Co-ed Party Ideas

Plan your coed party so that both guys and gals have an equally good time.

Impressive parties don't happen by accident. In fact organizing a party with any kind of panache takes some patience and planning, especially when it comes to the all-inclusive coed party. Don't let either gender feel left out. The whole point of throwing a party is to engage all of your guests, guys and gals, in some unforgettable fun and festivities.

Icebreaker

Simple party games are the fastest way to break the ice.

Begin the party with an icebreaker. Icebreakers are an effective way to get any party, personal or professional, on its feet. Not only is it entertaining, but it's a terrific way to introduce your guests to one another, saving them the sometimes awkward walk across the room to join in on a conversation with people whose names they don't know. Pick some fun and interactive games for your guests to play, games that will force them to get to know one another, like the orange game. This is a game where you break everyone up into pairs and have each pair hold an orange between their foreheads while you or another party goer reads off commands for them to follow. For instance, "Take four steps to your right. Bend down and touch your toes." Continue giving commands until all but one team have dropped their oranges.

Backyard Movie Night

Backyard movie night gives coed parties a unique twist.

Come twilight, set up the backyard for movie night. Whether you're having a pool party in the middle of summer or a more intimate gathering with friends around the fire pit in the late months of fall, situate your big screen television out on the back patio, using surround sound to give it the effect of a movie theater under the stars. Put in a good movie, one that will entertain both guys and gals. Think "Casablanca." If it's cool outside, drag some blankets out from your linen closet and encourage cuddling. Pop some popcorn. Purchase a variety of movie theater candy and create a night that your guests won't soon forget.

Music

Music takes your party to another level of fun.

Turn on some music. Nothing gets a party going like good music. And planning your music is almost as important as planning your menu. Depending upon the theme of your party, you can create a feeling with the music that accompanies it. For instance, if you are having a pool party, play some of the Beach Boys' greatest hits. Music is especially effective at coed parties because it encourages dancing, both fast and slow. Make sure you designate where the dance floor is and encourage your guests to find their feet on it.

Party Favors

Make party favors a part of the fun.

Rather than hand out party favors, turn your guests into real live party favor dispensers by giving each of them a beaded necklace or lei. The name of this game is Party Favors, and the object is for your guests to get to know one another, as well as to earn the beaded necklaces or leis off of your party guests from the opposite sex by doing personal favors for them. It can be something as simple as opening the door for them, refilling their drink, rubbing sunscreen on their shoulders or making them a plate of food. This game will last for as long as the party does. At the end of the party, the guy and gal with the most beads win. Make sure you have a parting gift for each of the winners.

References

• Icebreakers.ws: Ice breakers, fun games, group activities

Resources

• BabyCenter.com: Coed Baby Showers; JD Lasica