If you’ve ever created a shared playlist among your friends, take it a step further by listening to the playlist together, in person. And if you really want to upgrade the joint listening session, tell your guests to bring a special pick from their vinyl collection to curate your own sip and spin.

As millennials and Gen Z grow less interested in clubbing, the demand for house parties and similar intimate gatherings is steadily increasing, and it’s probably cheaper to spend a night in with your friends. There’s no bouncer, VIP section, or overpriced drinks, plus you’re in charge of the music. Between movie nights and game nights, hosting is worth the planning. A recent trend of throwing a vinyl listening party is an ideal alternative for a night in which is a great chance to bring your friends together.

In a TikTok by stylist and travel editor @alexanderjulian.info, their BYOV (Bring Your Own Vinyl) themed party will offer you just enough FOMO to start forming a guest list, especially for an event in the fall. Now your excuse to stay indoors is completely validated if a handful of good records are involved.

@alexanderjulian.info

The key is to have friends with ✨taste✨ #partyideas #themeparty #vinylcheck #vinyltok

♬ Still in love sped up by Iuther Vandross – PlaylistsbyMolly

Curating your guest list might be the biggest task to set good intentions for the party. Will you invite friends with a similar taste in music? Or will you mix and mingle with different friend groups and genres? If there’s an album or two that you missed earlier this year, this is a good chance to listen to it with your loved ones.

Once you’ve crafted your invitations, be sure to remind your guests to bring 1-2 vinyls for the party and decide if you’d prefer to set a theme. Is the evening going to be strictly R&B and neo-soul? Perhaps Chicago House or Southern hip-hop is the appropriate choice if you’re looking to turn your living room into a dance floor. In addition to preparing your guests for the music genres, this is the perfect time to encourage a dress code.

Time to decide on the menu. Ask your guests to bring food and drinks if you don’t want to overwhelm yourself for your first listening party. If you’re up for the challenge, make 2-3 appetizers and craft a themed cocktail for the night. Once you’re a seasoned host, this could eventually turn into a dinner party!

If there’s a TV near the record player, this is the perfect opportunity to add an extra element of visuals to the party. Depending on the theme, music videos on YouTube could pair well with the vinyl selection, but any relaxing animation like a Studio Ghibli film is a bonus.

In a TikTok by @isotrish, the party’s host placed a camera above the record player and connected it to a projector. This is a surefire way to make you and your friends feel like you’re behind the DJ’s booth in a club.

@isotrish

My friends and I had a bring your own record night and it was such a vibe! This is the third one I’ve hosted so far and i feel like it was the best one yet! For the next one I would love to host a record cafe, with some baked goods and of course, matcha! #record #vinyl #food #party #themeparty

♬ HipHop – Instrumental – Glad2Mecha & Ill Treats

Before the party ends, encourage your guests to interact with each other by asking them to share details about their chosen record for the night and why it’s special to them. Not only will this build an intimate connection among your guests, but you might learn a thing or two about a new genre or artist.

Since fall is around the corner, hosting a vinyl listening party is the best way to spend a night in, and you won’t have FOMO about missing out on the club.