Organising and Surviving an 18th Birthday Party

It’s the occasion that elicits a collective shudder from parents all over the country: the dreaded 18th birthday party. Though our better judgment as parents is ringing in our ears, we inevitably cave to the persistent begging of our soon-to-be adult offspring and host the party anyway. Alas, the gift of choice from your child’s 18-year-old friends is rarely a coffee maker or a Westinghouse fridge, but, more often than not, it’s booze. And lots of it.

To avoid your home becoming a reenactment of the green bile scene in the exorcist, with teens running around out of control, there are a few tips and tricks you can use for controlling the party without seeming like a killjoy. Here goes…and good luck!

Serve Food. Lots of It.
Besides the fact that teenagers eat a lot, you’re going to want to have enough nosh on offer to line your guest’s stomachs before the inevitable consumption of a lot of alcohol. Choose starchy options like potato wedges and mini-pies, and keep it on hand for easy picking.

Put an Alcohol Limit On
Make a compromise that there will only be beer and wine available. If you’re providing the alcohol, buy light beer so that people don’t get too out of control. Also, make sure there are plenty of non-alcoholic options there for kids who might want them. If you control the alcohol you can try to avoid the messier outcomes of hard liquor and keep things civil for a bit longer.

Warn the Neighbours
It’s a good idea to let the neighbours know that you’ll be having a party. The decibel level of teenage girls in particular never ceases to amaze, and it’s better they know it’s a one-off. If you’re friendly with the neighbours, invite them over to share a drink with you—the more adults present, the better!

Have a Time Limit
These days, a lot of kids want to head off to the clubs to kick on, and in actual fact, this is a total blessing for you. Set a time limit for the party (11:00pm is a good time, seeing as it’ll give you time to get everyone out before the noise complaints start) and spring for a few taxis to take everyone out to the pub/club.

Ask For Help
An 18th birthday is something you’re going to want to ask for help with. Not only is it an emotional time for many parents, seeing their children take that official step into adulthood, but it is also a lot of hard work trying to contain a bunch of hormone-driven, alcohol fuelled teens! If for no other reason than for some adult company, ask some friends or family around to help you celebrate.

Another form of help you could take advantage of is a party hires company. Not only will they have experience hosting 18th birthday parties and be able to give you advice and reassurance, but they’ll also be there the next day to help clean up!

18th birthday parties are rarely a lot of fun for the parents involved, but at the end of the night, knowing that you’ve made your new adult happy makes it all worth it. (Well, that, and knowing they’re never going to turn 18 again!).
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