Perfect Party Playlists

The holiday party season is upon us. Turkey dinner with your city-orphaned friends. Post-game party with your drunk uncles. Drinking red and green cocktails while strategically avoiding the mistletoe. And if you’re the host, you’ll need to plan the perfect playlist sure to get your crowd moving and keep the positive energy flowing. CPL has tons of music to fill the gaps in your collection.

First off, don't play only holiday music. Try for a 1 to 3 ratio. Too many carols will drive everyone crazy. However, everyone loves Prince. Everyone. Purple Rain has great dance tracks and some slow-burners. Try not to feel a little happy when “Let’s Go Crazy” or “I Would Die 4 U” comes on.

Motown Records created some of the great American music of the 20th century. If your party playlist needs cross-generational appeal, check out Hitsville USA. It’s a four-disc set that includes beloved classics like “Uptight” by Stevie Wonder.

Perhaps you’re going for a cocktail party vibe? Try bossa nova. Antonio Carlos Jobim's The girl from Ipanema will add a sophisticated feel to your festivities with Brazilian jazz performed by Jobim and collaborators including Sarah Vaughn, Dizzy Gillespie and Astrud Gilberto.

I can’t think of any Thanksgiving songs (Adam Sandler? Dido?), but there’s no shortage of awesome Christmas music. Check out my list of yuletide faves available at CPL.

Musical taste is totally subjective, so you may not be able to please everyone. Just think fun and add lots of variety. If you are having a good time, I bet your guests are, too. Need more party planning ideas? Don't stress. I made a list to help with that as well. Happy holidays, everybody!