Handwritten touches

Now that we’re kneedeep in the AI era, there’s something incredibly charming—and rare—about a bit of human penmanship. Dust off your cursive and get crafty: handwrite place cards, cocktail menus, or even a simple Welcome sign. It doesn’t matter if your script is closer to serial killer than Spencerian; your guests will appreciate the personal, analog vibe.

A guest created playlist

Create a collaborative playlist on Spotify and share the link with your guests a few days in advance. Or, for a lowtech option, print a QR code and display it somewhere central—think the bar cart, snack table, or even next to the bathroom mirror. Want to go even more analog? Set up a small station with index cards, a pen, and a jar. Invite guests to write down a song request and drop it in—oldschool jukebox style. Bonus points if someone wants to play DJ for the night.

Make the food an activity

Want to shake things up menuwise? Skip the pasta salad and go for loweffort, highreward buildyourown meals. Taco bars and DIY charcuterie boards are perfect they allow guests to personalize their plates, reduce prep stress for the host, and make accommodating dietary restrictions a breeze. Just prep the ingredients, set them out buffetstyle, and let everyone go to town.

Feeling more ambitious? Roast a big pork shoulder in advance and serve it bo ssamstyle (David Chang’s Momofuku recipe is legendary). All you need are lettuce leaves, rice, sauces, and garnishes for guests to create their own lettuce wraps. It’s interactive, indulgent, and surprisingly easy to pull off.

Get creative with the grill

Burgers and hot dogs are fine, but don’t stop there. Your grill has untapped potential.

Consider grilling unexpected party fare like:

• Mexicanstyle elote (corn on the cob slathered with mayo, cotija cheese, lime, and chili powder)
• Grilled pineapple or peaches for a sweet and smoky dessert
• Charred shishito peppers or halloumi skewers as easy starters
• Deviled eggs finished with a quick sear for a smoky twist
• S’mores with gourmet chocolate and flavored marshmallows And here’s a curveball: once you’re done cooking, clean the grill, prop the lid open, and repurpose it as a decor centerpiece. Nestle in candles for a windsafe glow, or use the surface as a rustic display for freshcut flowers, extra drinks, or sparklers.

Games (Seriously)

Don’t roll your eyes just yet.There’s a whole world beyond Cards Against Humanity.

Set the tone with simple conversation starters in mini jars on each table.Prompt ideas:

• What crime would you be amazing at (hypothetically)?
• What’s a hill you’re willing to die on?
• Share your most hated condiment.

These break the ice quickly, especially if your guests don’t all know each other. Want more structure? Two Truths and a Lie and Never Have I Ever are classics for a reason. Or go rogue and make up your own party game. Just keep it light, weird, and welcoming.

Send Them Home With Party Favors

A little takeaway makes the night feel extra memorable. Think:

• Tiny tins of looseleaf tea or artisanal mints
• Tea lights or mini incense cones
• Temporary tattoos or fun sticker packs
• Packets of microgreens or herb seeds
• Custom cocktail recipe cards or mini bitters bottles

Focus on things that are quirky, charming, and a little impractical—the kind of object your guests wouldn’t buy for themselves but will smile at the next morning.