Party Like It’s (Still!) 1999

Today marks the official start to summer, and to celebrate, we think you should party like it’s 1999 (or whatever year you were last in high school).  Yes, we’re talking about a retro soiree with all of the appropriately adolescent fixings:  flip cup, kegs, jello shots, and PG-13-rated make-outs.  Before you page everyone with the invite, however, prepare yourself for these 5 inevitable high-school-party-happenings. (Let’s just hope they don’t directly involve you, unless we’re talking about #4, in which case...it’s time.)  And now, here are a few ideas to get this party started:

Fun & Games

You’re going to want to create a playlist or two based around your favorite artists from high school.  (We won’t give away ours for fear you’ll say “who’s that?” as you program Justin Bieber into your iPod.)  You could also pepper in some modern tunes using this list of the best summer songs of 2012.  Inclusion of “The Thong Song,” however, is non-negotiable.

Next, you’ll need to set up stations for beer pong, quarters, flip cup, and card games like Kings.  You can also give retro games like “Spin the Bottle” a 2012 twist using this app. 

If you have enough space, we recommend including some water-based activities -- get a kiddie pool, water balloons, a Slip ‘n Slide, and some Super Soakers and you’re ready for a serious water war (white t-shirts optional).  

Meanwhile, some of your guests are going to want a quiet place to engage in a little old-school necking -- pick a few movies that remind you of high school and play them in a dark room with ample seating.  We recommend Dazed & Confused, Can’t Hardly Wait, 16 Candles, and the like.  

If you’re worried that you won’t be able to lock lips with a hottie since you’ll be stuck overseeing the party, fear not.  Making out in full view of others is totally appropriate.  This is high school! 

Booze

As amazing as these fancy Jello shot recipes are, the idea here is to be as lowbrow as you were at 17.  If you’re serious about the art of the classic jello shot and/or miss doing science projects, read this.  Otherwise, simply follow this recipe.  

You’re also going to want some sort of a spiked punch.  Again, you could use one of these post-graduate-level recipes, or you could just work off of one of these Kool-Aid-based concoctions.  (Extra points for inclusion of Everclear.)  If either of those options sounds like too much effort, just mix up whatever alcohol you can find (tequila + gin + whiskey + vodka) and tell people it's a Long Island Iced Tea.

You’re obviously also going to need to rent a keg, as keg stand competitions will be an integral part of the day’s/night’s entertainment.  Don’t forget to train in advance so as not to embarrass yourself as the party’s hostess.  

Finally, pick up some red plastic cups from your local 99-cent store, or grab some standard Solo cups from Smart & Final.  After all, they serve a dual purpose, making them worth the extra dollar or two.   

Food

We have such fond memories of our high school cafeteria...psych!  No one in their right mind would willingly return to that battlefield, but there is something comforting about old-school cafeteria grub.  While you can always stick to serving Ore-Ida tater tots and nuked hot dogs, we think this is one element of the party that could use a bit of a grown-up twist.  Here are a few items we’d like to see on your cafeteria menu:

Parmesan Truffle Tater Tots

Tomato Soup Shots w/ Mini Grilled Cheese

Mac & Cheese Bites

Turkey Meatloaf Muffins topped with Spinach & Roasted Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Mini Peanut Butter and Jelly Cups

“Teacher’s Pet” Apple Cupcakes

Salted Caramel Chocolate Chip Cookies (served with Milk Shooters)