You’re back in school and looking to socialize, but dorm mixers and frat parties are not your thing anymore. What to do? Throw the perfect house party. After all, it’s just like a dinner party but with more people and less inhibitions.

The Invite

Acknowledge your temptation to rely solely on the Facebook invite for your party. Then ignore it. Facebook event invitations get sent out every time some queen plans on changing hairstyles in this town. Go with the multi-pronged approach: Facebook, Evite and text blast.

Inside Tip: Anyone who replies “Sounds like fun!” actually means “Sounds like I’m not coming!”

The Attire

Summer casual with an upscale twist is the goal. Ladies, slip on a sundress but glam it up with a pair of strappy sandals and a strand of 30” glass beads. Men, rock the designer jeans with a fitted, untucked white button-down and flip-flops then accessorize with a bracelet and watch combo from David Yurman. Give it the old college try.

Inside Tip: The one who correctly guesses the amount of people wearing polos is probably wearing a polo.

The Drink

Expect a mix of grads and undergrads so plan accordingly. A keg is appropriate but your PBR days are a thing of the past so go higher-end. Try a Yuengling or splurge for Fat Tire. Lay off providing liquor though: the expense will get more out of control than a Kathy Griffin sighting at Blake’s.

Inside Tip: Buy only enough wine to last till 9. Few drink the vino all night.

The Drinking Game

Sure you’ve been off-campus for a few years, but it doesn’t mean you can’t play a good old-fashioned drinking game. Don’t waste time with intricate rules. Just drink every time someone takes out their iPhone. Last one to remember their major wins…or loses, whichever.

Inside Tip: The iPhone 4 does not have a coaster app. The iPhone 3 is a coaster.

The Food

Food at a college house party would be more out of place than leather night at The Livingston.