Helping your party guests break the ice

April 28, 2009

We've all been there: show up at a party, everyone stares at everyone else and an uncomfortable silence is shared.

In parties where most people may not know each other, the proverbial ice must be broken to get things started.

Games are a great way to break the ice and may help people engage in conversations afterwards, assuming the game is successful. Remember, some guests may not particularly enjoy talking in front of a large group of people, so use games only when you know they will work.

One popular game has people stand up and say three things about themselves, two of them true and one false. Then have the group try to guess which one is false. Your more creative friends will most likely get the biggest laughs.

Another way is to split everyone into groups and have them compete in a puzzle-solving game or play a quick round of Trivial Pursuit.

Party decorations can also be incorporated as ice breakers by printing out photographs of your guests and posting them on the wall with some quick facts about each one. It may be more work, but it'll add a more personal touch to your event.