Activities for Better Parties
A Simple Trick for Better Parties? Give People Something to Do
It doesn’t matter how fancy the drinks are or how curated the playlist is, awkward silences can creep into any gathering. The easiest way to make your party more memorable (and less stiff)? Give people a shared activity.
No, it doesn’t have to be a full-blown game night or a karaoke setup (unless that’s your vibe). Something low-stakes, lightly structured, and fun is often all it takes to help people connect without forcing it.
Here are a few crowd-friendly ideas that work for all kinds of parties. From birthdays and bridal showers to casual Friday hangs these party activities are sure to be a hit at your next gathering.
1. The DIY Station
A good activity station is like a conversation starter that doesn’t make anyone feel on the spot. A few ideas:
Build-your-own spritz bar: Let guests mix bubbly with juices, garnishes, or herbs. Works just as well for sparkling water.
Mini bouquet-making: A table with mason jars, flowers, ribbon, and scissors turns into a flower bar. People can chat while arranging.
Custom fragrance blending: Guests create their own personal scent from a menu of individual notes. Think citrus, floral, or spice. It feels creative, not complicated. (If that sounds like your style, Expressive Aromas can bring a Custom Fragrance Bar to you!)
2. Crafty But Not Cringe
Activities don’t have to mean glitter glue and a mess. A few that strike the right balance:
Candle pouring: Kits are easy to order online and surprisingly satisfying.
Friendship bracelets: These are back, thanks to the Taylor Swift effect. Keep it chill with alphabet beads and cord.
Polaroid collage wall: Leave out a polaroid camera and some tape. People will find their way to it, even if they pretend they won’t.
3. Competitive (But Just a Little)
Want some laughs and energy? Add a light challenge:
Trivia rounds: Tailor it to your group (pop culture, inside jokes, etc.).
Scent-guessing game: Place unlabeled fragrance blotters (like vanilla, lavender, smoke) and have guests write down their guesses. Winner gets a prize or just bragging rights.
Speed gift wrap or balloon animal contest: If your party’s a little quirky, lean in.
4. For the “I Don’t Do Activities” Guests
Not everyone wants to jump into something structured. That’s okay. The trick is to keep things optional and ambient.
Conversation card jar: Write open-ended prompts like “What’s a small thing that made your week better?” and leave them around the table or bar.
Silent disco corner: Great for late-night energy without bothering the neighbors.
Aromatherapy or scent station: Let guests explore calming or energizing essential oil blends, apply to wrist rollers, or take home a mini room spray. (Expressive Aromas offers something like this as a mobile experience, and it’s surprisingly popular with introverts.)
So Why Does This Work?
When people use their hands, they relax. When they feel ownership over something they made, they remember it. And when the activity gives them something to talk about, the room gets warmer.
The best part? You don’t have to overthink it. Even one interactive table can shift the energy from “What do we do now?” to “I’m so glad I came.”
Want help planning a custom scent activity at your next gathering? Expressive Aromas offers in-studio parties and mobile setups for events of all kinds. From bridal showers to corporate mixers, a scent activity is always a favorite. Click Here to learn more about having a Custom Fragrance Experience at your next event.