How to Host a Card Party

Card parties have been going on since the early nineteenth century. Hosting a card party is a fun way to get together with friends, and enjoy an evening playing some of your favorite card games and maybe even some new ones.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

• Invitations
• Playing cards
• Card game rules
• Decorations
• Tables
• Refreshments

1. Invite your friends. Send invitations to your card party at least 2 weeks in advance. Include the time, date and location of your party in your invitation along with a single face card from a deck of cards. You can use these cards to divide your guests into groups.
2. Purchase prizes. Everyone loves to get a prize when they win a game, and it is no different with cards. Prizes don't have to cost a lot of money and can be as simple as a new deck of cards or candy.
3. Decide on the games. There are so many card games you could play, but you really need to narrow it down to about three. Make sure that the games you choose are ones that everyone knows, or can learn quickly, and will fit into the time frame of your party. You may decide to play only one card game, but do it in tournament style.
4. Have the rules available for all games. Print off the rules for each game you will play. Having these handy will keep participants from having to ask questions. Each table of players can refer to their own set of printed rules. Rules for card games often come with the deck but can also be downloaded online.
5. Set up tables. Set your party tables up with enough room to maneuver around them. It is a good idea to make sure that the tables you use have room for people to place their drinks, or that there is a table nearby for them to set a beverage.
6. Put up decorations. No party is complete without a few decorations. You can find card themed decorations at any party store and even online. If you don't want to spend a lot of money, simply make your own decorations by using an old deck of cards. Cards can be used as centerpieces, as garland and even as place cards with your guests' names.
7. Prepare refreshments. Having refreshments for your party will definitely please the crowd. You can ask guests to bring their favorite snack food or drink, or you can do it yourself. Peanuts and pretzels are good munchies on a small budget.

Tips & Warnings

• If you want to make your card party a little more official, you can ask people to come and "play" dealers at each table.
• If you plan on serving alcohol at your card party, make sure that there is a designated driver. It is never okay to drink and drive.

Who Can Help:

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