Awards nights are a fun reason to invite a group over to watch the event on TV. The Oscars (or Academy Awards as they’re officially known) in March are the biggest awards night of the year, but you could also throw a party to watch the Emmys (especially if you’re a fan of US TV shows!) and of course, there’s our own local version, The Logies.

This party season the streets have been speckled with frocked-up party-goers as fancy dress parties make a bit of a come-back.

Overdue for a catch-up with the girls? Then organise a Girls Night In (GNI). During the month of October each year, women are encouraged to spend a night in with their girlfriends, and then donate the money they would've spent on a night out to the Cancer Council. The event raises vital funds to fight women's cancers.

Kick your husband or boyfriend out of the house for the night, and send the kids to their grandparents. It’s time to host a girls’ pamper session at your place! Invite half a dozen of your closest girlfriends to share in the fun with one of our girls’ night in invites.

There’s been lots of talk lately about cutting back on spending, recycling, buying second-hand, and generally giving consumerism the flick. So how fun would it be to gather a bunch of friends one weekend for a swap party?

If you’d love to host your friends, without the daunting task of cooking, why not host a pot luck dinner? It’s the no-fuss entertaining option! Here’s how to go about it:

Do you love cocktails? They’re delicious and decadent when you’re out on the town, but having a cocktail evening at your place can be just as fun (and more affordable too). It’s a great idea for a birthday, girls’ night in, or engagement party. Here’s how to host:

As the temperature rises it's the ideal time to head outdoors one balmy night and watch a great flick. There are outdoor cinema options all over the country - here are our top 5 picks:

It's important to provide some form of entertainment at any children's party, to ensure the event has structure and momentum. Fortunately, there are many entertainment options to suit every budget, child and age group, so here are a few points of inspiration to help you get it right when hosting your next party.

Running out of weekend activity ideas for the kids? You’ve done the bowling, bike tracks and movies, so now give yourself a break from driving all over town, and enjoy some no-effort, at-home fun. Allow each child to invite a friend over so it’s double the fun. Here are a couple of classic activities to keep them busy …

Are you a child of the ‘70s or ‘80s? Then you’ll probably have fond memories of going to birthday parties at groovy venues like the ice-skating rink, roller-skating rink, ten-pin bowling alley, or even the drive-in movies. Remember the fun you and your friends had?

Is someone close to you leaving your workplace or moving overseas? Don’t sit around being glum about it – turn saying farewell into a party they’ll remember. It’ll make your colleague or friend feel special before they embark on their next job or adventure in life.

Looking for an easy entertaining option? Inviting friends over for drinks can be easy and fun. It can be as formal or as informal as you like, you don’t need to be daunted by cooking, and you can keep things contained to just your living room, or outside. Some yummy but easy nibbles suggestions include…

There is some debate over exactly where the Piñata originated. Some say the Mexicans founded the tradition, others claim that the Spanish created them and others again herald the Italians as the first piñata people… no matter who started this fabulous party tradition, we say thank you to you all! What we can say without doubt, is that piñatas at parties are becoming very popular amongst children and adults alike.