Whether you’re hosting a cozy gathering or a big blowout, a successful, memorable party requires a delicate equilibrium between calm and chaos. How do you hit the sweet spot between awkward small talk and a noise complaint? Plus, how can you ensure your guests aren’t bored after 20 minutes, but that any fun moments aren’t overshadowed by a throbbing hangover the next day? Well, hold onto your party hats, because we may have cracked the code.
There are only three things you need to nail to host the perfect party: snacks, bevs, and entertainment. And we’ve got you covered on all three fronts, from fun-sized bites that won’t break the bank to a drink recommendation that’ll leave your guests feeling happy (not rowdy) to three games that’ll have the crowd howling with laughter — no elaborate props required.
The Snacks
We’ve got one word for you: Boards. They’re easy to put together, look fancy, and despite their name, they’re never boring. The best part? You don’t have to cook! To make sure all your guests are happy, offer a variety of options, including:
Classic Cheese & Charcuterie Board
Cheese-wise, go for a mix of soft and hard, sharp and mild: think cheddar, brie, gouda, and blue. For meats, salami and prosciutto are always crowd-pleasers. Then add some grapes, crackers, and small bowls of olives, honey, and nuts to make it look professional, and you’re good to go.
Crudité & Dip Board
This board is a great chance to add a pop of color (and fine, a serving of vegetables) to everyone’s plate. Arrange your favorite veggies — we suggest baby carrots, rainbow peppers, snap peas, celery, cherry tomatoes, and sliced radishes — around an assortment of dips, like hummus, ranch, and tzatziki. To make this board a little heartier, add some pita chips or flatbread.
Sweet Treat Board
This is a great idea if you’re hosting, but it’s also a fun dessert option to bring as a guest. Provide a mix of cookies and brownies (in the words of Ina Garten, store-bought is fine!) alongside handfuls of chocolate-covered pretzels and cut-up fresh fruit. Add small bowls filled with nutella, caramel, fudge, or whipped cream for dipping, and everyone will be sure to copy you for their next party.
The Drinks
If you’re out of college, drinking games probably won’t be on the agenda for your party. Still, alcohol consumption peaks during the holiday season, and one in four adults reports binge-drinking during that time of year, which is especially concerning if some of your partygoers are driving. Regardless of the many potential dangers, a house full of over-served guests can also lead to all sorts of drama. But you probably want to create a vivacious atmosphere, and you might have shier acquaintances looking for a social lubricant while they mingle. For those scenarios and most others, we’d recommend THC seltzers.
Unlike alcohol, THC beverages will give your guests a gentler social buzz without the hangover, dehydration, or calories that come with alcohol (which means they’ll be free to indulge in all of the awesome snacks you’ll have on-hand). THC seltzers also appeal to guests who avoid drinking but still want to feel part of the experience. For a host, they’re a modern, conversation-starting alternative that helps everyone unwind, without the next-day regret.
If you’re ready to introduce any uninitiated friends and family to the wonderful world of THC seltzer, you’ll want to offer options with clear dosing, fast-acting effects, and which taste as good a — or in some cases, better than — cocktails.
Cornbread Hemp Blueberry Breeze
We’re listing this flavor first for a good reason — it’s got hundreds of five-star reviews and only 30 calories per can. While alcohol-based seltzers often taste artificial in an attempt to mask the harsh bite of liquor, Cornbread Hemp Blueberry Breeze is best compared to a Spindrift, but packs a lot more fun. The flavor comes from cane sugar and natural blueberries, so unlike oddly flavored or high-sugar alternatives, this beverage actually tastes like its name. The effects are much milder than a traditional edible, and you’ll feel them more quickly, too. We suggest starting with half a can, waiting 30 minutes, and then consuming the remaining amount accordingly.
This one tastes exactly like peach iced tea (shocker), just with a bit of carbonation. It’s more flavorful than a traditional seltzer, but without the high sugar content of most sweet teas. The flavor is so recognizable (it’s very similar to Snapple’s peach iced tea) and has absolutely no cannabis aftertaste. It’ll make you feel like you’re sitting on a porch in the sunshine, even on the bleakest of days.
Cornbread Hemp Raspberry Limeade
This one is for those who crave a sweet/tart combination. The flavor is incredibly refreshing and uplifting, and the active ingredient leaves you feeling mellow and content without the sluggish effect many associate with THC. If you want to dress this one up a little, we suggest serving it in a tall glass with crushed ice, muddled raspberries, and a lime garnish.
The Games
Salad Bowl
All you need are pens, paper, and a big bowl: Each guest writes three to five words or names on slips of paper and tosses them in. Split into two teams and set a 60-second timer. One player pulls words while their team guesses, keeping the ones they get right. You’ll play three rounds with the same words: In the first, you describe the concept on the paper (like Taboo); in the second round you’ll use only one word as a description; and in the third, act it out (Charades style). It gets funnier each round — and the team with the most correct guesses wins.
What’s Your Number?
One person leaves the room while the group collectively picks a number between 1 and 10. The guesser returns and asks subjective questions to each member of the group, and their answers should match the number’s “vibe” — 1 is the top, 10 is the bottom. The guesser is attempting to figure out which number the group chose while they were out of the room, based on the responses to their questions. For example, they might ask: “What’s something you might lose on vacation?” A 10 might be a Q-tip (no big deal); a 1, your passport (the biggest of deals).
The fun comes from the guesser posing clever questions — and discovering who thinks honeydew is a 10/10 fruit. Here are some other questions to get you started:
-A stranger approaches you and says, “I want you to have this.” What is it?
-You’re stuck in the middle seat on an eight-hour flight. Who are you sitting between?
Celebrity Impressions (With a Twist)
Everyone writes down a few famous names on slips of paper, and one person picks at random. Instead of helping your peers identify the person through 20 questions, you have to respond to their prompts as that person. For example, if you pull “Martha Stewart,” and the prompt is “You just got a parking ticket — what do you say?”, you might sigh dramatically and mention you’ll embroider the citation onto a tasteful linen napkin. It’s fast, ridiculous, requires no scorekeeping, just vibes.
With the right snacks, sips, and a few low-effort games, you’ll have everything you need to throw a party people actually want to stay at. The key is keeping things easy, a little unpredictable, and a lot of fun. Whether your guests leave with new inside jokes or just craving another Cornbread Hemp THC seltzer, you can consider it a hosting win.
