Throwing the Perfect Gegger (a.k.a. Gay Kegger)

Ahhh, keggers. Those wonderful low-cost parties where hot, young college guys hang out, drink up, play fun games, and (if you're lucky) get into a little trouble.

You can still keep all the good elements from these parties—the friends, food, and fun—by hosting a gay kegger. Or as we like to call it, a "gegger."

Never hosted a gegger before? Wonder what the difference is between it and a college kegger? Never fear, because we've got all the tips you need to host a stress-free party that will let you relax with your buddies and have a great time.

1. Find an Outdoor Space
Geggers and keggers can be messy affairs, so make life easy by hosting your party outside. No backyard? Consider your driveway or front yard. These non-traditional spaces open up the chance of meeting and inviting in cute or fun passersby. And, better still, your place will stay cleaner than if you have people inside.

2. Get the Keg
Commit to the theme and make this party unique from all the other stand-and-model events the other boys are throwing. Yes, that includes using red or blue plastic cups. But since you're a fancy gay consider offering a couple brews: one light/low-calorie option, a crowd-pleasing mainstream brand, and a darker beer for the connoisseur.

3. Upgrade the Food
Making your party a potluck will save on cost, but set a theme so you don't have random selections, like fried chicken sitting next to cold egg rolls. Try high-end comfort foods, like using spicy sausage and ground beef in your burgers. Healthy options can include grilling veggie skewers, and a salad of arugula with shaved parmesan in a lemon vinaigrette. Friends who can't cook can simply hit a gourmet market for other appetizing options.

4. Mix Up the Music
Keep the energy high with some great dance mixes. Hook up your satellite station or Pandora Radio outside for an easy option, or find a friend with great taste in music to program your MP3 player. This will certainly lead to dancing as the lights dim.

5. Speaking of Lighting...
Nothing sets a better mood (and makes you look better) than having good lighting. Hang cafe or clear Christmas lights in the trees or above the party space. Avoid any bright house lights because they create harsh glares and can make faces look old. Tiki torches are an option, but having open flames (no jokes, please) is always a risk so check out your venue and decide accordingly.

6. Add Water
You can't drink like you used to, so hydrate often. We suggest one full glass of water after every other beer, but you should know your own ratio by now.

7. Get a Cab / Give up the Couch
You are your brother's keeper, so if your guests have been drinking and they don't have a designated driver, don't even think about letting them get behind the wheel. Have a cab company's number on speed dial, or offer crash space if necessary.

8. Have Fun & Take Pictures
Keggers are meant to be casual, great spirited parties where you can hang out without any pretentiousness. So have fun, enjoy the night, and take lots of pictures... you know, in case you have a hard time remembering what happened the next morning.