Throwing a party outside of your home at a cool location has its perks. But a party at home does too.
For example, when you host a party at your house, you have complete control over the look and feel of your party. It’s in a comfortable place. Your guests have likely already been to your home, so there won’t be issues with directions and parking. There isn’t anyone else around except for the people you invite, unlike when you throw a party at a park or public facility.
However, like any party, planning a party at home and ensuring everyone has a good time can be challenging.
Whether you’re organizing a birthday party, holiday get-together, summer event, or another type of party at home, these four tips will help ensure it’s organized and accessible to all of your guests.
Ask Your Guests What They Need
An accessible party is simply one that anyone, regardless of ability, background, or experience, can get to and enjoy. You’re inviting a variety of guests to your party, each of which with unique needs.
Addressing those different preferences and needs is crucial if you want each person to have a positive party experience. If you know the people you’re inviting well, you probably have an idea of what disabilities they’re living with, if any, and what they would need at your party to have a good time.
If you’re just getting to know the people you’re inviting or aren’t fully aware of their needs, don’t be afraid to ask them about their needs and preferences. Put on your RSVP for people to contact you directly with any accommodations they may need.
Doing it this way keeps things private and respectful. You aren’t pushing or prying. Instead, you’re giving them the option to let you know when or if they’re comfortable.
If you don’t get any feedback, still make sure you’re abiding by general accessibility best practices. For example, ensure people can access your party with various mobility aids like wheelchairs and walkers. Use large signs to tell people where restrooms and games are. Keep music at a reasonable volume. And set up good lighting.
Do your best to accommodate various needs so that your party is accessible to as many guests as possible.
Offer a Wide Range of Activities
If all you needed at a party was one activity because everyone had the same interests and abilities, this part of the planning process would be a breeze. But unfortunately, a range of guests comes with a range of interests and abilities.
That shouldn’t stop them from being able to enjoy at least a few activities you offer at your party. It’s important to provide a wide range of activities at your party. Think about the guests you’re inviting, what they’re physically able to do, and what they might like.
For example, let’s say you’re throwing a birthday celebration for an older family member, like your grandma. Other guests that you are inviting, however, may be of different ages. You would want to offer activities that interest each age group represented and some that everyone can do together. In this case, that could be an arts and crafts station, puzzles and board games, kids’ toys and an outdoor play area, and a few more activities that grandma enjoys.
Having activities that everyone can participate in ensures everyone can engage in some way at your party.
Have a Plan for the Kids
Parties can become chaotic, especially when there are kids there. They’re running around, playing, exploring, eating, and having fun. This is all good if it’s organized, but can be more chaotic if your event lacks structure.
Here are a few pointers on how to keep your kids’ party well-organized. This could look like:
Getting a bouncy house to keep kids in a specific area;
Hiring a professional entertainer to keep the kids occupied for a while;
Planning structured group activities to get the kids to socialize;
Designating different areas for different games and activities;
Establishing clear ground rules for what’s appropriate and what isn’t at the party.
Pay special attention to the kids to keep them safe and the party orderly.
At-home parties are just as, if not more fun than those you throw at other venues. It’s in a comfortable setting where you have complete control over who comes, and the look and feel of your party. The challenge is making sure your parties at home are accessible and well-structured. But implementing the guidance above will ensure that they are.
