One of the city's first social spaces, Comma Party in Kwun Tong opened two years ago. The idea was to provide people with a second home, says the venue's co-founder Au Kin-lun. "You can't always shove your family out of the door to invite friends over. Plus we're all bored of the clichéd spots such as cafes and karaoke bars, which are inflexible and overpriced."

Au and his partner, both recent graduates at the time, transformed their space on the top floor of an industrial building into a range of themed rooms, making it ideal for fancy dress parties.

The idea became so popular that they have expanded to two other locations, and now offer 10 themed rooms. One room has a classroom feel - complete with a blackboard and school desks - for uniform parties; another has been transformed into a bedroom for pyjama parties, and a third has a vintage theme with nostalgic decor.

Comma Party is a pet-friendly space, so pet owners can throw parties with their furry friends, especially in the room with green artificial turf.

With the recent openings of competing venues, and with more venues likely, Au says Comma Party is not afraid it will lose its edge.

"Competition is healthy. There weren't many, if any, social spaces like ours when we started. At the end of the day, it's about giving more choices to meet different people's needs," says Au.

ill in the Blank in Wan Chai opened as a shared office in August last year, but the venue soon took off as a destination for parties and events. "Our name is basically to do with the versatility of the space," says director Tulika Agarwal, whose sister-in-law and husband co-founded the business.

"We've had bazaars, music nights, comedy nights and different types of parties. It's a blank space and you can fill it with whatever you like."

The 1,000 sq ft space has room for 60 guests and has everything from table football to board games, a projector and screen, and a wall covered with whiteboard paint. Agarwal says the interior changes every few months.

"It's a comfortable, home-like environment that people enjoy being in, as opposed to a bar or restaurant, where you sit down for dinner and you might only get to talk to the people next to you," says Agarwal.

How to plan the perfect party

Here's some dos and don'ts from party planners Christine Smith-Mann of Eezy Peezy Parties and Lauren Roberts of Sweet Soirées

• Avoid last-minute multitasking. You don't want to rush around once your guests arrive.
• Make sure you have enough food and drinks for everyone and don't overlook special dietary requirements.
• Bring boxes or doggy bags - guests (and their pets) will love the leftovers the next day.
• Don't try to plan the whole party by yourself. There are lots of elements to planning a party, it can be overwhelming.
• Make a master list of everything that needs to be done. All the elements of your party should compliment each other and follow the same theme.
• Select a venue that's convenient for most guests.
• Bring a camera or hire a photographer - reliving the party afterwards can be just as fun.
• Finally, and most importantly, don't forget to have fun and enjoy your party.

This comfortable workshop and handicraft supplies store can host arts-and-crafts parties for those looking to bring home a souvenir, be it a basic skill or one-of-a-kind gift.