Talking about Parties

“Life may not be the party we hoped for, but while we're here we should dance.” birthday party - a party held on the anniversary of someone's birth children's party - a party for children fancy-dress (UK) or costume party (US) - a party where people wear clothes that make them look like someone or something else farewell party – leaving party, going-away party dinner party - a small sometimes formal party where a meal is eaten bachelor party - a party for a man who is going to get married, to which only his male friends are invited cocktail party - a formal party with alcoholic drinks, usually in the early evening dinner party - a formal evening meal to which a small number of people are invited garden party or (US - also known as a lawn party) - a formal party that happens outside in the afternoon, often in a large private garden hen night or hen party (in the UK) - a party for women only, usually one held for a woman before she is married housewarming (party) - a party which you give when you move into a new house party animal - someone who enjoys parties and party activities very much and goes to as many as possible party favour - small presents given to guests, usually children, at a party party pooper - someone who spoils other people's enjoyment by disapproving or not taking part in a particular activity slumber party or sleepover - an overnight party in which guests, usually girls, wear nightclothes, socialize, and spend the night at a friend's home tea party - an occasion when people meet in the afternoon to drink tea and eat a small amount of food life and soul of the party - someone who is energetic and amusing and at the centre of activity during social occasions costume party or masquerade - a party of guests wearing costumes and masks office party - an event held by corporations or businesses often either at the site of the business or in high class venues New Year's Party – a party usually hosted in a person's house on New Year's Eve to celebrate the changing of the calendar reception - a formal party of people; as after a wedding open house - an informal party of people with hospitality for all comers potluck - a meal at which each guest brings food that is then shared by all wedding party - a party of people at a wedding reunion - a party of former associates who have come together again Now we put new vocabulary into context, so you can see how you might use these terms yourself. The expressions are in boldface in the text. A birthday party is a celebration that occurs to celebrate the birth of the person being honoured. The birthday party is the most celebrated event in the world. While a child's party is usually at home and consists of soft drinks and sweet food as well as savoury, adults' often take place in clubs with a buffet of savoury food and alcohol. In the United States, birthday parties are often accompanied by colourful decorations. A traditional birthday cake is often served with candles that are to be blown out after a "birthday wish" has been made. This wish is usually kept secret, and represents some desire for the time between the current birthday and the next. A birthday party may even be an event planned carefully through a special agency or through a party service.