Fitzgerald, The Great Gatsby, a common motif is partying. There are multiple parties set up by Gatsby and one that we know of by Myrtle. Similarly, their parties are gaudy and include the prohibited substance, alcohol. However, there are great differences between the two as told by Nick, our narrator. Nick is a reliable source, being a guest at both venues and he tells us with great detail guests, atmosphere and how the hosts behave. This is a true testament that money cannot buy sophistication.
When Nick is invited to Tom and Myrtle's love nest in New York, an impromptu party is held. Myrtle calls up the neighbors as well as her sister Catherine, all who show up on a whim's notice. There is of course, liquor, and Myrtle is no stranger to drinking. Myrtle craves the attention she gets, and even dismisses Mrs. McKee's comment about her dress, declaring "oh this old thing", though we really know she is relishing the attention because she goes on to change her clothes at one point, fishing for more compliments no doubt. Her parties are pointless, they have no real purpose. In contrast, Gatsby plans his parties with great detail from the fresh produce being delivered to the help cleaning and preparing for it. Unlike Myrtle's party, no one is invited, they just show up. Ironically, Gatsby rarely makes an appearance at his parties, and leaves the guests guessing as to who he really is, and even go so far as starting rumors, "I heard he's killed a man before", about their host. He is not interested in being the center of attention, rather he is having these parties for a purpose.
Myrtle's get together has a select group of people from the McKee's and other local neighbors, to her sister Catherine. They are all invited on a whim yet they still come. However, Gatsby's parties are a regular occurrence, and people from all over make their way to it. Gatsby's parties have exclusive guests from small producers, to big directors and actors.