Themes

• Movie night parties provide easy entertainment for a casual setting.Goodshoot RF/Goodshoot/Getty Images
  
  Avoid themes that seem too young or too cheesy. Build simple themes around the party's location or main attractions -- for instance, a pool party, a sports event party or a video game party. Try a humorous theme, such as a tacky party (purposefully tasteless and over-the-top), an anti-Valentine's Day party or a party where guests compete for the worst Christmas sweater. Dance parties are easy to plan and decorate, and tend to be popular.
  
  

Refreshments

• Keep snacks tasty and plentiful, but don't try too many unfamiliar or complicated dishes. For a large gathering of teens, catering to a broad range of tastes is the easiest route, and you'll hear few complaints. Dips are easy to make and allow for some creativity -- for instance, try seven-layer dips, Tex-Mex dips or spinach and cheese dips. Provide both chips and fresh sliced vegetables. Caramel popcorn or chocolate cookies make simple desserts.
  
  

Entertainment

• Dance parties are reliably popular with many teens.Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
  
  Socialization is the main activity at most parties, but offering other entertainment helps avoid awkward moments and gets everybody involved. Try a scavenger hunt around the house and yard, or move it to a nearby shopping mall -- use hints that draw on pop-culture references, and give prizes that match the teens' interests. Planning a poker night is an easy way to encourage participation -- teenage girls usually enjoy jewelry or craft parties, especially since they get to take their creations home.
  
  

Games

• Teens enjoy challenging games with a chance for group participation. For a game with a dark twist teens will love, try a murder-mystery game. Prepare a slip of paper for each player -- all of them should be blank except for two, which read "Murderer" and "Detective." Nobody reveals her role to anyone else. Turn the lights off and let everyone move around (prepare a clear area to prevent accidents). The Murderer tags someone as the victim (in a non-violent way, such as touching his sleeve) and then the lights come back on. The Detective interrogates everyone in the room to discover the Murderer's identity. Everyone else must tell the truth, but the Murderer can lie as much she likes.