Oktoberfest Party Decorations
Celebrate Oktoberfest with German beer, bratwurst, sauerkraut and pretzels. This traditional 15-day event generally held from late September to early October began in 1810 as a wedding celebration in Munich, Germany. Held outdoors (a backyard is perfect), Oktoberfest parties feature lots of hearty German food and beer. Even if you're not German, have an Oktoberfest party for friends and family. Does this Spark an idea?
Decorating Supplies
Purchase blue-and-white checkered table covers, red, black and red streamers, balloons, confetti, banners and signs. Use paper supplies with Oktoberfest themes, ceramic beer mugs or steins (if possible), German flags and wall decorations such as German travel posters. Guests can come in costume, wearing vests with an Oktoberfest theme or green Alpine hats. Decorations and supplies can be purchased on the Internet at such stores as Oriental Trading and Oktoberfest Haus (see Resources below).
Decorating Ideas
German food is the main feature of Oktoberfest, so arrange dishes on a table in a buffet fashion. Serve a variety of sausages, Kielbasa and wursts, soft pretzels, hot German potato salad, sauerkraut and sweet and sour cabbage. For desserts, include black forest cake and sweet Hoernchen. Hang posters, banners and signs about Oktoberfest or German travel on fences or outdoor posts where the party is held. Play CDs with German music by Bavarian bands.
A Few Tips
Ask travel agents for expired German travel posters to hang on your walls. If you like to sew, stitch up a few German flags (with strips of black, red and yellow fabric) to display (they don't have to be actual size). Ask guests to bring a special Oktoberfest dish, along with recipe cards. For German beer selections, ask your wine and spirits merchant for guidance and information.
Tags: German travel, banners signs, German beer, German flags, German food, German travel posters