Tip:
Highlight text to annotate it
X
How to Throw a Rent Party. Originating in Harlem in the 1920s, a rent party is a fun
way to stave off eviction. You will need A place to party Food and drink Musical entertainment
Paying guests And a hat to collect donations Party flyers and lots of beer. Step 1. Pick
a location for the party. You want a large place—more guests mean more cash. Step 2.
Decide if the party will be invitation-only or open to the public. If the latter, knock
off some flyers and distribute them to your friends, friends of friends, and around the
neighborhood. Step 3. Plan the menu. Traditional foods include fried chicken, ham, macaroni
and cheese, biscuits, baked beans, potato salad, corn bread, collard greens, red beans
and rice, peach cobbler, and sweet potato pie. Beverages include fruit punch, soda,
coffee, and sometimes beer. Save money by cooking everything yourself. Step 4. Once
the food and drink budget has been established, figure out how much you need to charge at
the door to clear enough for your rent. Step 5. Enlist friends to DJ, sing, or play instruments.
Jazz and blues is the traditional music, like Fats Waller and Duke Ellington. You can find
used CDs of rent party music online. Step 6. Have friends take turns covering the door,
hat in hand, to collect the admission fee. Step 7. Have fun—but make sure the party
doesn't get so rowdy that you anger your landlord. You'll want him calm and happy when next month's
rent is late! Did you know The going rate for a Harlem rent party admission was usually
25 cents, plus extra for the homemade concessions sold in the kitchen or hallway.