For easy of preparation, consider a buffet-style dinner rather than a seated dinner party. For a buffet, be sure to select foods that don't require cutting with a knife or are covered with runny sauces that could drip onto clothes or carpets as people mingle. If you're hosting a potluck, you might want to suggest items for people to bring. As the host, you'll need to provide serving utensils, silverware, plates and drinks. For a fun party alternative to a full dinner consider throwing an appetizer party or a dessert buffet.
Many parties move from being simple gatherings to fun-filled events by the addition of a theme.
Many of these themes work equally well with both children and adult parties. For example, rather than hosting a simple backyard barbecue this summer, throw a Cowboy Barbecue. Ask people to arrive wearing their own selection of blue jeans or jean skirts, western looking shirts, colorful bandanas, cowboy hats, boots. For entertainment, play country music, teach everyone some simple line dances and stage a horseshoe throwing contest. If the barbecue goes into the evening hours after dark, end the party with a campfire and old-fashioned sing along.