Kitty party plan

For: 8 to 20 members
Length: About two hours with lunch or tea
Games: 5

A kitty party runs on three things: a punctuality prize, one or two "written" or table games, and one game that gets everyone out of their chairs. The hostess usually wants games that are new to the group, quick to explain, and playable in sarees and good clothes. These fit that brief, and all use things already in the house.

The running order

Time	Game	Notes for the host
0 to 10 min	Break or activity	Punctuality game: every member who arrives on time draws a chit; one chit carries the prize. Or give a ticket for each five minutes early.
10 to 25 min	Straw and Rajma	Four at a time, one minute each. Fast and funny.
25 to 40 min	Coin in the Tumbler	Everyone gets five coins. Good while tea is served.
40 to 60 min	Blindfold Makeover	Pairs. The game people will photograph and talk about.
60 to 75 min	Biscuit on the Forehead	All together, standing.
75 to 105 min	Break or activity	Lunch or high tea.
105 to 125 min	Don't Say It	Two teams, cards written by the hostess beforehand on the theme of the month.

Timings are a guide. Stop any game while people still want more, and drop one if you are running late.

What to get ready

Chits for the punctuality draw
Straws, rajma, plates and bowls
A bucket, steel glass and coins
Kits of sticker bindis, clips and bangles; scarves
A packet of light round biscuits
Cards for Don't Say It
Small wrapped prizes

Hosting notes

Theme it. A colour, a festival or a decade of film songs gives the card games their content and the photographs their look.
Prizes need not be costly: something useful for the kitchen or the handbag, wrapped well.
Keep scores light. One prize per game and a lucky-draw prize for someone who won nothing.
No game with food on good clothes unless napkins are ready.
Housie is the traditional closer; our neighbour site has a free Tambola caller and ticket maker.

We suggest playing for small gifts and fun, not for money.

The games in this plan

On the day

Keep the party timer and the scoreboard open on your phone, and prepare chits with the chit maker. First time as host? Read how to host party games. See all party plans.