Single and Mingle

About a month ago, a newsletter can into my inbox from a Canadian TV personality, Dan Levy. He suggested that "if summer loving isn't happening for you, why not get a little proactive!"... throw a mixer.

My single, and particularily restless, roomate decided that online dating had run its course (for now). Feeling the need to put herself out there, and feeling a little aggresive, we threw our own mixer, "Cock and Tail" on Saturday night (if you're single, you're welcome, if you're attached..come with a single).

On top of theme for the event, some other things that are necessary:

1. Invite everyone...well, sort of. I'm a big proponent of know your audience. Not everyone was invited because as we all know there are some that don't play well with others. Just make sure the people you invite know what to expect and at the very least know how to have a good time.

2. Drinks. Everyone feels as ease with a drink in hand. My first question after opening the door is, "What can I get you to drink?".

We had a collection of wine and beer and some hard alcohol. I'm not once for shaking martinis so we kept it easy. The fridge was stocked as was a cooler--two locations for distributing alcohol helps. That way people can make their way to either/or and there is no log jam.

TIP: Save a little room in the fridge or cooler for when people bring thier own beer.

3. Games. Essential to a singles party as it gets people involved immediately.

Drinking games are cool in college but as Saturday night proved--work well in adult life. However, make sure it isn't a complicated game and many people can play. I know too well that a night of Beer Pong or King's Cup always starts off with an argument about the "proper" rules versus the "house" rules and the stipualtions mount on that and before the game as even started your seathing with anger. --Make is easy--Jenga and fun quizy cards.

4. Music. I cannot say enough about the importance of muisc. I always try to wait about 2 hours before the party to make a playlist so that the night will run smoothly. I had some techinical difficulties and let's just say that I am now going to invest in a nice system which allows me to play my iPod without incident.

5. Enjoy.