# House party checklist — everyone brings something

When everyone arrives with something the table fills up, but you don't want five bags of chips and no drinks. This list covers the whole party, from food to music, and shared through a room code each guest ticks what they bring. No sign-up needed.

**In short:** A house party needs appetisers, chips, dips, nuts, dessert, drinks, ice, plastic cups, paper plates, napkins, a Bluetooth speaker, party games, an extension cord and trash bags. Plan two drinks per person in the first hour and one per hour after that, plus roughly half a kilo of ice per guest. Give guests categories such as sweet, savoury and drinks so nobody brings the same thing.

## What's on the list

### General

- Appetisers
- Pizza
- Ice
- Plastic cups
- Paper plates
- Napkins
- Bluetooth speaker
- Party games
- Extension cord

### Sweets & snacks

- Chips
- Nuts
- Dessert

### Pantry staples

- Dips

### Fruit & vegetables

- Fruit platter

### Drinks

- Drinks
- Soda

### Cleaning & household

- Trash bags

## Tips

- Give guests categories, so one brings sweets, one drinks and one savoury snacks, or the table fills with chips and the drinks run out.
- Plan two drinks per person in the first hour and one per hour after that, plus roughly half a kilo of ice per guest.
- Ask about allergies and dietary needs in the invitation, and put small cards on the table saying what each dish contains.
- Warn the neighbours beforehand and decide when the music goes down, so a complaint doesn't end the party early.

## Frequently asked questions

### How many drinks do you need per person for a house party?

Two drinks per person in the first hour and one per hour after that is a good starting point, plus about half a kilo of ice per guest. Add more water and soda if it's hot or people will be dancing.

### What is a potluck and how do you organise one?

A potluck is a shared meal where each guest brings a dish or a drink. To stop everyone bringing the same thing, give categories such as sweet, savoury and drinks up front, and collect who brings what in one place, such as a group chat.

### Do you need to tell the neighbours about a house party?

You don't have to, but it is a polite gesture and lowers the risk of complaints. Mentioning the date and the time the music goes down is enough; quiet hours vary by place and building rules.

### Can I change the list?

Of course. The ready-made list is just a starting point: delete, add, move items between categories.

### Do I need an account?

No. A room code is all it takes — no email, password or signup.

### How long is the list kept?

As long as you use it. A list is only deleted after a month without any activity; even opening the room resets the clock.

### Can I install it on my phone?

Yes. With the room open, tap "Save Room" to add it to your home screen and open it with one tap.

---

[Start a room with this list](https://ortakliste.app/en/list/house-party-checklist) — 17 items go straight into your new room; delete what you don't need, add what's missing. No account needed.