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  3. Guest-ing Games: How to Spice Up a Dull Party (That Isn't Yours)

Guest-ing Games: How to Spice Up a Dull Party (That Isn't Yours)

August 05, 2013
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Port-a-Party

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Learn How to Open and Pour Champagne

In a perfect world, every party would be worthy of a “best night ever” title. In reality, we’ve all spent the evening forcing a smile and wishing we were partying with our DVR instead.

You may have limited sway over a shindig that isn’t yours, but you needn’t resign yourself to watching the clock. Try these nonintrusive tricks to save a party that’s losing steam. After all, the best gift a host could ask for is a wonderful time for her guests -- and a bottle of bubbly, of course.

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Make Change

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Get the Change Is Good Game How-To

Most of us don’t carry board games around, but we bet you’ve got some pennies rattling in your purse. Turn loose change into a conversation starter: Pull out a coin and have nearby partygoers share a memorable event from the year it was minted. Sure beats another round of “So, how do you know Susan?”

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Pass It On

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For midsize groups, try this Telephone-Pictionary fusion game from a Martha Stewart staff member: One guest writes a phrase or TV show on a notepad and passes it to the right. The next person draws what the first person wrote, and then the third person writes what the second person drew. By the time the notepad gets around the circle, the message will have completely warped, and you can laugh at how it’s evolved -- and your "artistry" skills.

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Hijack the Jams

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Credit: Mike Krautter

Your host’s ego may ride on her indie cred, but when things get static, familiar favorites can do wonders to loosen a stiff crowd. If you brought your iPod or have music loaded on your phone, casually ask if you can take a turn as DJ. If the host says no, don’t push it -- but at least you (and Britney) will know you tried.

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Dance It Out

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If your musical coup is successful, opt for with tunes with well-known dance routines and see if you can get the room engaged. You might be shocked to find out that your friend’s well-coiffed great aunt knows all the moves to “Thriller.” Bonus: At the next party, you’ll have a talking point ready to go.

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Reinvent the Buffet

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See More Sweet and Salty Snack Recipes

Imagine being the brave soul to discover the PB&J. If the party is lagging, why not have a go at playing mad (food) scientist? Boldly couple snack foods with desserts, but be sure to enlist a friend as sous chef. You’ll look silly stuffing brownies full of pretzel rods alone.

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Raise Your Spirits

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Credit: Charles Masters
Learn More Home Bar Basics

On a similar note, why not give the host a hand and whip up a signature cocktail for the evening? A knowledge of bartending basics is useful, but you can't underestimate a generous pouring hand and a creative (if amateur) mixologist's mind.

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Check Your Ego

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Credit: Tara Donne

If you’re amongst good-natured friends, a roast can be a humorous bonding experience. Wouldn’t we all like a chance to (lovingly) call each other out? Take turns on the spit, or “honor” your host. Just keep it lighthearted and jovial -- no successful roast should end in hurt feelings.

Conversely, propose a round of "perform the egotist" -- drink to your own health, and then make an over-the-top speech about your finer points. If your speech is deemed insufficiently egotistical, your friends can demand an even more ridiculous one. Better make sure that horn is in tune.

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Share Your Exit Strategy

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Credit: Paul Costello

If a party is fading -- and the host is aware -- sometimes the kindest move is to move things along. Turn the lights up and the music down, and help pack away the libations. If stragglers don’t get the hint, spin a few subtle winding-down songs. You knew your secret love of “Closing Time” would come in handy.

Alone in your pronunciation of party death? Pull an "Irish good-bye" and slip out unnoticed. DVR, here you come.

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    1 of 9 Port-a-Party
    2 of 9 Make Change
    3 of 9 Pass It On
    4 of 9 Hijack the Jams
    5 of 9 Dance It Out
    6 of 9 Reinvent the Buffet
    7 of 9 Raise Your Spirits
    8 of 9 Check Your Ego
    9 of 9 Share Your Exit Strategy

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