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    Parties » Best Kickback Party Ideas, Games & Food

    Best Kickback Party Ideas, Games & Food

    Mar 25, 2021 · Last updated: Sep 1, 2021 by Gina · This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

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    best kickback party ideas games and food with pictures of people enjoying party

    It's easy and fun to throw a great party with these best kickback party ideas, games, and food. It's all about spending an effortless, relaxing time with friends.

    best kickback party ideas games and food with pictures of people enjoying party

    What is a kickback party?

    Just as the name implies, a kickback party is a low-key party where everyone knows each other, and the focus is to spend time relaxing with plenty of food and drinks. The activities are also low-key, like playing games, dancing, or floating around in the pool.

    Kickback vs party

    Kickback parties are stress-free versions of parties. It's easier to host a kickback party because the focus is on simple and easy entertaining without the hassle and drawbacks of a big party. The kickback party is usually a small band of friends vs. big group bashes with many party guests.

    Parties usually require a lot of preparation, expense, and clean-up for a hostess. However, a kickback party is a low-key affair that requires minimal preparation and clean-up for the hostess.

    What do you do at a kickback party?

    A kickback party's focus is on having a relaxed time with close friends. The activities you choose to spend time on can vary, but they will all be low-key activities. Here are some ideas.

    • Play games
    • Sit around and talk
    • Watch a movie
    • Enjoy a meal or snacks together
    • Cook something together
    • Float in the pool and talk

    What do you need to throw a low key party?

    The beauty of a kickback party is, you don't need much to have a great party. Get some good music, enough chairs for a group of friends to sit around and talk, a few delicious recipes or easy takeout, and you will have the perfect party.

    How do you host the party?

    It's so easy to host an impromptu kickback party. The theme is all about keeping it simple and relaxing with close friends. Below you will find everything you need to get inspired to throw a fun and easy kickback party.

    Invitations

    No fancy invitations are needed. How about sending a group text with a fun party gif to everyone. Give them the date, time and what they need to bring. Also, ask for an RSVP back to the text so you can easily plan how to set up your party and how much to serve.

    It would also be easy to send everyone an email invitation from a service like Evite. It will be delivered right into their inbox, and they can RSVP easily with the click of a button.

    Party Theme ideas

    It's easier to host a party if you pick a fun theme. This helps you narrow down your activities and menus. It also gives your friends an idea of what to wear and bring.

    kickback party ideas, games and food with people enjoying the party

    Movie Night: A fun way to spend an evening with friends that will really allow y'all to chill is to host a movie night. Provide a few snacks, some drinks, and a good movie, and you have the makings for a fun night. popcorn link

    Potluck Dinner: Host an old-fashioned potluck dinner. You provide the main dish, and everyone else brings sides and dessert.

    Dance Party: Host an outdoor dance party night. Set up some speakers outside and clear an area for a dance floor. String some fun light around the dance floor. You could serve easy snacks and plenty of beverages since everyone will get thirsty.

    Mexican Party: Everyone loves tortilla chips & salsa to start a party off! You can easily make a Mexican food bar before guests arrive. If you need party ideas, visit EASY MEXICAN DINNER PARTY or EASY MEXICAN PARTY IDEAS.

    mexican dinner party DISHES OF FOOD IDEAS pictures of food

    Mocktail Party: A fun and relaxing party idea is a mocktail party. Here are over 40 MOCKTAIL RECIPES to try. You could purchase the ingredients or have each friend pick a recipe and bring the ingredients. Set out the bar area before your guests arrive, and be sure to have plenty of ice and snacks.

    Takeout Party: Here is a really easy idea. Have everyone bring their favorite takeout food. Set them all out and let everyone have a sample from each dish brought. It will be fun to try new things and maybe find some new favorites.

    Cocktail Party: Have everyone bring the makings for their own signature cocktail. Make a game out of it award prizes for the best cocktail, the most unusual or prettiest.

    Backyard Party: Throwing a relaxed party in your backyard is a great way to spend time with friends. Set up a corn hole game, a badminton game, or get a kiddie pool to soak your feet in if it's hot. On cool nights make a fire pit your friends can gather around. Try some of these BACKYARD DINNER PARTY IDEAS.

    THEMED backyard dinner party ideas

    Pool Party: A pool party with a focus on relaxing is sure to be a hit with your friends. Get some great music playing, makes some snacks and drinks to serve. Oh, and be sure you provide enough floats for everyone to relax and enjoy a sip of their drink while floating around.

    Italian Dinner Party: Your friends will love coming over and enjoying a slow, relaxed Italian dinner. You can even make it super low-key but picking up takeout from your favorite Italian restaurant. Also, grab a few bottles of Italian wine to serve. It would also be fun to have friends over to help prepare a meal together. I have some great recipes and ideas in this ITALIAN DINNER PARTY post.

    Italian Dinner Party

    Birthday Bash: If someone is having a birthday in your group of friends, throw them a birthday bash. Remember, keep it simple. Pick up some of their favorite take-out and serve their favorite cocktail, beer, or wine. Play a game they really enjoy or watch their favorite movie. The whole evening could be centered around this friend's favorite things.

    Pizza & Beer Night: This couldn't be easier; order some delivery pizza and have everyone bring a six-pack of their favorite beer to share.

    Party games

    people playing kickback party games

    When it comes to kickback party games, focus on fun party games that everyone will think is a good idea and easy to play.

    • Video games: everyone loves a good competitive video game
    • Board games: be sure and pick one that everyone can play or have several different games going at one time.
    • Card games: Cards are always a fun party game and economical because all you need is a deck of cards.
    • Outdoor games: cornhole, croquet, and volleyball are all fun games for a crowd.

    Kickback party food

    When throwing a kickback party, keep the focus on making it easy for you and relaxing for friends. Choose easy-to-make recipes that won't keep you in the kitchen when guests arrive.

    Foodbar ideas

    Hot Dog Bar: Grill up some hotdogs or sausage dogs. Serve easy sides such as potato chips and potato salad. Be sure and have plenty of topping like Mexican Coleslaw, relish, diced onions, cheddar cheese, homemade yellow mustard, and ketchup for toppings.

    Healthy Food Bar: Looking for vegan party food ideas? Check out these 10 Vegan Food Bar Ideas; they are perfect for easy and fun entertaining while keeping it healthy for you and your guests.

    Fun and Easy Food Bars: Create some fun and easy get-togethers with friends using these 20 Fun Build Your Own Food Bar Ideas.  Food bars create an informal atmosphere that you can prepare before your guests arrive, which allows you to relax and enjoy spending time with your guest.

    20 fun food station pictures of food

    Unique dinner party ideas

    Greek Dinner Party: Hosting a fabulous Greek Dinner Party will be easy; using these inspirational menu ideas, easy printable decorations, and even a printable fun Greek game, your guest will have a blast playing. To make it even easier, give each friend a recipe to make and bring.

    greek dinner food

    Charcuterie Boards: Here is a fun idea that you can prepare before your party. Serve several types of charcuterie boards along with drinks. I have gathered some great Healthy Charcuterie Board Ideas to try.

    healthy charcuterie boards

    Easy Crockpot Party Food

    The whole idea of a kickback party is it's super low-key and easy to prepare for. What could be easier than filling your crockpot the morning of the party and having a meal all ready when guests arrive.

    Easy Vegan Slow Cooker White Bean Chili
    This might be the easiest chili you ever make. If you can use a can opener, you can make this super flavorful vegan and gluten free chili.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Easy Crockpot Chicken Fajitas
    Crockpot Chicken Fajitas are healthy, flavorful, and budget-friendly. This slow cooker chicken fajitas recipe is the perfect family meal.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti
    This hearty creamy Slow Cooker Chicken Spaghetti is set to become your go to dinner
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Slow Cooker Chicken Pot Pie
    Slow cooker chicken pot pie is the perfect meal for a busy day! Comfort food made easy, it’s packed with flavor and sure to be an instant family favorite.
    GO TO THE RECIPE

    Casual dinner party

    Relax and enjoy hosting your friends with these Casual dinner party menu ideas With a little planning, you can create a relaxed and easy dinner party for you and your friends.

    casual dinner party menu ideas

    Easy kickback snacks

    Maple Glazed Popcorn
    Maple Glazed Popcorn is an addictive treat with a naturally sweet buttery maple glaze made with maple syrup, butter, vanilla, and cinnamon.
    GO TO THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
    maple glazed popcorn
    Green Marinated Sicilian Olives Recipe
    Bring a little Sicily to your table with this delicious Green Marinated Sicilian Olives Recipe. The olives are infused with fresh herbs, garlic, dried oregano, a pinch of chili pepper for heat all smothered in extra virgin olive oil and white vinegar dressing.
    GO TO THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
    Green Marinated Sicilian Olives Recipe in a bowl
    Cauliflower Hummus
    Cauliflower Hummus has a creamy nutty flavor, with hints of roasted garlic, cumin, and sesame. It is a nutritious snack that is paleo, keto, and vegan.
    GO TO THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
    cauliflower hummus

    Party Drinks

    Ice down a bucket of soft drinks, beer, or water bottles in a festive Inflatable Party Cooler. You could also make ahead some refreshing ICED TEA.

    Azalea Cocktail
    The famous Augusta Azalea Cocktail combines fruity sweetness with vodka to create a delicious, beautiful pink azalea colored drink.
    GO TO THE RECIPE PIN FOR LATER
    Augusta Azalea Cocktail in a glass with golf book near
    Making Easy Cocktails at Home: - Straight to the Hips, Baby
    An amazing and balanced gin cocktail with grapefruit and basil. The first in a new series of at-home bartending posts!
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Cucumber Moscow Mule
    Currently, I’m chilling on my sofa with my laptop (quite appropriately) placed on my lap, typing this post and wishing that I had one of these cocktails in my hand. There’s something about Friday nights
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Mai Tai Cocktail: A Nod to the Original
    Mai Tai cocktails aren’t overly sweet, but they are deliciously potent. Two types of rum and bright flavors take you back to the days of tiki bars and vacays.
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Blue Cosmopolitan Cocktail Recipe - Blue Cosmo Martini
    There is just something more fun about blue drinks and this Blue Cosmo is no exception. The Blue Cosmopolitan cocktail recipe is easy just as easy to make as the traditional cosmopolitan drink. It tastes
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Easy Dark ‘N’ Stormy Cocktail Recipe
    Dark ‘n’ Stormy - just 3 ingredients and a glass full of ice is needed for this spicy refreshing cocktail!
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Spicy Peach Margarita - Flavor Mosaic
    This Spicy Peach Margarita is sweet, tart, citrusy, salty, and spicy with that delicious peach flavor! A flavorful yet simple cocktail!
    GO TO THE RECIPE
    Aperol Spritz
    An Aperol cocktail recipe that has ruled summers, caused controversy, and ruled Instagram for several years: the Aperol Spritz.
    GO TO THE RECIPE

    More party ideas

    • 37 Best Dress Up Party Themes For Adults
    • Golf Party Ideas
    • Themes For Parties

    Get your free party planner

    If you are a list checker like me then you will want to get my free printable party planner. There are several pages you could use for your easy kickback party like the grocery list template, count down the to-do list, or the menu template page.

    I appreciate your shares! xox

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    About Gina

    Hey y'all, I am here to help you build community and nurture faith around your table. You will find fun party ideas and delicious recipes for easy-to-make meals and party food. I want to help you create a table where people come together, enjoy a meal and linger with good conversation.

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    Comments

    1. Tori

      May 22, 2021 at 4:41 pm

      Love the creative party ideas you have, Gina! Looking forward to giving some of these ideas a go this summer! Also, I appreciate you featuring an Easy Chickpeasy recipe! Thanks!

      Reply

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