Favorite methods to get sims in particular moods?

Browse Simpedia for Focused. Thoughtful shower and/or brush teeth for Confident. Brisk shower for Energised, coffee is good too. Freshen up for Flirty.

Study fossils or chess for Focused. Watch funny Videos for playful. The wellness social interactions are also great when you've got more than on Sim in a household (e.g. discussion focusing methods).
The rest hast already been mentioned.

Flirty-watch a romance movie
Energized-exercise or coffee
Focused-chess tabe
Inspired-watch cooking channel, view art
Confident-speak in mirror
Playful-bubble bath

I also use the mood potions.

Flirty: heart-shaped bed mod
Playful: bubble bath

If you've got a vampire in the household, there is a higher-level vampire power that you can use to affect other Sims' emotions.

As far as ones that I use most often, though, the potions are handy to get child Sims in the right moods for their aspirations, and I use the chess table a lot as well.

"83bienchen;c-18272323" wrote:
The wellness social interactions are also great when you've got more than on Sim in a household (e.g. discussion focusing methods).

Agreed, can't believe I forgot about them! I don't get to use them that often because I just... forget to though, lol

"Larrikateven;c-18272411" wrote:
If you've got a vampire in the household, there is a higher-level vampire power that you can use to affect other Sims' emotions.

I started using that one recently, it's great for party goals but it's kinda overpowered.

And speaking of moods, how often does people dying from laughter happen to you guys? I modded emotional death out because my sims kept getting a little too playful and biting it. I wish I could just mod out playful death and keep the rest but I haven't seen a mod that does that

"Carmine;c-18272556" wrote:

And speaking of moods, how often does people dying from laughter happen to you guys? I modded emotional death out because my sims kept getting a little too playful and biting it. I wish I could just mod out playful death and keep the rest but I haven't seen a mod that does that

I had to find a mod to stop "Death from Laughter". It was happening way too much. In one playing session alone 3 people died from laughter. Then another 2 died shortly after.
I reloaded the save several times but always the same thing.
The problem is: Let's say they are inspired+100. Playful +10. As soon as something triggers the mood to playful, most all the other moodlets transfer/convert over boosting and it's Hysterical which means near instant death. Can't get to a mirror, and even if so, can't calm down in time.

Should not be 'punished' for having fun. ;)

(I know it's a coding issue)

Ed the Hysterical Hyena dies of laughter. :D :D :D
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3VVaew5-2g

Emotional paintings off the gallery, work quicker than most options

"SelinaKyles;c-18272585" wrote:
Emotional paintings off the gallery, work quicker than most options

Yeah. The 'non-cheaty' way is more of what the game is about though.

Flirty is pretty simple. Get at least one Sim into a flirty mood, then take photos or have that Sim who is flirty paint a painting. Going on a date and unlocking the VIP basket is the most solid way to get a flirty aura item.

Inspired is tricky. Have to unlock items that have an aura for "inspiration". Though, like others have already said, there are in-game ways to get it.

Confident also is tricky, though you can find items, again take photos of a confident Sim if you want an easy aura. But doing actions that cause the actual moodlet/emotion is fun. Like winning at chess.

Etc... Etc...