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.