Thursday, October 1, 2015

Party Themes & Props

Decorate a fiesta with colorful lanterns.


Planning a party is more fun when you choose a theme. A themed party is simpler to pull together, since it keeps your party planning focused. One of the hardest parts of planning a theme party is choosing the theme and finding decorations and props to support it. Consider the interests of the guest of honor when settling on a theme. You may also take the party's season and size into account. Does this Spark an idea?


Decade of Your Choice


Decades from the 20th century are often a popular party theme, especially for people who lived through that particular decade or enjoy the decade's styles and music. For instance, people born in the 1980s could throw 1980's-themed parties, while baby boomers could relive their youth and throw 1960's-themed parties.


Appropriate costumes are an important prop at a decade-theme party. Tell guests to break out their bell bottoms and fringe for a 1960's party or their polyester and glitter for a 1970's party. Icons from the time period will fit in well, too. Plug in a few lava lamps for a 1960's party or hang a disco ball for a 1970's party.


Hawaiian Theme


A summer time birthday or graduation party calls for a Hawaiian theme. Decorate a poolside area with inflatable palm trees and keep bugs away by lighting tiki torches. Distribute leis to your guests and if you want to get really into things, give grass skirts to female guests and bold, Hawaiian print shirts to the males. Play ukulele music or pop songs about surfing.


Fiesta


The pinata is the central prop at a Mexican fiesta-themed party. Hang it outdoors from a tree branch or wrap a piece of wire around the post in a drop ceiling to hang it indoors. Use Mexican blankets as tablecloths and hang festive paper lanterns to light up the party. If your budget allows, consider hiring a Mariachi band to play music and entertain guests.


Garden Party


If you are fortunate to have a lovely garden, or know someone who does, consider making it the theme of your party. Set up small cafe tables around the garden area and place cut flowers from the garden on each table. Give small packets of easy-to-grow seeds as party favors. Turn it into a tea party by serving small pastries, cookies and a sampling of teas.


Cocktail Party


Make your favorite cocktail, whether something classy like a martini or something else like a Long Island Iced Tea, the theme of the party. Set up a bar in one corner of your room and stock up on the appropriate glasses for the cocktail of choice. Offer wine or beer as alternatives. Serve simple appetizers such as cheese, crackers, hummus and pita.

Tags: 1960 party, 1970 party, s-themed parties, theme party, your party