Do you find that all of your parties fall into a pattern with the same people talking with one another? Do you wish there were a way to make things a little more exciting and inject more humor into your gatherings? And do you find it difficult to get friends from different circumstances talking with one another? If your answer to these questions is yes, then Andrea Campbell believes she has the perfect solution for you: party games.
In this, her second book on the topic, Perfect Party Games (Sterling Publishing Co., 192 pp.), Campbell makes a very convincing case for the power of games to warm up a crowd. In her introduction to the chapter Pre-Party Games, Contests, and Icebreakers Campbell explains:
Pre-party action is usually needed while waiting for a larger group to assemble. It gives early arrivals something to do other than sit and wait, and it helps to keep them from feeling lost in a large room before others get there. Also, for people who are not acquainted, the pre-party contest creates a feeling of belonging.
Even if you don't consider yourself a "games" person, there's bound to be something here that will interest you. There are icebreaker games, pencil and paper games, quiet games, hunts, games for showers, relays and more. For each game category, Campbell explains the purpose behind this type of game, the challenges involved in the category and hints for making it a success.
The games are presented in an easy to follow format. After the name of each game you'll find information on: type of game; number of players; supplies required; formation; object of the game; play action; hints and tips; possible adaptations.
The title of this book is a bit deceptive. Only half of the book is devoted to the 100 game plans. The remainder of the text is a detailed party planning guide with tips culled from Campbell's many years of entertaining. The book begins with her eight secrets for a successful party. For example:
Secret Number Eight - ZING! Zing! is the pop-up "Jack" in the crank-spun box, the plot twist at the end of the movie, and the rainbow at the end of the storm. It's a pleasant surprise or an unexpected delight in an otherwise predictable setting. Look for the Zing! factor for all your parties. You can achieve it through a clever use of theme that starts with the invitation. Maybe you have written the invitation on a balloon and the recipient must blow it up to discover the news...
Campbell proceeds to give several other illustrations for adding Zing! to your event.
Other useful information includes ways to cut back on party expenses, a list of items to keep on hand for a ready-to-play games box, a list of possible party themes, ways to set the mood for your party, creative ideas for tablescapes and much more.
The book concludes with practical strategies for dealing with party trouble such as drunken guests, hostility or other rude behavior.
Say guests begin arguing and it looks as though things might escalate. You have no choice but to quickly and calmly get these guests to leave. It is not up to you to apply a patch, or to allow the offenders time to work it out.
Campbell clearly enjoys sharing her experience with others and is dedicated to party games. She covers the basics of party planning and provides useful checklists to help you plan your own event. Follow the organizing steps and advice outlined in this book, select a few games to play and you will be well on your way to hosting a pretty perfect games party.
