll probably have a closing time. If it’s at your house or apartment, you might be able to stretch it out a little longer, just be considerate of your neighbours.
You want your party to start and end on a positive note so try and have a finishing time in mind and consider wrapping up the evening with a signature Jameson nightcap, like a Hot Toddy, to sign off the celebrations.
How to Throw a Party on a Budget?
Throwing a great party doesn’t have to break the bank. Style and fun can be achieved with a few clever workarounds that will keep your finances in the green.
Batch drinks, like punch bowls or large pitchers of Jameson cocktails, can be super cost-effective and easy to serve to boot. Handmade decorations will save you a fortune over store-bought, plus who doesn’t love a little arts and crafts session?
As long as you don’t skimp on your choice of Irish whiskey, we have a whole list of cocktails to halt the expanse of the expenses, like Merry Berry Punch, Romeos Punch, and Weekend Punch. Ideal for keeping costs down while delivering quality drinks.
Throwing a Party Checklist
To ensure you cover all bases, here’s a comprehensive checklist for your party planning.
1. Begin with finalising your guest list and send your invites in good time.
2. Set up the bar and curate your playlist.
3. Get decorating and line up the snacks.
4. Lay out your centrepiece: A brand new bottle of Jameson.
5. Have a blast and enjoy being crowned “Smoothest Host” by all your party guests.
Types of Parties to Throw
Housewarming Party
The first step in “How to throw a housewarming party” is to have a house. That, believe it or not, is crucial. The second step is to incorporate Jameson cocktails to create an inviting atmosphere. Consider serving a Jameson Black Barrel Old Fashioned—a simple yet sophisticated drink that will impress your guests while they peruse your new abode, nodding at your kitchen countertop and feeling your newly bought hand towels. We recommend coasters for this kind of party. Lots and lots of coasters.
Christmas Party
Christmas is one of the most delightful themes for a festive party, bringing together cosy decorations, fun games, and seasonal cocktails. Our top tip for ‘How to throw a Christmas party?’ Serve the delicious Jameson Black Barrel Apple Cider Punch as your signature drink. It can be ready to go before your guests arrive, which means guests can serve themselves and you have more time for celebrating the holidays with all your friends and family. For more holiday drink inspiration, explore our Christmas Cocktails collection.
Surprise Parties
Surprise parties are the best! Especially when they’re for you! Organising one is more difficult. Our top tip for “How to throw a surprise party”? The guest list is the most important thing, but make sure everyone knows it’s a surprise! That means play it cool, people. One thing that shouldn’t be a surprise is the inclusion of delicious Jameson cocktails.
Halloween Party
Perhaps one of the most enjoyable themed parties to throw, Halloween incorporates dress up, decoration, fun games and creative cocktails. Our top tip for “How to throw a Halloween party?” Serve the delicious Jameson Pumpkin Smash as your signature drink and enhance the Halloween spirit with fun garnishes and decorations. For more spooky drink ideas, explore Halloween Drinks.
We can’t wait to find out which Jameson cocktails you will have for your party. For great whiskey recipes and more, visit jamesonwhiskey.com