Education is all well and good, but everyone loves a party. Unfortunately, not everyone knows how to throw a real kicker.
Lane Fricke, brewer at McMenamins High Street Brewery and Cafe and self-proclaimed party connoisseur, made note of several party necessities, as did Jon LaBranch who works at Rennie’s Landing and Mark Ellis of Hitman DJ Company.
Advance Planning – Planning a party takes work. To throw a truly kickin’ party, Fricke said, you need to begin the process weeks in advance.
Beer and Liquor- “You need beer,” Fricke said. He suggested having someone serve people a variety of beers, as it would give the party a sense of class. He also suggested a keg of beer from McMenamins, which features 150 12oz beers for $95 plus a refundable $50 deposit.
LaBranch suggested taking a watermelon, cutting it lengthwise, scooping out about half of the flesh and filling it with whatever liquor is available.
“That’s a good way to get stupid,” LaBranch said.
Fun – Parties are meant to be fun. If a party isn’t fun it should
not be happening, Fricke said. Ellis said that themes help to push the party from good to great.
Beautiful People – Parties need to look good.
Music – Beautiful people need to shake it. Fricke suggested a live band or a DJ. If a friend with turntables isn’t available, DJs are available for hire. Ellis’ company offers four hours of music for $300, charging $50 for each additional hour.
Outdoor Living Room – Couches, chairs, a place to kick back and relax under the sun or stars.
No minors – minors and beer do not mix. Aside from the legal issues that arise from bringing minors to parties, they tend to be kind of obnoxious, Fricke said.
Money – “You should not expect your friends to pay for your party,” Fricke said.
Money comes and goes but throwing a great party will leave you with someone’s barf in your toilet, the phone number of that guy or girl you had meant to ask out for the longest time and great memories of the only real reason for getting a college
education.