
Cocktail party games are both icebreaker and entertainment. They provide a convenient way for people to meet and mingle, and an easy way to pass formality by and have your guests go straight from stranger to friend. For old friends, cocktail party games can provide fresh new ways to interact, preventing folks from getting stuck in the same old conversations. Either way, games can help start your party out on the right foot.
Who's Who
This game requires a little bit of pre-planning to work, but it can be a lot of fun if your guests are amenable. Have everyone send you a photo from their childhood before the party and post them on a board in the middle of the room. Once the guests come in and mingle a bit, gather them together in front of the display (it helps if you have food nearby). The guests then take turns guessing which photo belongs to whom. For an added challenge, make the guests try to guess the year the picture was taken.
Some Character
Come up with a list of characters beforehand--they can be professions such as astronaut or psychiatrist, historical or current famous figures such as George Washington or Frank Sinatra, or strange quirks such as "compulsive liar" or "man who talks too fast." Each guest has the name posted on his back. The other guests talk to him and interact with him as if he is that character. Each guest tries to guess who he is. If he guesses correctly, the other guests tell him. Alternately, give each guest a sheet of paper with his character on it and have the other guests try to guess who he is.
Exquisite Corpse
Exquisite corpse is a game invented by the surrealists, and is perfect for creative groups at cocktail parties. Fold a sheet of paper into three sections. The first person draws a head on the first section, then folds the paper over so that the head is hidden, but the middle section of the paper is exposed for the next person. The next guest then draws the midsection of the body on the second section of the paper, folds it again to hide what she drew and passes it to a their guest, who draws the lower body. The guests then unfold the paper and look at the strange and funny looking creature drawn on it. If you have a big group, start several exquisite corpses at once and keep them circulating. At the end of the evening, allow each guest to take one home.
Related Articles

Valentine Party Game Ideas

Games for Guests to Introduce ...

Movie Party Game Ideas
Disney Wedding Games

Table Game Ideas for a Team Building ...

The Famous Couples Bridal Shower Game

Christian Games for a Wedding Reception
Combined Bachelor/Bachelorette Party ...

What Games Can You Play at a His & Her ...

Spanish Bridal Shower Games

Christian Fellowship Activity Games

Game Ideas for a Small Teen Church Group

Games for Family Communication

Adult Games for a 21st Birthday Party

Butterfly Birthday Party Games

Birthday Party Ideas for a Large Group

13-Year-Old Birthday Party Ideas

Games to Play at a Pleasure Party
5 Family Friendly Vacation Games

Activities to Help Teens Make Friends
References
Writer Bio
Isaiah David is a freelance writer and musician living in Portland, Ore. He has over five years experience as a professional writer and has been published on various online outlets. He holds a degree in creative writing from the University of Michigan.
Photo Credits
martini cocktail image by AGphotographer from Fotolia.com