How to Host an Election Night Party

Elections happen all year long. Besides national elections, held in November, there are party primary elections, state elections, city and county elections and elections on amendments, bonds and propositions. Each election has its interested supporters, voters and campaign workers; and after weeks and months of hard work, there's no better time for a party. To host an election night party, use these steps.

Instructions

1. Use fun, easy decorations. After a long hard campaign, it's time for fun and relaxation. A perfect color scheme is red, white and blue. Balloons are colorful and simple; use them to make the party bright.

2. Make lots of simple food. With the high anxiety of watching poll returns, eating becomes a stress reliever. Stay with simple appetizers and finger foods. Serve a buffet instead of a sit down dinner. Be prepared with lots of unplanned guests. Whether the results are good or bad, people like to celebrate or commiserate.

3. Start late. An election night party shouldn't start until the polls are closed. Until that time, voters may still be in line at the polls and campaign workers may still be campaigning. Give everyone a chance to go home and freshen up before starting the party.

4. Stay in touch. Make sure the phones are available, and the television is visible. Once results start coming in, the attention will be on getting election results.

5. Keep score. Have a wipe-off board or blackboard available to keep track of vote results. Have one person in charge of monitoring Internet results.

6. Be open-ended. Election results can come in very late. Be prepared by replenishing the food. If serving alcohol, have a designated driver standing by.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, have more than one television turned on to election results. More people will be able to see the screen, and guests will be able to monitor multiple news outlets.

• Always follow federal, state and local liquor laws when serving alcohol at parties.