Karaoke has long been a staple of the weeknight bar scene; in recent years, its popularity has expanded to a point where it's not uncommon to rent an entire room for a karaoke party. Some venues even host "live" karaoke nights where patrons can get up in front of a live band to live out their rock and roll fantasies.

However, you don't have to go out to enjoy the fun of a karaoke night. You can throw a karaoke party even with limited space and a limited budget.

Step one: The karaoke machine.

Karaoke machines are readily available in a range of prices. By hooking up to your television, they give the most realistic karaoke experience as your voice is channeled through your stereo speakers.

If you don't want to commit to purchasing a karaoke machine, you still have options. You can use karaoke DVDs; this system lacks the voice amplification of a real karaoke machine, but that may not be a problem in a smaller house or apartment.

Also, many "on-demand" cable companies provide karaoke television stations where you use your remote to select songs and the words appear on the screen as the music plays.

Step two: The setup.

If you're using CDs or DVDs and are a committed karaoke party-thrower, you will probably want to have books of the songs listed alphabetically both by song and by title so guests can easily find their favorite songs. If this doesn't seem necessary, simply make sure the CDs are available for easy perusal.

Make sure you have a clearly defined "stage" area in front of the television. Move the coffee table to the side (you can use it to set up the CDs), and set up chairs for the audience. Make sure to keep the atmosphere relaxed; two straight rows of folding chairs staring right at the singer will be intimidating for performers!

Step three: The refreshments.

Once you've figured out how to organize the karaoke part of the party, you'll still need to figure out snacks, drinks, and activities to keep your guests fueled and the party moving.

While I'm not suggesting that alcohol is necessary for a good time, it can't be argued that a few drinks will loosen inhibitions, and a karaoke party is no fun if guests are self-conscious!

Pick a signature drink to serve like a "karaoke kamikaze" or "musical margarita." Another option in keeping with the interactive feel of Karaoke is to provide a bar stocked with some basic alcohols and fun mixers and encourage guests to create their own music-themed cocktails. Who knows;

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