Firecracker Diaries - A combination of stories, random thoughts and an appreciation log of life with Daddy

deusolim​(dom male)​{Heroine} - Play parties are often orgies as basically everyone is there for the express purpose of playing with each other. Events are more of a social gathering which can turn into orgies but are typically more reserved and are more about learning, live demonstrations and discussions. These are typically arranged through fetlife groups, if you want to dip your toes into play parties I'd recommend taking a trip to Atlanta in the USA there's a kink club there called 1763 and it is wonderful.

deusolim​(dom male)​{Heroine} - Play parties are often orgies as basically everyone is there for the express purpose of playing with each other. Events are more of a social gathering which can turn into orgies but are typically more reserved and are more about learning, live demonstrations and discussions. These are typically arranged through fetlife groups, if you want to dip your toes into play parties I'd recommend taking a trip to Atlanta in the USA there's a kink club there called 1763 and it is wonderful.

TheAnt​(dom male) - A play party does not have to be an all out orgy as an orgy to me is just a mass pile of bodies. Instead the a public play party would be one where some are there to share stories, ideas, and maybe techniques and it is very sociable AND at the same time others may be engaged in sex and BDSM acts around them or separately - I think of it as sort of Dungeon or a BDSM club feel to it.
Private play parties are closer to the orgy perhaps that the other Dom described for you. It is a private group of people who are likely gathering for a scene BUT some may be there to observe or introduce new members to BDSM or those intrested in it. There is no compulsion to ever have to join in. I feel better at public play parties as there is less chance for feet to be stepped on or feelings to get to hurt so to speak.
A good read is at : https://www.autostraddle.com/how-to-rock-your-first-bdsm-play-party-433485/
I think that will clear up some of it for you. There are of course a lot more sources on the internet and some may actually say it is just a huge orgy but that is more swinger oriented to me. BDSM does not equal swingers.
-DA

Bunnie - In Australia there are strict rules around protocol for what are called Play Parties. Since prostitution is illegal, it is illegal for any form of penetration to occur at a public play party or event where there is a door charge to enter, which is most venues... so, no... our Play Parties are not orgies.
As DaddyAnt suggested, perhaps private ones are different, I don’t know.

Any that I have been to, have been about everyone sharing their love for different types of BDSM kinks, play and dynamic, through negotiated scene-ing.

My old local group had a few different private venues we used (we were very lucky that one of our members built his home specifically with hosting our play parties in mind, so the house was amazing, and very well laid out). Although it was on private property and our group was small, it was still considered a public event.

How it generally went was, once everyone had arrived (it was invite only), the “Dungeon Master” for that evening would go through the rules, any protocols, a reminder about respectful conduct, safety instructions, and any other general information that was necessary. General layout was a greeting area (lobby) where people could just hang out and chat, which is where we would also go through the rules and protocols. A lounging area for relaxing and chatting as well. Also, a food and drinks area for people who needed replenishment after scenes, a “recovery area for anyone who needed that quiet “wind-down” time or for aftercare, individual rooms for those who wanted more privacy, or for types of play that carried the possibility of being more confronting (take down/blood/needle etc).

After the “introduction,” people who had already pre-negotiated would set off to get organised, or put their names down for respective rooms (the room for rope suspension was very specific because of what was needed. Same with the bathroom used for play. So it was necessary to “schedule” those rooms).

And it would begin. Spectators were welcome to watch, all doors were open (unless specified) and everyone practiced respect and courtesy in not interfering in anyone’s scene.
And so the night would go, until the wee hours of the morning, when we would all merrily, and rather glowingly head home... usually as a group to keep an eye on each other.

Bunnie - “invite only” meant that people had to attend a few munches before being given the venue address.

SchrodingersDinosaur​(switch female)​{N/a} - We weren't quite as formal in my playgroup stateside (and more than a few years ago...) but our private 'public' parties were conducted very similarly, Bunnie.

sir james ladies​(sub female)​{oh yes ple} - prior to the children arriving sir James would have gatherings that could be called play parties I his case they would involve the safe use of certain pieces of equipment and for those people who wanted to try them out. this did lead to other equipment being used as well as private competitions happening. the party part was that the ranch always had plenty of food and soft drinks. as we have a large hot tub both indoor and outdoor after care was highlighted sweat meats and vitamin water and Pedialyte where always kept by the tubs. oils and rubs as well. sir considered aftercare more important then the play part thus lady Jane was always there to make recommendations for the care. play parties really involve how good the host and hostess can make it.