Unfortunately we all have those days when social situations are just a little bit awkward. On starting Uni I've found myself entertaining people I don't really know all that well, and potentially as much on the border of 'socially awkward' and 'almost-scarily kooky' as myself. So, on finally succeeding on such an endeavor I wrote down a recipe for a good gathering that Nigella Lawson would be proud of.
Firstly, preheat the oven. Put on some tunes to set the mood. As long as your friends aren't all musical snobs - everyone knows one - make sure you have some tunes going on in the background. It gives you something to listen to, other than your own breathing, during lulls in conversation and gives the room a little bit of atmosphere. Obviously this is going to require a playlist, so I have just recycled the one I used at the last house party I threw, which has the odd mix of Eminem, JT, Flo Rida, ACDC, Guns 'n' Roses, Pussycat Dolls, Ratatat - pick ones that most people will know, or will create the right vibe. Just, please, no more Carly Rae Jepson!
Even if there is a music devourer in the room, that's fine, they can just sit by the speakers and change the song half-way-through to their heart's content.
Next, get some drinks going (not necessarily alcoholic - but in my case usually!). You can begin to bond by passing drinks round etc, and due to my extensive collection of cocktail recipes I normally have some unusual drink doing the rounds.
Now I don't intend to get all Fanny Craddock on you, but games are a great way to get things going! 'Cheat' is a personal favourite of mine - and why? Well, it allows you a chance to accuse people you barely know of being stinking liars and to spew profanities at someone's face without them getting even mildly offended. If you have the family set of 'Jenga' or 'Cleudo' lying around, they also do the trick splendidly! If you fancy something slightly more adventurous then why not try 'Beer Pong' or 'Ring of Fire'.
And finally a legitimate addition to my already extensive culinary metaphor: 'picky-bits'. I like food, and like most people, if I am bored I eat. So put some snacks out. Crisps & dip, Haribo, Celebrations, whatever you fancy! That way those in size-too-small dresses aren't going to pass out on your floor or generally upset you with their 'full' flat tummies sat on the sofa.
In a relaxed gathering, a lot of people tend to play video games - that's fine - but whilst obliterating hundreds of Nazi zombies on the moon might be great fun for you and your fellow survivor, the people watching you might feel like they can't survive the rest of the night, never mind the apocalypse. The playstation doesn't necessarily bring all the sociable kids to mind, so make sure those who aren't so intent on conquering the virtual domain have something else to do.
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