When was the last time you had a party? Maybe it’s a birthday or a holiday or some other event that we can all agree on for a reason to celebrate. But here’s a question: Why do we wait until a “special event” is prepared to have a party? In my opinion, it’s reason enough to be alive – and I’m not alone. Lately, people have been throwing up.”alt-bashes“- aka parties for “alternative” events that aren’t the usual holiday fare. Newly single? First-time dog owner? Recently child-free (because the kids are in college)? Consider throwing an alt-bash in your honor.
Divorce parties, pet adoption parties, and empty nest parties are three of the most popular types of alt-bashes. Not only is it a good reason to gather friends and family; They allow you to process stressful or emotionally difficult situations as joy and energy. We spoke to an expert party planner to get the skinny on how to throw three alt-bashes in style.
How to throw a divorce party
Divorce can be psychologically and financially devastating—but at the same time, it can bring many women a sense of freedom or relief. Once you’re ready, this alt-bash can provide some much-needed catharsis.
Event planner Virginia Frischkorn, who heads the party planning forum Participant, says the most important aspect of planning a divorce party is keeping the mood light. Keep reading for more specific tips.
- Go on a girl power trip. An Airbnb (or regular B&B!) weekend away with your best girlfriends can help you find the intimacy you so desperately need — and don’t be shy about making it all about you and your newfound freedom. Freshcorn sees this as a great opportunity to celebrate the strength and power of women. You can make a playlist of self-confident songs (think Gloria Gaynor’s “I’ll Survive” “Since You’ve Been Gone” by Kelly Clarkson And Carrie Underwood’s “Before You Cheat”) or have a movie marathon of female-led classics The First Wives Club, Waiting to breatheAnd Thelma and Louise. Main things from a Divorce-themed cocktail; The last wordan old-school gin drink, especially as a citrus bourbon drink, feels appropriate. Love on the rocks.
- Emphasize the positive. But respect them, don’t be negative. This alt-bash should be about new beginnings, not dwelling on a painful past. Oprah Daily He recommends looking into the future by creating vision boards and writing down positive thoughts. Freshcore sees a housewarming party as a great opportunity to clean your house, so try it after you’ve settled into your weekend getaway. Burning sage – It is an ancient ritual to cleanse your environment of negative energy.
- Embrace the corny-but-cute look. Oprah Dailey has several fun theme ideas for a divorce party, such as “When Life Gives You Lemons” (use yellow decorations and serve lemon and lime-flavored cake) or “Happy Streets” (a Western New Year’s Eve celebration — wear cowboy hats, make a big pot of chili). and listen to your favorite country tunes). Another option? A “take off the dress” or “take off the ring” party where you throw the wedding dress into a fire or bury your wedding ring. Getting rid of witches in an unhappy marriage is a powerful relief, and it helps to do it with a close group of girlfriends.
How to Throw: A Pet Adoption Party
Adopting a pet is a surefire way to bring some unconditional love into your life. And even if you don’t adopt a human, a baby animal deserves a celebration too. A pet adoption party allows you to introduce your new friend to several human friends at once, helping them gain valuable social skills (though if your pet is shy or dealing with an injury, don’t force your party until they’re more used to it). A party for your pet is also pretty cool – just think of the great photos you’ll get from it!
- Provide a place to play. Freshcorn recommends a “Home Sweet Bone” party for new dog parents. Invite friends to bring their own dogs, and set up dedicated play stations for fetch, tug-of-war or an obstacle course. (Give your dog exercise And Helping them make new friends? It seems like a win-win). You can also embrace your inner child and play dog-themed games, such as guess the number of dog treats in the container or pin the tail on the dog.
- Have a photography exhibition. Figo pet insurance It suggests sharing pet photos in a slideshow. As soon as you get a new pet, you can take photos of them continuously. But if this pet is replacing a dearly departed, you may want to pay tribute to your last dog or cat by including vintage pictures to keep their sweet memories alive. If you’re feeling really fancy, you can set a Pet photo booth And create some new memories with a photo shoot for your current fur babies and all your friends.
- Give your pet some goodies. Don’t forget to give your new pet some homemade treats (try to prepare Bone-shaped peanut cookies For dogs or Tuna and catnip treats for cats). Professionals at HGTV Party favors are just as important to dogs and cats as they are to humans, so prepare goodie bags with a few choice toys and treats for all the animal guests to enjoy.
How to Throw: An Empty Nest Party
When the children leave the house, their mood is high. You may feel homesick and nervous for a while, but you’ll also be excited to follow your baby’s new adventures — plus, to explore all the possibilities for you and your partner. An Empty Nest Party can pay homage to these complex emotions.
- Go back in time. Freshcore notes that embracing nostalgia is key, and a “before kids” themed party is a fun way to kick things off. “Birthday parties are always a big hit,” she says – imagine The 80s Or 90’s parties. You can put it on a retro playlist (try The 80s Or ’90s hits on Spotify), serve foods and drinks that were popular at the time (cottage cheese and Bartles and James For the 80s or so Sun dried tomatoes and Cosmopolitans for the ’90s), and wear period-inspired clothing (leg warmers and an off-the-shoulder sweater or stonewashed denim and flannel shirts, anyone?).
- Bring your vacation home. Many parents use their empty nest as an opportunity to finally travel. Freshcore suggests incorporating this concept into your party, using your dream vacation destination as inspo. “Include culturally-influenced food and drink options, as well as flowers, napkins and plates based on a country’s national color,” she advises. “For any audience that has traveled to your dream destination, consider a travel advice box where guests can write in their favorite spots.”
- Take a straightforward approach. Maybe you’re looking to get a little more literal with an empty nest theme. If so, make an “early bird” (get it?) breakfast, with a DIY omelet bar. Bonus points if you decorate your space with real blanks Bird nests (They are readily available at craft stores). An empty nest party may be about welcoming a new phase of life, but you can also use it as an opportunity to enjoy some memories of your kids — maybe you’ll want to whip up old photo albums with some nest-themed cocktails, like these Made with eggs.
Have a very happy Alt-Bash!
Whether you’re divorced, a new pet parent, or an empty nester, you’re bound to find an alt-bash worth throwing. And if none of the above scenarios apply to you, don’t worry—alt-bashes are just about embracing life’s little milestones and finding excuses to kick back and have a good time. So, you can prepare for a party About anything.