Looking for a unique party theme? An Anything But the Cup Party is such a fun and creative idea! Grab our Anything But the Cup Party ideas, rules, and list of the best and wacky beverage containers!
The idea started with college parties, but it’s an hilarious idea for all ages! Of course, if you’re serving alcoholic beverages everyone should be over 21 and drink responsibly.
Below is everything you need to challenge your friends to find a new, creative way to enjoy their drink of choice (cocktails, beer, or soda) with this silly party theme.
What is an Anything But a Cup Party?
An Anything But a Cup Party is just that! Guests have to bring something to drink their favorite beverage from — but the catch is they can’t use a regular cup! That means no wine glasses, plastic Solo cups, tumblers, mugs, or pint glasses for any of the beverages at your event.
It’s a popular college party theme because it doesnât really require any extra effort from the host!
You just tell your friends to get creative with their drink holders. In fact, they can use anything they want to enjoy their alcohol or drink â except a cup!
Oh, and make sure to hide away all your traditional drinking cups and glasses so your party guests donât break the rules of your party!
Speaking of rules â Are there rules to hosting an Anything But a Cup Party?
Not really. The point of the party is for your guests to have fun getting creative with their drinking vessel. So, the only rule to hosting or coming to an Anything But a Cup Party is that you canât use a cup!
What’s the Dress Code?
A dress code is a fun way to take the party to the next level, but it’s not required for this type of party.
Some ideas for a dress code would be a tropical island theme or to dress according to what you’re drinking out of. For example, if you’re drinking from a rainboot, you would wear a rain jacket and carry an umbrella.
Other Names for an Anything But a Cup Party
The most popular name for this type of party is âAnything But a Cupâ, but you may see a few other names for the same type of party idea.
You may also hear this type of party called:
- ABC Party (used interchangeably between Anything But Clothes and Anything But a Cup)
- Not a Cup Party
- Bring Your Own Vessel Party
- No Cups Allowed Party
Anything But a Cup Party Ideas
Now that you understand the concept of this fun party theme, itâs time to start planning!
The most important thing to keep in mind is that no cups are allowed.
So, start by making sure your guests understand the concept of your party.
After that, you can set up your get-together like any other party.
Provide your guests with drinks, create a playlist and set up your music area, and add some decorations to get everyone in a festive mood. Just donât provide cups for anyone to use.
As your guests arrive, make sure they show off their âcupâ for the night.
Then, they can start enjoying the drinks and get as many refills as the want â as long as they donât use a cup to enjoy their beverages.
Weâve established cups are off limits at this kind of party, so what can your guests use to drink their cocktails, beer, and soda? We have plenty of fun and unique Anything But a Cup ideas to help your guests get inspired on their own creative drink containers!
Anything But the Cup Party Drinking Vessels
- Pots and pans
- Bowls
- Rain boot (or other waterproof shoes)
- Super Soakers
- Empty gallon jugs
- Pitchers
- Bucket and shovel
- Blood bag or plastic syringes
- Test tubes or beakers
- Teapot or coffee maker pot
- Hard hat
- Football or Bicycle helmet
- Flower pot
- Watering can
- Flower vase
- Fish bowl
- Dog bowl
- Toilet Plunger
- Ketchup bottle
- Mustard bottle
- Soap dispenser
- Traffic cone
- Bird feeder
- Turkey baster
- Empty Shampoo bottle
- Plastic baseball hat
- Fruit (cut open watermelon, pineapple, or coconut)
- Ziploc bags
- A purse or bag
- Empty can
- Cookie jar
- Salt or pepper shaker
- Cooler
- Piggy bank
- Umbrella
- Funnel
- Trophy
- Baby bottle
- Ice tray
- Balloons
- PVC pipes
- Rubber gloves
- Plastic bag
- Pencil holder
- Empty Pringles can
- Iron or steamer
- New gas can
- Doll head
- Milk carton or jug
- Small trash can
- Spray bottle
- Toy truck
- Plastic flamingo
- Pickle jar
- Gravy boat
- Tea kettle
- Water balloon
- Bottle of wine
- Wipes canister
- Water pitcher
- Creamer pitcher
- Frisbee
- Food storage container
- Cereal bowl with a long straw
- Hydration backpack
- Thimble
- Drink dispenser
- Conch shell
Now that you have tons of ideas for your Anything But a Cup party, the only thing left to do is pick your vessel!
Once youâve decided on a vessel, donât head out the door just yet!
Before you can start drinking out your not-a-cup, youâll need to get it ready to hold your beverages.
1. Wash it thoroughly.
The most important thing youâll need to do to get your cup ready is to clean it â especially if youâre recycling a bottle or container that previously held something else. Wash the inside and outside of your vessel with soap and warm water to make sure itâs safe to drink out of.
2. Seal any holes.
Next, try to fill your vessel up with water and see if there are any leaks. You can use duct tape to help seal up the leaks before your party so you donât make a mess while youâre drinking.
3. Have some fun!
Now that your drinking vessel is ready to go, itâs time to start drinking. Fill up your anything but a cup and have some fun with your friends.
Anything But a Water Bottle
If youâre looking for a more family-friendly version of this popular college party, you might be interested in the idea of an Anything But a Water Bottle day or party.
This fun activity is popular among kids and co-workers at a celebration where drinking alcohol isnât appropriate.
The good news is that you can use any of these drinking vessel ideas listed above for Anything But a Water Bottle Day, too!
If you’re looking for more party ideas, you should check out our adult slumber party ideas or pool party planner!
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