Seven Musts for Hosting a Viewing Party

Arrange the tray tables, fluff your sofa cushions, and bust out the guacamole: it’s viewing party season!

Whether it’s tense playoff showdowns, glitzy award ceremonies or gripping episodes of everyone’s favorite nail-biter series, it’s always fun to host a viewing party with family and friends.

Planning the Perfect Party

If you’re lucky enough to host this sort of get-together, here are some tips to make sure the night is a success:

• Invite early. Start your party planning with timely invitations. Sending out invites at least two weeks in advance gives your guests enough time to rearrange their schedules. Whether it's a digital invite, a group chat, or a classic mailed invitation, make it fun and thematic to build excitement!
• Notify neighbors. According to Pew Research, we could all do a better job of being good neighbors. If your neighbors aren’t already joining the festivities, be kind enough to tell them about your event, especially if you anticipate it being louder or running late.
• Clear the clutter. It’s amazing how quickly clutter builds in a busy household, so prep your pad for party time, rearranging furniture to ensure everyone has a good view of the screen — and clear routes to the exits. If you haven’t already planned fire escapes, we’ve got some great tips for home fire safety.
• Manage the menu. A poppin’ party needs fantastic food, so concoct a menu that’s easy to eat on your feet as well as on the sofa. Consider finger foods, themed snacks and easy-to-serve drinks while always taking dietary restrictions into account so that everyone enjoys the feast.
• Test your tech. Technical snags are a real buzzkill, so test your streaming services, TV and sound system far enough ahead of time to allow fixes for unexpected issues. Ensure that all your subscriptions are up-to-date and that your Wi-Fi can handle the extra load of your guests’ devices.
• Consider the climate. Comfort is key, so make sure your party space isn’t excessively hot or cold. Living room cheerleading can generate a lot of body heat, so don’t be afraid to inquire about your guests’ comfort throughout the evening, and adjust your thermostat in response. Having fans or extra blankets on hand can be handy for less energetic guests watching from the sidelines, and if you’re using auxiliary sources, make sure you understand how to heat your home safely.
• Watch the waste. Plan for waste management by setting up clearly labeled bins for recycling, compost and trash — then remind your guests to use them. It will cut down on cleanup efforts and encourage environmental responsibility.

Relax and Enjoy

As always, the point of any party is to relax and enjoy yourself no matter what unforeseen fumbles or problematic plot-twists may arise. With the right home insurance, you and your crew can whoop it up without worry. So, talk to a local ERIE agent today for peace of mind that lets you stay focused on the fun!