The DIY Party Hostess
By Naiche, age 16, New York
♥ You should definitely set the time on your invites up to a half hour earlier than you actually want the party to start. It's really cool to be fashionably late ... until it's your party. Reward the early birds with first dibs on food and favors.
♥ Ah, the awkward first dance. No one ever wants to be that one kid dancing alone in the middle of an empty dance floor. It's your party, so it's your job to set up the excitement. Talk to a small cluster of friends pre-party about inviting people to dance when the music starts. People are less nervous about their dance skills when they blend into a group.
♥ Finally, don't be afraid to throw in some games you played at your 6th birthday party. The funniest part of my night was bringing out the gigantic, cupcake-shaped piñata. It quickly turned into a battle of strength for the guys, and diving into a pool of candy never gets old.
So, those are my insider party tips. But the most important thing to do at your party is have fun. It's your day so relax and enjoy yourself. And save the stress for the after-party cleanup.
