Going To A House Party: The Essentials & Preparation

I really love a house party. They are (usually) inexpensive and a great way to wear semi-casual outfits all the while having a drink and catching up with friends. 

I have a good few house parties lined up for the week ahead of me. Why is it that you can go for months without a party to go to and then five turn up within the same week?! So I thought I would write a post on preparing for a house party as well as what to take with you.

First of all, you need to plan your outfit, or in my case outfitS. This means you must find out the attire for the evening. So, ask your friends if they have any ideas of what type of thing they will wear. Test out your ideas on them too! Then once you have decided on a few outfits, help each other whittle them down to the perfect one. Or, save them for the next party. Don't forget to include shoes here as well. 

Following finding your outfit, you could plan out what makeup look you are going to go for. I usually just go for my everyday look for a house party but if you wanted to change it up, you could plan it now! Also, planning your nail colour never does any harm either!

Then, you need to decide on a really important aspect. WHAT BAG?! It needs to be big enough to be able to hold the essentials, but small enough to not be too heavy or a pain carrying! Inside the bag, you will need to bring whatever lipstick/lip pencil that you are putting on because house parties, as you probably know, go on for a while and there's only so much lasting power in a lipstick. Other than the lip product, I wouldn't suggest on bringing any other makeup. It'll likely just weigh down your bag and you probably won't need it. 

The next thing that goes in the bag should be your drink. Make sure it is a good bottle that won't spill. The good thing about bringing your own drink is knowing what you are drinking and how much you have had. Most of the time I'd bring some vodka to pair with some cranberry juice when I get to the actual party. Orange and lemon with vodka is also very nice if the host has bought that in. Another spirit that I like is gin. You can't beat a gin and tonic and Gordon's have these handy little cans with the main gin combinations in. Also, my new favourite drink combination is Morgan's Spiced Rum with apple juice. I know, I know it sounds like a strange combo, but trust me- it works!

Next up is your phone, of course, which you will probably want to put some kind of a phone case on if you don't already have one on your phone. House parties are known for excessive drinking, tears on the pavement and a good 'ole cracked iPhone screen. So make sure you aren't in at least one of the aforementioned categories!

Taking a wallet or purse with you is also a great thing because you never know where the night will take you and you will probably be needing money for a taxi home at all hours in the morning!

The last thing I put in my bag is usually some kind of perfume/scent. Usually not an expensive one so most of the time I'll pack a body spray. Zara always do beautiful body sprays so you could check out those ones. 

Now on to the preparation!

You can choose whether you do this stuff the night before or the morning of, depending on your plans and what best suits you. I'm going to do it the morning of though because I don't have any plans and I like everything to be really fresh.

First of all, go in for your shower. Wash your hair, shave your legs and exfoliate.

Then, dry yourself off and add on a layer of fake tan if you like. I always love a bit of fake tan before a party or a night out. Nothing too drastic though, I like it being semi-natural haha :)

Now comes the time where you need to dry that fake tan off, so put on old pyjamas or house coat and paint your nails. 

Then, make sure you have something substantial to eat because there is a long night ahead of you and you will need energy. It is also good if you are planning on having a drink. 

The next thing you will want to do it invite a friend over for a little pre-party and pre-drinks. Put on some music and pour a drink and start dancing! You will both be ready for the party in no time at all. It's also handy having a friend with you so that you can leave for the house party together and arrive at the same time. 

Then, open that house door and have an amazing night. 

LIFE OF RILEY