Things You'll Need:
- A great sound system
- Decorations
- CDs or iPod playlist
- Finger foods
- Drinks
- Plates and cups
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Step 1
Invite as many people as you can. The more people come, the more likely that you'll have a packed dance floor. Some people will dance only if they see lots of other people dancing so make sure to invite a lot of people who love to dance and are not shy.
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Step 2
Pick a good spot in your house for a dance floor. Depending on how many people you are inviting depends on how much space you want. You don't want people smushed in together getting all sweaty and uncomfortable, but you don't want too much room, either. It will inhibit those too timid to get out on the floor if they feel like they're on a stage.
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Step 3
Rent or buy "club" accessories such as a disco ball, black lights, strobe lights or even a dance floor. You can get these at a wedding or party rental. Presentation is key if you want people to get into the fun of your dance party. Try to make your house look as hip as possible. Dim the lights in the rest of your house, not just where people are dancing. Make them feel like they are walking into a cool new club instead of a house. There is no such thing as going overboard! String up lights, set up a bar, hang up beads. Go to a fabric store and buy yards of sparkly and shimmery material to hang around your house to cover up the walls.
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Step 4
Buy lots of alcohol and tons of finger foods. Set up a bar stocked with everyone's favorite drink. Alcohol will loosen up the shyness and get the party going. Make finger foods that stay good the whole evening, such as nachos and salsa or any kind of appetizer that can sit out or simmer for long periods in a crockpot.
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Step 5
Establish a nice flow of traffic. For instance, if the dance floor is in your basement, don't block the basement door with the food and drink. Try keeping the food and drink separate so the food people don't jostle the drink people. Do whatever works in your house, just make sure everything is easily accessible.
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Step 6
Make an iPod playlist or make several CDs with everyone's favorite dance songs. Don't stick to just one era of music. Instead, mix it up and throw in a little bit of everything. '70s, '80s, '90's music and maybe even a little Elvis or Chuck Berry. If you play just one genre, it will get boring. Make sure you keep the music going. It's better to have too many songs than not enough. Have the music playing before people start arriving. It would be awkward to have people standing around talking in silence and then suddenly start blaring music.
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Step 7
Have a "cooling-off" section designated so people can take a break. You don't want people unable to go anywhere to sit and cool down because otherwise they may just decide to go. Make a little section of chairs and couches, or if it's nice outside, have lots of chairs out on the patio or front porch.
