Party Wrecker 911
5 personalities that could ruin your summer soiree -- and how to stop them.
Whether it’s Bill who drinks too much or Jen who drones on endlessly about her misfortunes, our friends don’t stop being themselves when you decide to throw the party of the year. Before you start crossing your friend Bob (and the cast of characters that he drags with him to every party) off the list, pick up a few tricks for making even your most worrisome friends party-perfect!
The Spiller
He’s animated, gregarious, and larger than life -- and it’s one of the reasons you love him so much.
The MO: Put a drink in his hands and he wreaks mass destruction on the walls, window treatments, and upholstery. It’s hilarious when he spills beer on the barstool at your favorite watering hole; it isn’t so funny when he’s sloshed red wine all over your brand-new sofa.
The Fix: It’s summer, so keep the drinks, food, and entertainment al fresco. That way, when The Spiller gears up to tell that story about his drunken fishing trip with the guys, cleanup is just a hose away.
The Clinger
She’s your best friend and needs to know she’s your #1, but having her taped to your side as you’re prepping the eats and trying to greet all your guests is exhausting (not to mention downright annoying).
The MO: No matter how long she’s known your friends, she just can’t resist being at your side all night long.
The Fix: You indulge her 364 days a year, but the day of your party isn’t the time for extreme one-on-one bonding. Take her aside before the party; explain that you’ve got a lot of guests coming and that you need to be a gracious hostess and spend time with everyone. Ask her to invite another friend she can cling to while you’re busy socializing.
The Fish
As in drinks like one. She blended into the scenery during your college days, but she’s becoming an endangered species now that most of you are older and a little wiser.
The MO: She doesn’t show up at the party ready to get completely hammered -- it just happens. The same way it’s been happening for the past eight years.
The Fix: Let’s face it: You’re hosting a party, not an intervention. As Dr. Phil says, “The best predictor of future behavior is past behavior.” So cut down on the late-night drama and ask her to spend the night beforehand. When you see that glazed look come over her, guide her straight into the bedroom to sleep it off.
The Fun Sucker:
Otherwise known as “Debbie Downer.” After a few minutes of her doomsday stories, your guests will be running to refill their drinks or -- even worse -- for the door.
The MO: Incapable of reading signs of distress and discomfort in others, The Fun Sucker’s cloud can darken any room as she extols upon everything from the failing economy to her dysfunctional bowels.
The Fix: Stop her from cornering your guests by keeping the party circulating and the conversation flowing. Make food an event by setting up stations (think pizza or burgers with all the fixings or Southern barbecue with lots of sides). Games of all sorts -- not just athletic ones -- help keep the company and conversation light. If that doesn’t work, take your friend aside and ask her to help you prepare dessert or man the grill. Distract her from depressing your guests!
The Vince Chase:
You know, the guy with the entourage. He might not be as good-looking as Adrian Grenier, but he’s got his very own Turtle, Drama, and E -- and not one of them is a friend of yours.
The MO: He RSVPs for one but always shows up with four or five other dudes. Your bash is just one of the stops on his all-night party circuit.
The Fix: If you want your summer party to be an intimate gathering of very close friends, you might want to think twice about inviting your own Vince Chase. If this is a summer blowout of massive proportions, invite him with the knowledge that he’ll have his posse in tow. The more the merrier, right?
When you plan ahead, any party can be a success, no matter who’s on the guest list. The most important thing is to allow for your friends’ unique personalities and work around them. After all, the point of hosting a summer soiree is to enjoy the company of your nearest and dearest -- with warts and all.