is the balm

the Hot ticket party

As the Winter season in So-Cali breezes by, everyone is finally settling into 2010. We are now in full force figuring out plans of action for 2010.  So much has already happened in the course of this new month, new year, and new decade. Political plans proposed, and untimely disasters struck. We're reminded once again, early this year, of how precious life is, and to be ever so grateful of each day on earth. While it is easy to let these grave happenings depress us, it is important to remember to stay positive and present:   Live For Today...Plan For Tomorrow...Party Tonight..!!!
(This may even include partying to raise money for “Haiti relief” or any great cause!)

I give you a sure remedy to engage proactively especially if the news has got you down:
Two words—House Parties.

Here are my 6 reasons these will be making a comeback as the hottest ticket of 2010.

 1). Friends: The Best Company. 
 Arguably the best company is the company of friends whether they be new friends, old friends, neighbors, and even those faithful party crashers.  Seeing friends laugh and connect can be a a great way to get inspired. If you are a writer, director, actor, in entertainment biz, et al... sometimes you’ll find yourself at a party where inspiration is sparked. Tag lines can be created from embarrassing drunken blunders, and even games like "spin the bottle" can point you in the direction of a great story or character. Think of the spec video ideas for YouTube or Vimeo! You might even meet the love of your life, but realistically a sweet one night stand likely to boost the ego Californication style is a more likely possibility.

2).  Feed a good time.
  Go for the food.  If you have a good host, it's likely he or she host will whip up a spread because one of the best thing about house parties is good food.  It could be an important key to the makings of a successful party. Great food creates a buzz at parties with comments like, "Did you taste that dip. Fabulous cheese plate. The chicken was delicious!" When people are fed well, they feel good adding to the enjoyment and possible longevity of any party.

3). Boozing.
It’s a little safer to have a few drinks with your belly full of food. And to some a party just isn’t a party unless you’ve got a well rounded stock of booze options. Cocktails like Mojitos and Chocolate Martinis can be decadent treats, but of course caraffes of wine, bottles of beer and a keg or two will always be enjoyed as a mainstay to add a little social lubricant to the party's atmosphere.


4). Photos— 
Everyone loves a good party photo, and as of recently, everyone loves FB-posting party photos even more. The especially odd ones always seem to get tagged where one's head is twisted, angled just so making you look 10 pounds heavier or to the point where you don't even recognize yourself. Then of course, there are the end-of-party photos where one often looks delirious with half-closed eyes, and most likely a quintessential "boob” shot will make its way to the photo assembly. (Last year, I saw more boob photos then ever.) There are also those party-goers who post photos to show that they were there—a secret level of exploitation if you ask me because it does matter in this day and age who you are seen with and who you hang with.  I wish this weren’t the case, but it is all true especially as I observe all the Facebook scensters.


5). Themes...
One cool part of a theme party is that getting dressed for the theme can get you in the mood for the party before you even arrive. Theme parties can magically transform a regular get-together into a new world of fun.  I personally love theme parties, and have hosted as well as attended several great ones. I once went to a murder mystery themed party where everyone was given clue when they walked in the door. I’ve also enjoyed a simple yet extremely satisfying black-and-white-and-mustache party. Whatever the theme, it’s sure to spark interesting conversation. The House Party can be a theme unto itself!


6). Free!!   
Yes folks, free entertainment in the company of your friends with food and liquor for a sure hangover (think yummy Sunday grubbing) as well a possible theme and likely photos documenting the whole night... It’s kind of like free press!! The House Party is a chance to connect with potenial new friends, or at least some soon to be Facebook friends. The party (or you) could be the talk of Facebook for the next, er, three hours! And you never know when new acquaintances will pop up at the next House Party near you.