Measuring Success At Two In The Morning

What are the indicators of a successful party? How do you know when your holiday bash is meeting standards for fun?

Okay, you had plenty to drink and felt buzzed. Maybe you danced with a cute girl or boy. And you liked the music and cupcakes. But what benchmarks or milestones show that a good time was had by all? Last night I was at a Halloween party that went pretty swimmingly. Several factors made it a rollicking good time, and I'm going to share them with you. If these things happen, you know your party is going well (for a social gathering that has 30+ revelers).

1. The song "Thriller" is played during the middle or second half of the party.
2. You have to yell really loud to get people's attention.
3. Every last drop of the mystery punch is consumed.
4. People are constantly flowing into different rooms and areas of the house (and thus mixing with strangers and getting to know new people).
5. Two people who meet at the party end up making out.
6. A contest or activity attracts avid participants (this party had a costume contest as well as fire-twirling in the backyard).
7. There are five people dressed as California Raisins.
8. Some object is completely destroyed (Devon and I jumped on Neal's refrigerator costume repeatedly and it was very gratifying - it was our version of a pinata).
9. The dance floor is consistently populated.
10. Conga Line! (I confess I joined the line because I got to dance behind a very hot female version of Mega Man).