Amber S.

Are you the type of person who tends to procrastinate? Well, you're not alone! Maybe you've recently decided to throw a party, but you don't have much time to prepare... Or maybe some unexpected guests pop up, requiring you to throw together a party at the last minute. Regardless if you have one of those last minute scenarios going on or something else, there are plenty of unique party ideas that you can do the day of. With just a few hours to spare, you can organize something memorable and FUN for your guests and we're here to help! Here are eight last-minute party ideas you should consider... plus some essentials at the end that you should always have on hand. Save These Ideas On Pinterest Go Old School at a Skating Rink or Game Arcade Remember those good old days when you used to skate with your friends or spend hours in an arcade? You can relive those moments by organizing a party at a skating rink or game arcade. Sometimes going back to basics and having a simple skating party or game arcade gathering can be a blast. Not only is it easy to plan, but it's also a great way to get everyone laughing and having fun. This is also a great option for a last minute idea because you usually don't need to make a reservation at these types of places. You just show up and have fun with your friends! Plus, renting skates or playing arcade games can be quite affordable. Just don't forget to bring some coins for the arcade and socks if you're going skating. Pro tip: Call ahead to see if there are any discounts or packages available. You can also check online. Have Fun with a Picnic This may seem like a toss-aside idea, but here us out... A picnic is a great option for a last minute party because it requires minimal planning and can be done in any outdoor (possibly even indoor) space. You don't need much to organize one. All you need are some blankets, food, drinks and games. Pick up some sandwiches, fruits, and snacks, grab a blanket, and head to the nearest park. It's a cost-effective and enjoyable way to spend an afternoon. You can even ask each guest to bring a dish or you can totally pick everything up at Panera Bread! It's an easy way to enjoy nature, have some drinks and snacks, and lounge under the sun. You can also try bringing a pre-made charcuterie board or you can get creative and make your own picnic-inspired dishes. Don't forget to bring a frisbee or some outdoor games to keep everyone entertained! Pro tip: If you're running low on time, stop by a local grocery store and pick up some pre-made sandwiches or salads. Easy and delicious! Throw a Video Game Tournament or Movie Marathon For some indoor fun, plan a video game or movie marathon party. This is a great idea for gamers or movie buffs. All you need is a gaming console, movies or streaming service, snacks, and drinks. You can even make it more exciting by turning it into a tournament with prizes for the winners. Plus, this is a great way to gather your friends together for some friendly competition and bonding time. For movie marathons, you can choose a theme or genre and have everyone bring their favorite movies to watch. You can also make some movie-inspired snacks and have a cozy movie night in. Pro tip: If you don't have a gaming console or streaming service, ask your friends if they can bring theirs. What's Better Than a Bonfire? Another outdoor party idea is to have a bonfire celebration. This is a great way to bring everyone together and enjoy some s'mores or hot dogs. It's also easy to set up! All you need is wood, a fire pit, some chairs, and some snacks. A bonfire party is one of the most memorable and enjoyable events. You can roast marshmallows, share stories, and enjoy the warmth of the fire. It's a perfect idea for a summer or fall party. Pro tip: Set up a DIY S'mores Bar with different types of chocolate, graham crackers, and marshmallows for a fun twist on this classic treat. Have a Food Potluck Party One of the easiest and most inexpensive ways to throw a party is to have a food potluck. This is a great idea for those who have a lot of guests coming over. Assign each guest a dish or course to bring and prepare. This way everyone can share their favorite dishes and enjoy a diverse spread of food. You can also add a theme to the potluck, such as a specific cuisine or ingredient. It's a fun and interactive way to try new foods and bond with your friends. Pro tip: Ask guests for any dietary restrictions or food allergies beforehand so you can accommodate everyone's needs. Poker Night Anyone? For those who love a good challenge, have a poker night party. All it takes is a deck of cards, some chips, and snacks and drinks to keep everyone satisfied. This is a great idea for those who want to have some fun and maybe win some bragging rights. You can also switch it up and have a game night with other board or card games. The possibilities are endless and all you need is some friendly competition and good company. Pro tip: Look up some new and unique card or board games to try out for an added twist to your party. At Home Karaoke One of the most fun and entertaining party ideas is to have a karaoke night. This is a great way to get everyone involved and sing their hearts out (who doesn't love singing?). If you don't already have a karaoke machine, finding one at a local store shouldn't be hard at all and it's virtually the only thing you'll need to get. You can also find karaoke versions of songs on YouTube or streaming services. Don't forget to have some snacks and drinks on hand for those who need a break from singing. And be ready to laugh and have a great time. With fun ideas like these, you don't need to worry about eliminating stress while party planning! It's all too easy! Pro tip: Have a selection of different genres of music so everyone can take turns picking their favorite songs to sing. Brunch at Home or Out For those who want to have a laid-back party, brunch is always a great option. You can either have it at home and make your favorite brunch dish or head out to a nearby restaurant. Either way, it's a relaxing way to start the day and enjoy some good company. You can also add some mimosas or bloody marys for a fun twist. It's a great way to catch up with your friends and spend the morning together. Pro tip: Make reservations if you plan on going out for brunch to avoid long wait times. If having it at home, ask guests to bring their favorite brunch dish to share. As you can see, there are plenty of options for last minute party ideas. Whether it's an outdoor picnic or a game night at home, the most important thing is to have fun and spend quality time with your loved ones. No matter which idea you choose, plan ahead and ask friends to help out so that everyone can enjoy the party together! We're not quite done yet though! We also want to give you guys some ideas on party items you should keep and have on hand for moments just like this! Party Things to Always Have on Hand If you're a party planner, there are some things you should always have on hand. These are items that work for all types of events and will make your life easier. Conversation Starter Cocktail Napkins: These are napkins with funny or intriguing questions printed on them. They're a great way to break the ice and get people talking. Charcuterie Letters: You can use these charcuterie letters to show off your charcuterie food in a unique and sophisticated way. It's a stylish and functional addition to your party that can be used for just about any type of event. Hammered Wine Chiller: You don't want warm wine at your party (nobody wants warm wine). You can use a wine chiller to keep your bottles at the perfect temperature! We recommend this unique and stylish Ice Mold Hammered Wine Chiller. Mimosa Bar Decor Kit: If you're hosting a brunch or morning party, you can use a mimosa bar kit to decorate your bar cart or kitchen counter. It's perfect for last minute party ideas since they come with everything you need! You can use an Everyday Mimosa Bar Decor Kit like this one here. Or if you are planning a holiday party, you can use a Holiday Mimosa Bar Decor Kit like this one. Keep These Ideas Saved On Pinterest Conclusion: What Unique Party Idea Will You Use? Even if you're not a party planning expert, these last minute party ideas are sure to impress your friends and make for a fun and memorable time. Remember to have fun and enjoy the company of your loved ones. And don't forget to keep some essential party items on hand for those spontaneous moments! We hope you enjoyed our unique party ideas and if you have some of your own, be sure to share them with everyone else. For more party inspiration, hosting tips, and exciting new ideas, join our mailing list and follow us on Instagram @cotierbrand or Tiktok.