How to Host Without Losing Your Mind (or Your Friends)
21 lessons on the strange social science of parties
We’re heading into that magical stretch of the year where everyone’s calendar starts looking like a game of social Tetris.
Lights, sweets, and WhatsApp groups titled “Diwali Bash 🪔✨🔥.”
You’ll attend a few.
You might host one.
You’ll definitely wonder why you agreed to the fourth.
So this week’s edition couldn’t have landed at a better time: “21 Facts About Throwing Good Parties.” It’s written by a New York socialite, but the wisdom travels surprisingly well. (Some tools and maps are U.S.-specific, you can ignore those or find your Indian equivalents.)
The piece goes beyond “what snacks to serve” territory.
It’s more like Party Systems Thinking 101.
Why the host’s mood sets the emotional temperature.
Why people only show up if they know at least three others.
And why parties, when done right, are actually a small public service, like urban infrastructure for friendship.
Read it before your next get-together. It might save your night or at least prevent the existential dread of watching people check their phones mid-conversation.
Read here: 21 Facts About Throwing Good Parties
And before you dive in, a little side note I’m thrilled about: my debut international album- Beyond RareErth is out.
Listeners have called it “transformative,” “transportive,” and “the kind of music you get lost in.” If you need a soundtrack for your evening (or your post-party recovery), start there.
You can listen on Spotify, Apple Music, or YouTube.
Here’s to festive chaos, good company, and the noble art of making sure no one feels awkward by the snack table.
That’s it for this week.
Manoj
“1 Idea“ delivers interesting insights every week straight to your inbox. If this edition resonated with you, how about sharing it with a friend?
And if you’re just diving into my world for the first time, why not hit that subscribe button?