Themed parties offer whimsy and clever details that adults will appreciate as much as children.
Adults enjoy a theme birthday party just as much as children. Choose the right theme for an adult birthday bash by first taking stock of the likes and interests of the birthday boy or girl. Compare those interests with several tried-and-true adult party themes to determine the best match. For a more personalized approach, adapt a classic theme to suit the guest-of-honor to a tee. Does this Spark an idea?
Musical Themes
For the music lover, there's no better theme than a bash dedicated to a favorite musician, group, genre or album. Beatles fans can draw on a rich mine of images from the iconic group. Invite guests to dress up as characters from Beatles songs, and try to identify Mean Mr. Mustard, Lucy in the Sky with Diamonds, Rocky Raccoon, the Walrus and more. Decorate one table as "Abbey Road" by lining up several white rectangular runners across a black tablecloth. If you wish, hang a street sign above the table to clue in any perplexed guests. Choosing a musical era provides a broad basis for a themed party. For a 70s disco party, break out a disco ball, and encourage costumes befitting the era.
Murder Mystery
Murder mystery themes offer intrigue, humor and an excuse for highly creative decor and costume. Either devise a murder mystery plot yourself, or purchase a ready-made game. Outfit the party venue like an English country manor or an Orient Express train. Cover modern furniture with more appropriately patterned fabric. Decorate with old candlesticks and photographs, and serve food on china. Use a "Clue" board game for inspiration, and lay out the classic weapons featured in the game. Encourage guests to dress the part, either assigning them roles or setting a particular epoch for the game. To spare the guests any hassle, provide accessories and costumes. A simple hat, brooch, vest, shawl or pipe can serve to put a guest in character.
Swanky Entertainment
For a decidedly grown-up event, choose a theme that's high on glamour. New York makes an excellent theme for cocktail parties or New Year's celebrations. Serve Manhattan cocktails, and let the city's many ethnic populations influence your spread of appetizers. Play Cut a New York skyline out of black cardboard, and use it as a backdrop for a buffet table or bar. Hang posters from Broadway shows, and play Broadway tunes and New York-inspired tunes from all genres. Round things out with New York style cheesecake squares, or give each guest a big (candy) apple. For lovers of the high life, create a James Bond theme. Serve martinis, and decorate with movie posters or 1960s mod furnishings. Play music from each of the films, and for a fancy affair, ask that guests wear black tie dress.
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