How to get two totally different groups to mix at a party...

Question

Me and another girls are throwing a surprise going-away party for our really good friend tonight. Our friend is really close with her church group, and also has some good school friends. Each group coming has about 15 or 20 people in it, and I'm afraid the two groups will awkwardly avoid each other.

Any ideas on how to get both groups to know each other so that everyone hangs out with everyone and not just the group they came with?

Btw, the age ranges of the people coming are 15-18... and maybe one or two older people.

Answer 1

I think with 30 to 40 people it's not going to matter, it seems everyone will have someone to talk to. If it were a group of like 6 - 10 people then it might get awkward but you should be fine.

Answer 2

While you're setting up for the party, pair up school friends with church friends to do some work together, and that'll give them all a chance to get to know each other.  

Answer 3

have everyone grab a peice of paper

they have to write down 3 things tht are surprising abt themselves

then crumple up the paper

and have a "snowball fight"

then say STOP

and everyone must grab a "snowball" closest to them and read it

then they must try to guess who that person is

in the meantime u meet lots of ppl and get to no ppl :D

its a lot of fun

hope this helps

Answer 4

Try to play some "Break the Ice" type of games, in which everyone participates and everyone can get to know each other better. Also, lighten the mood with some good music.

Answer 5

Games! Charades, board games