In the last couple weeks I have tackled some serious subjects; I think it is time to discuss something a little more light-hearted. The quarter is almost finished, and the temperature is inching upward. As it always does, Spring Quarter has brought with it many parties from the full-on block parties like Palmer Fest to the more subdued house parties. Having been at Ohio University for the last three years, I have been to my fair share of parties as host and guest. I think it is time for me to give inexperienced partygoers some advice on hosting a party.

Life is too short to drink cheap beer. That should be everyone’s mantra. Repeat it as you go to sleep at night. I know that I will probably receive more hate mail for this than when I made fun of Uggs and big sunglasses; but if you can help it, do not drink or buy Natural Light. A lesson for those who do not know: Natural Light is what is left in the vat when Anheuser-Busch makes beer. It is not even real beer; it is beer leftovers. Remember when your mom used to rinse out the ketchup bottle to get the last little bit — that is what Natty Light is. I know that it is cheap; that is why people buy it by the case, but there are alternatives. Pabst and Ice House cost pennies more per can and taste better. Another novel concept is drinking less, but better beer. Instead of buying a case of Natty on sale at Kroger, try buying two six-packs of something that you have never heard of. Trust me; it cannot be any worse than the brewed mediocrity that you are drinking now.

If you are hosting a party, please have something non-alcoholic for your guests. Some people choose not to drink or bring friends who choose not to. There is a second very good reason for having non-alcoholic supplies: Some people do not like beer. Personally, I go back and forth between beer and mixed drinks, and it is always better to have that choice. Do not get me wrong; free alcohol always tastes better, but it is nice when a host thinks about the taste of others.

Tied to this, you should have a basic selection of barware. It does not have to be fancy or expensive, but a basic shaker and jigger will go a long way to pleasing partygoers. Also, in advance of the party, make some simple syrup. This is a mixture made by melting equal parts of sugar and boiling water together. Buy some lemon juice as well. These four simple things will allow you to make a plethora of drinks, regardless of the type of alcohol you have on hand. Also, if you have a friend who is a good, experienced bartender, let him or her make drinks. It is entertaining to watch, and he or she probably knows how to make many drinks and can suggest them to people.

A great party is made by two things — great people and great music. While I cannot make any suggestions on who you invite to your party, a good selection of music is vital. Either make a very specific mix beforehand or set your computer or iPod to shuffle. Try to keep songs by a variety of artists playing, unless it is a theme party. No one wants to hear the same artist for several songs in a row, especially if your guests are dancing or singing along. Variety is crucial.

It is a great feeling to host a party. You get to entertain your friends; you have complete control over the music and who comes, two things that often bother me when I go to a party. But not only do you have to keep people entertained; you have to keep people safe. Do not be afraid to take alcohol away from a guest who has clearly had too much to drink, and make sure an inebriated person does not go home alone. It is often a lot more fun to host a party than to go to one, especially if you are a control freak like me, but there are responsibilities that go along with hosting. In the end it is your job to give your guests a good time, so make that the first priority.

Columns represent the views of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of The Post.