How to Throw a Party Like You’re Prince

Get a royal groove on at home by following in the footsteps of The Purple One

Becky Harris February 3, 2014

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe as "collected." I got into design via Landscape Architecture, which I studied at the University of Virginia.

Houzz Contributor. Hi there! I live in a 1940s cottage in Atlanta that I'll describe... More

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Two thousand zero zero party over, out of time … never! The artist formerly known as O(+> knows how to throw a party. The producers of Fox’s New Girl gave their take on a Prince soiree after the Super Bowl, but stories about Prince’s parties were already legendary. Here’s how to get ready for a Prince-worthy party: Throw on your diamonds and pearls; top them off with a raspberry beret; act your age, mama, not your shoe size; tell your friends to hop in their little red Corvettes and come over; and party like it’s 1999.

Maienza - Wilson Architecture + Interiors

Prince made a stunning appearance on New Girl after the Super Bowl. He helped Jess let go of her fears via playing Ping-Pong, playing dress-up and eating pancakes.

Seeing a Prince party inspired these tips for hosts who want to channel The Purple One.

Keep a bouncer at the door. That way, if after a frustrating night at First Avenue, Morris Day and The Time stop by and hurl insults, they’ll be denied at the door.

Inspired Interiors

Install an indoor basketball court. My favorite Prince party story was told by Charlie Murphy, Eddie Murphy’s brother, on Chapelle’s Show. According to Murphy, after being invited back to Prince’s house to listen to music, Prince said, “This bores me. Is anyone up for a game of basketball?” In a game that Murphy described as “the shirts against the blouses,” Prince was “getting rebounds like Charles Barkley.” The blouses won.

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Stock up on pancakes and bacon. After the basketball game, Prince served everyone pancakes. He also served them to Jess on New Girl. Who knew Prince had such a thing for pancakes?

Benjamin Vogt / Monarch Gardens

Get your garden ready for the butterflies. On New Girl, a monarch butterfly followed Prince around, even landing on his shoulder at his command. Make sure your garden is in top shape to welcome the monarchs.

Taylor Hannah Architect Inc

Set up your closet to play dress-up. If Prince were your girlfriend, he’d help you pick out your clothes before you go out. Maybe he’d even give you a new name, like the one he gave Tara Leigh Patrick, aka Carmen Electra.

Supon Phornirunlit / Naked Decor

Go for lots of candlelight. It will give the place a romantic, mysterious vibe.

Emerald Hill Interiors

Set up a VIP room. Oh, and let Prince dictate the seating plan. Talk-show host Wendy Williams recently spoke of being summoned to a party by Prince and sharing a love seat with him and two other people, at his direction.

MANDARINA STUDIO interior design

Keep extra towels on hand. In case your guests decide to purify themselves in the waters of Lake Minnetonka.

Hendel Homes

Clear the Ping-Pong table. Like most folks, Prince enjoys a late-night game of Ping-Pong.

JAUREGUI Architecture Interiors Construction

Have a piano at the ready. It’s always a good time to hear “Purple Rain.”

amanda nisbet

Be bold. Back in college when my friends and I were getting ready to go out, we used to listen to a Prince song, the title of which is not appropriate to mention here. The next time I decorate a room, I’m going to blast it and try to channel His Royal Badness. Can you tell that episode of New Girl thrilled me a lot more than the Super Bowl? If you missed it, I highly recommend catching it on OnDemand or Fox.com.