Inside: How to throw a high school party in 10 steps with tips and tricks.
So…you are throwing a high school party? How exciting! High School parties are where some of the most fun times are had during your High School years. It’s where you can finally relax and have fun with your friends in a non-academic setting.
Not to mention they can be the best place to make new friends!
But throwing a party can be hard, especially if you are a teenager. You’ve never thrown a party before so you may be feeling a little lost on what it’s supposed to look like or how to get started. I have good news and even greater news.
The good news is that just below this I walk you through how to throw a high school party in 10 steps. This will help you get a feel for the process of throwing a party so you know what to expect. The even greater news is that I also add some extra tips and information along with that. So by the end of this article, you will be completely set.
So what are we waiting for? Let’s get this party started!
How to Throw a High School Party in 10 Steps
As promised, here is your play-by-play on how to throw a successful party. Note that not everything will apply to you. For example, maybe your parents are going out of town do you actually have a theme that you want to stick with. This is totally okay, the steps below are just a broad to-do list to help you along. It doesn’t have to be perfect, it just has to be safe and fun!
1. Ask your parents – This one might feel a little lame, but parents don’t really go out of town as often as they do in the movies. So you don’t really have ample opportunity to throw a secret rager. Even if you did, you wouldn’t want to. We’ve all seen how those movies go…terribly!
2. Plan a day – Picking a day is very important. In my opinion, Saturday is the best day to throw a party because you don’t have to be stressed about getting home after school to decorate and prepare. You’ll already be home!
3. Make the fliers/invites – Get on to trusty ol’ google docs or Canva and make your flyer/invite. Make sure to include the date, time, and place as well as the theme or activities of the party.
4. Hand them out at school – Hand them out to as many people as you want to invite. Remember that more isn’t always better, the last thing you want is to have your party get out of control. Or heaven forbid you to run out of snacks.
5. Get the Decorations(section below) – Decorations may seem a little over the top but they are not. There are plenty of non-specific party decorations to choose from that are guaranteed to add to the atmosphere.
6. Get the Food(section below) – Food is one of the most important factors here next to number 7 who is up next. Teens are notoriously hungry creatures, so make sure you have enough to feed them. I added some party food ideas below.
7. Choose your Music – Make sure you have a good playlist that plays oldies AND newbies for a perfect mixture. They have these on youtube and Spotify, you just have to find them.
8. Set-Up – Spend some time setting up. You may not have drinks at the party but you can make your drinking station for your soda and other drinks. Consider the best way to set up the party depending on your house and go from there.
9. Party – This one needs no explanation. Just have fun and be in the moment!
10. Clean Up – The most crucial stage so your parents don’t kill you. This is also so you will be able to throw a party again in the future if you so, please. Not only is it a sign of respect, but it’s a symbol of a job well done.
High School Party Decorations
The decorations are a surprisingly overlooked item on the high school party list. I put together the best obscure and non-specific decorations that will be perfect for any occasion. Even if there isn’t one and you just want a party! Take a look below and see what kind of style and theme you are going for. Are you thinking glow in the dark or perhaps sparkly disco? Lot’s to consider.
11. LED Balloons
13. LED Lights
14. Glowing Tubes
16. Party Streamer
18. Disco Necklaces
19. LED Lights
21. Serving Bowls
Food Ideas for a High School Party
You are going to want your foods to be simple finger food type things. This is the best food for parties because it doesn’t stop the mingling, you can bring your food everywhere and eat it standing. There are a few staples that I put at the top that cannot be left out. You will need chips, soda, and candies with 100% certainty. The rest of it might take some cooking but it will be worth it.
22. Chips
23. Candy
24. Sodas
25. Pretzel Bites
26. Pull Apart Pigs in a Blanket
27. Macaroni Bites
28. Sandwiches
29. Grazing table
30. S’mores Bars
31. Cookies
What to Wear
Choosing what to wear to a High School party is probably the hardest thing we as humans do. Lucky for you, I put together a list of the best outfits you can find that will be both stylish and comfortable. Because comfort is your number one priority when going to a party. Not only will you feel better physically, but mentally as well.
This is because when we are more comfortable we feel more confident. Love that for us. Take a look!
33. Comfy Sweatshirt with Leggings
35. Styled Sweatshirt with Jeans
36. Jeans, Tube Top, and Flannel
39. Black Tank Top with White Jeans
40. Posh Outfit
41. Simple Overalls for Hot Weather
43. Simple Outfit
How to Get Invited to a Good Party
If you are a freshman in High School, chances are you have probably heard of a few parties by now in the hall that you didn’t end up getting invited to. That’s okay! You haven’t met very many people yet so your time will come.
My biggest advice on how to get invited to a party is to just start getting to know the people that go to your school. The larger your web of friends the more likely you are to get invited to a party.
If this doesn’t work and you find yourself hearing about a party that you really want to go to, ask the person throwing it if you can go or if someone that you know is going to be their plus one. It’s not like it’s a party at the white house, you can totally get in.
And that is it. You are now fully prepared to throw your own high school party. Are you excited? You should be!
One last tip: If you are throwing it near any holiday you can piggyback off of it and make that your theme.
I recommend throwing a party around Halloween. You have the most opportunity for themed games, food, and decorations.
Just some food for thought.
I am Natalie, the eldest sister of two teens. I hope to bring not only a fresh outer perspective but an internal one as well when writing here.