Some tips for throwing a karaoke-themed party: 

1. Construct a “stage” using a few boards and some silver paint. If this isn’t up your alley, just toss down a silver or gold throw rug and spotlight the area with a bright lamp.

2. Arrange small card tables around your “stage” so your guests can sit and enjoy the show. 

3. If you have one, a disco ball is a great touch. If you don’t, just hang some white Christmas lights around the performance area for a little sparkle.

4. Start off with a group sing-along to get everyone in the right mood, and to shake off any stage fright.

5. Hand tambourines, bongos or other small instruments to your shyer guests, or encourage them to sing backup (other props such as canes, hats, etc can be set around the stage area). If they really don’t want to participate, though, don’t push them.

6. Create a sign-up list so that no one (ahem: me) becomes a microphone hog.

7. If you’re serving dinner, stick to comforting classics, like these from Epicurious.com.

Sources: Evite.com, Epicurious.com