10 House Party Ideas for Adults (Updated for 2025)

As an adult, hosting parties at your home is a great way to bring together your friends. It may take a lot of work to come up with each party idea and want to try something fun and new. If you’re looking for new ideas, here are 10 house party ideas to try at your next gathering.   

1. Creative Charcuterie Boards

Charcuterie boards are traditionally cured meats, cheese, bread and crackers served on a wood slab. Many people love this appetizer, which has grown in popularity in the past few years. 

The general idea of a charcuterie board can be used to get creative with your friends. Tell your guests to make their own version and get creative with it. You can do so many fun ideas that are sure to spice up your party. Below are some ideas. 

• Chicken nugget board
• Sauce board 
• Candy board 
• Sushi board 
• Dessert board  

2. Bring a Color Themed Basket 

We all love a good movie night or game night. These are classic themes for guests to come over and enjoy a fun night together. If you want to make things more interesting, you can add a color-themed basket to your house party.

Ask your guest to come with things that are all one color. You can even dress in the colors your choose. For example, if someone dresses in orange, they wear orange clothing and bring items such as oranges, Reese, carrots, cheddar cheese chips and whatever else you can find in that color. You will have various colorful food and drink options by the time everyone arrives. 

3. Themed Drinks 

Having your typical wine nights is a great way to unwind and let loose with your friends while utilizing your unused dining room from time to time. You and your guests can add a twist to the typical wine night by bringing themed drinks. 

Your drinks can be anything from the characters in a movie or show you love, represent your zodiac signs or whatever you are into. It allows everyone to get creative about the presentation and the actual drink. It is a theme that will bring joy and show off the skills of your guests.  

4. Dress Like Your Significant Other 

If you and your guests are married or have significant others, they come dressed as each other for this house party. This will surely bring laughs as you switch roles as your significant others. Get creative and bring props and your acting skills to have a night full of fun. 

5. Favorites Party 

At this party, you will ask your guests to bring something they can’t live without for the number of guests coming and do a presentation on the item. For example, if someone brings their favorite chapstick, they explain why to the group and each person gets one to take home. 

This party provides a fun environment to discuss some of your favorite things, whether funny or serious. You each go home with a bunch of holy grail items that may also become a staple for you.  

6. Schedule an Outdoor Movie Night

Who said movie nights are only for families with kids? If you have a spacious backyard, string a large white sheet, position a projector and prepare comfy seats for a fun outdoor movie night. Place pillows and blankets so guests can stay relaxed throughout the night. Prepare classic movie house snacks, including popcorn, sodas and candy bars. 

Make sure to gather your guests ‘ movie suggestions a week or a few days before the scheduled movie night. Make sure what you play is what the majority loves. After the show, do a fun debriefing session to discuss your favorite parts and theories.

7. Host a Karaoke Night

There’s something about singing your heart out that’s relaxing — even better when done with friends. Hosting a karaoke night doesn’t mean you have to own a machine. Many apps now allow you to play instrumentals conveniently — you just need a microphone or two. Keep the food simple — pizza, chips and beers are great starters. Here’s a caveat — be mindful of your noise, as it may distract your kids and neighbors. 

8. Eat Breakfast for Dinner

This has got to be a must-try for all breakfast lovers. Enjoy pancakes, bacon and eggs for dinner because why not? Serve with your favorite cocktails or create your own for a twist. You can even ask guests to show up in their morning look and attire. Prepare to take videos of each individual’s attire and upload them on social media to start a new trend.

When it comes to this theme, simplicity is key. Create this easy bistro breakfast burger recipe, a sure-fire way to appeal to all palates. If you or some friends have dietary restrictions, prepare pepper-fried eggs, vegetarian breakfast tostadas or creamy mushrooms on toast.

9. Hire a Bartender

Hiring a bartender might be more costly, but it helps remove the hassle of mixing drinks while entertaining your guests. Getting an extra pair of hands to create and serve drinks will make your night easier and better. This way, you can focus on preparing music, lights, your bar area and dancing on the dance floor.

Make sure your bartender is skilled enough to accommodate the number of guests. If you don’t have tools, ask your bartender if they can provide their own. Some mixologists are also willing to help you plan your shopping list based on your specific requirements. The key is finding someone who can fulfill your special requests.

9. Game Night

There are plenty of ways to celebrate a night of games. You can reenact your favorite game shows or collect your favorite board games for a night of fun and laughter. Play traditional board games like Monopoly, Pictionary or Articulate. If you’re feeling creative, you can create your own games or add a spin to classic games, such as Wheel of Fortune or Family Feud.

Enjoy These House Party Ideas

For your next house party, try something new that everyone can get involved in. The ideas will bring fun and create a memorable night for everyone. 

Original Publish Date 3/17/2023 — Updated 12/31/2024