The Blog

Videos and articles about how to throw a party, run icebreakers, read real case studies, and make new friends.

AllCase StudiesIcebreakersInvitationsKey ConceptsParty SuppliesTutorialsVideosBook Stuff
Case Studies
April 2021

Kim's First Cocktail Party

Kim is a home cook and dinner party enthusiast. She splits her time between Vancouver and Cape Town. Kim LOVES to entert…

Tutorials
March 2020

Speed Icebreakers: How to Do Them

I love this module. I’ve done it at my birthday parties and with a group of 20 at my home. Nagina has done it, too, … R…

Icebreakers
March 2020

Icebreakers for Adults: The Ultimate Guide for 2026

In this article, you'll discover how to lead a successful icebreaker, choose the right questions for the right moment, a…

Key Concepts
March 2020

Guest Bios: My Secret Weapon

Guest Bios make it easy for your guests to start conversations and create new connections. They also make people feel sp…

Tutorials
March 2020

Contact Management for Your Party Guest List

How can you keep track of people to invite to your party? And what's the best way to make notes about your past guests t…

Invitations
February 2020

Who to Invite to your Party: "The mix is the message"

How does a famous New York City party host manage her invitations? My friend Justin Hall sent me this article: Peggy Sie…

Party Supplies
February 2020

Cups: Best Party Cups to Buy

Hi! Cups cups cups. Aaaaah. So many thoughts. I'm still working on finishing these pages. For now, please visit: FULL SU…

Key Concepts
February 2020

Party Name Tags

A party without name tags is like a museum without labels for the paintings. You may think that name tags make events co…

Book Stuff
February 2020

The Best Resources to Learn More

These are the very best books, videos, long-form articles, and podcasts that I've found about hosting and networking. Th…

Book Stuff
February 2020

Corrections and Updates

More Small Groups at the Beginning (March 2026) One thing that I've changed since publishing The 2-Hour Cocktail Party i…

Tutorials
February 2020

Venues, Tips, and Tricks: Hosting Elsewhere

You can still throw parties even if hosting at home is not a possibility. Try these, and please email me if you have any…

Case Studies
February 2020

Cathy's Fiesta in DC: A Post-Partium

Cathy is a yoga instructor who lives in Washington, D.C. She told me she was hosting a Mexican-themed party on a Saturda…