Worried about cost, planning – or whether anyone will show up? We asked experts how to bring back parties
Several months ago, staring down another empty weekend, a friend texted me. “Why is no one having parties?” she fumed.
Some people were, we agreed, but not nearly enough. Indeed, in January, the Atlantic’s Ellen Cushing declared that “America is in a party deficit”, quoting a 2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics report that found only 4.1% of Americans attended or hosted a social event on an average holiday weekend. That figure was down a whopping 35% since 2004.
Timing: Daytime or night-time? How long will it last?
Menu: Will there be food? If so, does that mean a sit-down dinner, only appetizers or a buffet? Will you have caterers? “Less is more when it comes to food,” Rhinehart says. “Keeping the menu simple yet delicious goes a long way.”
Bar: If serving alcohol, which kinds? Which non-alcoholic beverages will you have available? Don’t skimp on ice, says Rhinehart: “You can never have enough!”
Kids: Are they invited, or is it an adults-only affair?
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