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Anything But a Cup Party: 15 Funny Container Ideas

Planning an Anything But a Cup party? Get 15 hilarious container ideas from flower vases to watering cans, plus tips for hosting.

4 min read
Themed Party Photo Collection Social Gatherings

Short answer: An Anything But a Cup party is a themed event where guests bring drinks in creative, unconventional containers. Think watering cans, flower vases, or even a hollowed-out watermelon. The weirder the container, the better.

  • Guests compete informally for the most creative or funny container
  • No actual cups, glasses, or mugs allowed
  • Works great for house parties, tailgates, and birthday celebrations
  • Photo opportunities are endless

What Is an Anything But a Cup Party?

The rules are simple: bring your beverage in literally anything except a cup. Guests raid thrift stores, kitchen drawers, and garden sheds to find the most ridiculous containers possible. The result is a party full of conversation starters and guaranteed laughs.

15 Funny Anything But a Cup Ideas

Kitchen Finds

  1. Gravy boat - Classy and absurd in equal measure
  2. Measuring cup - Bonus points for announcing exact ounces consumed
  3. Soup ladle - Requires commitment and a steady hand
  4. Bundt cake pan - The center hole doubles as a handle
  5. Thermos - Practical, but decorate it to earn style points

Hardware Store Specials

  1. Watering can - The spout makes for interesting sipping
  2. Paint bucket (new, obviously) - Go mini for manageability
  3. Funnel - Challenging but memorable
  4. PVC pipe section - Cap one end, add a handle

Thrift Store Treasures

  1. Flower vase - Elegant and deeply impractical
  2. Trophy - “World’s Best Drinker” energy
  3. Ceramic figurine (hollowed) - Creepy garden gnome recommended
  4. Vintage teapot - Pour from the spout for extra flair

Maximum Effort

  1. Hollowed watermelon - Freshness guaranteed
  2. Fish bowl - Bring the whole party to you

Tips for Hosting

Set expectations early. Include “NO CUPS ALLOWED” on your invite so guests have time to find their container.

Create a photo station. Weird containers make for incredible photos. Set up a simple backdrop with good lighting so guests can capture their creations.

Award prizes. Categories like “Most Creative,” “Most Likely to Spill,” and “Best Thrift Store Find” keep the competition friendly.

Have backups ready. Someone will forget. Keep a stash of random containers (think mason jars with handles removed, or cleaned-out coconut shells) for unprepared guests.

Capture the Chaos

The best part of an Anything But a Cup party is seeing what people bring. These photos become instant classics.

Set up a Gather Shot event with a QR code at your photo station. Guests scan and upload their container photos directly. No app downloads, no group chat chaos. You get every ridiculous creation documented in one shared gallery.

By the end of the night, you will have a collection of photos featuring your friends drinking out of dog bowls, trophies, and kitchen appliances. That is the kind of gallery worth keeping.

Frequently Asked Questions

What drinks work best for an Anything But a Cup party?

Pre-mixed drinks or canned beverages work well since guests need to pour into their containers. Avoid anything too sticky in case of spills.

Can I use a mug?

Technically no. Mugs are cups with handles. Stick to the spirit of the theme and find something weirder.

Where can I find good vessels?

Thrift stores, dollar stores, and your own kitchen cabinets are the best sources. Hardware stores also have surprising options.

How do I drink from something without a handle?

Carefully. That is part of the fun.