Everyone loves a good party. Everyone really loves a good theme party! Theme parties are a fun way to switch things up, get creative and let loose. But because there are a lot more moving parts and a lot of details to work out, it’s harder to throw a good theme party than it is to throw a normal get-together.

Below are 6 tips and suggestions on how to throw the best theme party possible:

First, Pick A Theme For The Party

Picking a theme is the most important part of this process and it’s the first step in making sure your theme party is a success. When choosing a theme, take into account what your options are as far as the location and who you will be inviting. This will allow you to tailor the event based on who will be there, what they enjoy, and where it will be hosted.

Having trouble choosing a theme? We’ve put together a list of the 13 best college theme party ideas — because college kids have the most fun!! — but these ideas could potentially work for any crowd.

Then Decide On A Location

Once you know what the theme will be, you can narrow down your venue options. Can you host it at home? At a friends house? Will you have to rent a place out? How messy will this get? These are all things to consider.

Decide On Drinks And Food

Once you know the theme and you know where you’ll be hosting, you’ll have a good idea of what sort of drinks work well with the theme and what drinks you’ll be capable of making based on the tools and equipment that will be available. Knowing how to make fancy cocktails is always a safe bet. And obviously we’re biased, but we think making moscow mules is appropriate for any occasion– and here’s how to make them in bulk! If you do host your event at home, make sure you have all the necessary home bar tools and equipment to handle any drink request!

Choose Your Guest List

Finally, narrow down your guest list. Do you want a small, intimate crowd? Or do you want a wild, packed rager where everyone you know is invited? Who will enjoy this specific theme? Who needs to be invited?

Have A Bunch Of Games And Activities Ready

We’re usually a fan of unorganized fun, but theme parties require a lot of prep, so mine as well make sure there are fun activities and games going on in case you need to break the ice or do something other than talk. Lucky for you, our staff has put together their list of favorite drinking games for parties. You’ll certainly be able to find at least a few drinking games on that list that will fit in with the vibe, theme and crowd for your party.

Don’t Wait Until The Last Minute To Prep Everything

Finally, there are a lot more details to handle when throwing a theme party, so don’t wait until the last minute to prep and plan everything. Go through in your mind what you’ll need at every stage of the night and be sure to buy everything at least a day in advance. You most likely will forget something that you’ll be reminded of as you shop for the things you need!

There you have it! What was the best theme party you’ve been to? What made it so great? Let us know in the comments below!