busyI have described introvert parties from Terramagne, where they are a common adjunct to more boisterous parties or social events, and sometime happen by themselves too. This is totally replicable with local-Earth resources, no superpowers required.
"What You Think You Know"
"Whatever You Seek"
"Dance in the Sun"
Understand that extroverts and introverts have different tastes in socializing. Extroverts enjoy interacting with many casual friends in a stimulating environment. Introverts prefer interacting deeply with a few friends in a relaxing environment. Both are natural and healthy, but not always an easy mix, because they have opposed needs. Know how to care for each type. Introvert parties are quieter and calmer than extrovert parties. They provide opportunities to hang out and talk in small groups.
Introverts often continue to enjoy solitary, parallel, and associate play even as adults. Screw the experts who insist that not outgrowing these means something is wrong with you. Play how you damn please. If someone is telling you what to do, it's not play, it's work.
To achieve this objective, first keep the guest list small. A handful of people is plenty for most contexts. If you have a large space with different rooms or outdoor areas, then you can invite more people and let them divide into little clusters based on various interests. At a large party or social event, designate one area as the introvert party. Put up a sign at the entrance and a few other signs elsewhere with arrows.
Activities
Think about what introverts like to do. Encourage guests to bring lapwork like knitting, crochet, or sewing. Make a list of quiet activities and then provide options. If you have a big list, you can subdivide it and offer different combinations or themes at different events. Possibilities include:
* Jigsaw puzzles
* Puzzle books or magazines
* Coloring books and art supplies for all ages
* Scrapbook supplies to document a social event in progress
* Magazines to read
* Picture books for children and coffee table books for adults
* Tabletop games , including solo roleplaying games (this was my inspiration)
* Pencil and paper games
* Construction toys
* Fidgets that don't make noise
* Buddha board or desktop Zen garden
* Quiet activities for kids
* Conversation starters on deep, interesting topics to avoid the torment of smalltalk
Decorations
Introvert parties cater to people who find most parties painfully overstimulating. If you are renting a venue, make sure it's well away from noisy distractions. Aim for a relaxing atmosphere. Use quiet room decor as inspiration.
* lighting slightly dimmed
* houseplants
* bubble wall or aquarium
* mist fountain or fog machine
* tabletop water fountain
* slow TV of a birdfeeder, river, etc. Or Bob Ross.
* book nook with cozy chair, lamp, end table, and bookshelf
* sturdy chairs with arms and back support
* beanbags or floor cushions
* afghans or blankets
* guest-friendly pets
* window birdfeeder or nature window
Refreshments
Introverts rarely enjoy the boisterous atmosphere created by copious alcohol. If you serve alcohol at all, limit the quantity and proof to minimize the risk of loud drunks disrupting the peace. You need festive beverages which equal or exceed the excitement of alcohol. Ideally, you want to offer a range of simples and mocktails. Invest in some gourmet ingredients that people won't have seen often, like artisan soda or rare fruits, to make the occasion feel special. Remember that garnishes aren't just decorative: they distinguish similar-looking drinks to avoid mistakes. You can make or buy drink charms to identify which container is whose.
Best NA Beers
Best NA Wines
Best Regional Soda in Each State
Best Sparkling Juices
Mocktails You'll Actually Want to Drink
Baby Shower Mocktails
You can also learn to make your own sodas. Nothing says awesome host like whipping out a can of CO2. But mixing syrup with a base fizzy works just as well. You want an assortment of bases (club soda, sparkling water, ginger ale, etc.) and mix-ins (syrups, bitters, juices, etc.).
Brewing Your Own Soda
Make Your Own Soda
50 Homemade Soda Recipes
19 Simple Syrups
Soda Equipment
Remember that "a bar" isn't just for alcohol. You can set up all kinds of options for guests to enjoy. Because they are less common, they feel special and exciting.
Italian Soda Bar
Hot Chocolate Bar
Hot Cider Bar
If you want drinks that do something, the way alcohol or coffee do, then look up herbs, superfoods, and adaptogens. You can serve drinks with ingredients that are soothing, uplifting, or whatever you like. Many types of tea make a fantastic base for mixed drinks.
Herbs for Tea
Relaxing Herbs
Energizing Herbs
Mood Boosting Herbs
Superfood Powder Mix-ins
Adaptogens
Party foods add to the festive mood. Provide a range of options from healthy to indulgent. A potluck makes a nice casual event. You can also create a sandwich bar with popular ingredients. Here are some more ideas:
11 of the Most Indulgent Party Foods
26 Packaged Snacks To Eat When You're Trying To Be Healthy
52 Healthy Finger Foods
100 Super Fast Finger Foods to Serve a Crowd
How to Make a Party Tray
Party Foods By Category
Themes
While there are oodles of party themes, many of those are more boisterous than introverts really enjoy. Here are some quieter ideas.
* Badger Pajamas -- A pajama party with an earthy, underground theme. Badgers, mushrooms, and snakes.
* Birdday Party -- A birthday party for the birds.
* Blackout Party -- Often spontaneous, as people need something to do when the power goes out. Here are some games and activities. I listed some games for blind people and blackouts here, followed by inclusive games from Terramagne some of which are easy to make.
* Blanket Fort -- Provide a wide range of blankets, sheets, pillows, floor cushions, and other components for guests to make cozy hideaways. If you're feeling ambitious, you can include a fort building kit based on frames. SquishyFort is the best of the cushion kits, though not always available; flip chairs make a decent substitute. The FORT will offer more cushion shapes, intended to launch on Kickstarter in 2021. These kits aren't cheap, but some of them are are spectactular, so if you're a big fan of indoor forts then consider investing in good equipment. You can also make your own fort building kit.
* Bob Ross Painting Party -- A few friends, some art supplies, and the most soothing voice in the world.
* Bubble Party -- Fun, beautiful, and quiet aside from the delighted sounds of participants. As people will probably get wet and soapy: 1) provide a bathroom, 2) encourage guests to wear practical clothes, and 3) it's a good idea to have dry clothes to change into afterwards.
* Campfire Circle -- Food, music, and/or storytelling in a quiet rustic setting. Rise Up Singing is an excellent investment.
* Chalk Art Party -- Either a sidewalk or a wide paved area like a driveway will work. Explore chalk recipes and activities.
* Moon Viewing -- Tsukimi is an Asian tradition. This is delightful in a Zen garden but you can do it anywhere with a good view of the night sky.
* Music Night -- Introverts seem to prefer quieter music on average than extroverts. Think acoustic guitar more than electric. Consider these travel instruments.
* Pajama Party -- It's all about relaxing and having fun while you lounge around in your jammies. This is especially fun if your folks like colorful or funny nightwear.
* Party in the Park -- Choose a time away from major holidays and many parks are nearly deserted. Nature hikes and related activities are often a hit with introverts. So are nature crafts for children or adults.
* Poetry Reading -- Many introverts enjoy poetry. Perform some and and hold discussion afterwards. Provide pencils, paper, and reference books or worksheets for those who wish to try writing poems.
* Stargazing -- This is especially fun during a meteor shower or other interesting celestial event, but the awesome thing about astronomy is that something interesting happens almost every night. If you live far enough north, there's no beating the aurora.
* Waterfront Party -- A secluded beach, pond, lake, river, etc. makes a peaceful venue for day or night activities.
* Work Bee -- Often a hit with introverts, as they like having something to do other than just talk. Buy a bushel of something, sit down to clean and can it -- people will naturally talk while they work. Craft circles work similarly: crocheting, embroidery, knitting, quilting, etc.
Introvert Holidays
While most holidays focus on larger gatherings, some really lend themselves to solo or small group enjoyment. Of course it counts if your introvert party has a guest list of 1!
* World Introvert Day (January 2) -- Celebrate this holiday alone, or alone together.
* Universal Letter Writing Week (2nd week of January) -- Practice the fading art of letter writing. This is perfect for a virtual party. Find some interested friends and send each other letters. You might include artist trading cards or handmade greeting cards, which are popular for exchanges.
* Galentines Day (February 13) -- This holiday honors female friendships, but works for any gender. It's ideal for celebrating with your best friend, or a small group of friends.
* Plan a Solo Vacation Day (March 1) -- Go somewhere fun, or take a virtual trip.
* National Siblings Day (April 10) -- Take time to strengthen family ties today. No birth siblings? Celebrate with a hanai sibling instead.
* Garden Week (2nd week in April) -- Plant a garden alone or with friends. No room? Guerilla garden! No skill? Seed bombs! Ideal as a virtual party: you and your long-distance friends each seedbomb your hometown and share pictures.
* Ace Day (various) -- Several days have been used; May 8 is popular. Originally a digital holiday for the asexual-aromantic spectrum, it also works in facetime. The cake is not a lie! In fact, get some friends and bake the most delicious and elaborate cakes you can imagine. Picture perfect cakes. Layer cakes. Gourmet cakes. Healthy cakes. Anything that says "Cake is better than sex."
* Best Friends Day (June 8) -- Plan something with your bestie(s).
* Embrace Your Geekness Day (July 13) -- Indulge in your passion, alone or with friends.
* Book Lovers Day (August 9) -- Lounge around reading together, put up a Little Free Library, or go on a BookCrossing quest to seek or release books.
* Hobbit Birthday (September 22) and Tolkien Week -- Go barefoot, throw a feast, and give presents to your friends. "If more of us valued food and cheer and song above hoarded gold, it would be a merrier world."
* International Sloth Day (October 20) -- Relaxed and solitary, sloths get no respect. Sound familiar? Screw that. Start the day with nothing to do, and finish with half of it done!
* Friendsgiving (November) -- A replacement or addition for Thanksgiving, this is another feast holiday. It's ideal for people whose family of choice plays a larger role than their birth family. It can be any size or complexity you want.
* Singles' Day (November 11) -- A celebration of solitary life. Enjoy it alone or with your single friends.
* Wolfenoot (November 23) -- A holiday honoring wolves, dogs, and other canines. It includes a gift hunt and a feast.
* Make a Gift Day (December 3) -- This is a perfect time for a craft party, whether or not it is holiday themed. Spare your introvert friends the misery of a mall trip and enjoy a quiet day making your own presents.
* Wright Brothers Day (December 17) -- Your choice of activities involving airplanes or bicycles. If you're into museums, there are some of both. You could also stay home and watch documentaries with your friends.
Host Obligations
As the host, it is your responsibility to facilitate everyone having a good time. There are two polite approaches to this.
1) Plan a thematic event and invite only guests who enjoy that sort of thing. Above are instructions for an introvert party, but there are many other possible themes.
2) Plan a comprehensive event and provide different things to please a wide variety of guests. If you are an extrovert, then provide a quiet place for your introverted friends so they don't get overwhelmed. If you are an introvert, then offer fun activities and invite enough of your extroverted friends so they can entertain each other.
Also, pay attention to accessibility. Ask guests if they need any accommodations. Offer allergy-friendly refreshments.
It is extremely rude to host an event with limited options, demand that everyone attend, and then sulk when people either don't come or are miserable because you dragged them somewhere they didn't want to go. Don't be a dick. You want people to remember you and your event fondly.
January 5 2021, 00:37:41 UTC 6 months ago
Well ...
January 5 2021, 01:46:47 UTC 6 months ago
A work bee is often a hit with introverts. They like having something to do other than just talk. Buy a bushel of something, sit down to clean and can it -- people will naturally talk while they work. Craft circles work similarly.
A pool is often too boisterous for introverts, unless private. A beach, lake, river, etc. are popular if not too crowded.
Parks work as long as they're not mobbed, so avoid holidays. Nature hikes are usually a hit. Many introverts still enjoy parallel play as adults, so don't overlook the playground.
A fun summer activity that is silent (aside from participants) and fun is a bubble party. We've done that. One Ostara we hid eggs with little bubble rings in them. Several got left around the house, and for the rest of the year, people were picking up the rings and blowing a few tiny bubbles. It always made us smile. We had several much bigger bubble toys for outdoors, but I think that might've been a different event.
A chalk art party would be another excellent bet.
Hmm, maybe I should think up a list of themes for introvert parties.