During the fall and winter seasons theme parties are very popular. Because of the chilly weather, many people opt for "heat" themes to remind their guests of warmer times to come. You can spice things up fairly easily, creating a hot and perhaps even tropical environment for your guests to enjoy. Does this Spark an idea?
Caliente
"Caliente" is the Spanish word for hot. A Latin-themed party is always a hit. For your food choices, research different Latin countries and their specialty dishes, or make an entire menu of tapas, which are small, appetizer-type dishes. Tapas are extremely popular in Latin areas because they allow people to socialize and act like family even if they are not related. Many are simple to prepare and are filled with flavor. For example, try famed chef Emeril Lagasse's recipe for shrimp and chorizo sausage tapas, which is a sauteed dish served with bread. Margaritas are a great addition to tapas, and can be made in any flavor or color. Serve them on the rocks with salt and lime, or make some frozen and blended with fresh strawberries and mango. Margaritas infused with fruit taste even better with a sugar-coated rim.
For your decorations, look for chili pepper designs (or string some dried peppers up of your own) and brightly colored orange and yellow accents. Pops of red and Latin-inspired decor add a lot. For fun, you can buy or make your own pinata and fill it with candies or prizes. Put on some salsa music to heat up the dance floor and make your fiesta a success.
Heaven and Hell
This theme combines naughty and nice. Offsetting white and red decorations and table patterns will create an invigorating contrast to the eye. To represent hell in your decorations, try using pitchfork stirrers for the guests' cocktails and a platter of deviled eggs. Spicy Bloody Marys and red wine make naughty beverages. Heavenly dishes could be anything white, light or creamy. Angel's food cake, a white bean chili served with shredded cheese and scallions sprinkled on top, or chicken in a white wine sauce might be nice additions to the menu. Ice cream drinks and champagne are sweet and crisp.
Guest might enjoy being asked to dress up in a costume that pertains to the theme, like demons and goddesses. Put together some mixed CDs with songs like "Devil Went Down to Georgia".as a musical addition to the evening.
Tiki Flame
Transform your party area into a tiki bar. While this works best in an outdoor area, it is still possible to have a luau within the confines of your home. Thousands of tiki masks, related decorations and party favors can be found online or at your local party supply store. Instead of lighting tiki torches inside, use smaller candles or put water in glass bowls and float votives on top. Ask your guests to dress in Hawaiian or fire-patterned clothing, and pass out leis as people arrive.
Hollowed-out coconuts make fun glasses, and the meat and juice removed from the coconuts can be used for pina coladas or a coconut shrimp appetizer. Don't forget the tiny umbrellas. Have lots of tropical fruit laid out, using the shells of the fruits they were carved from as serving dishes.
Party games for this tropical theme are always fun. You can fashion a limbo stick out of an old broom handle or a large stick from the backyard. Hiring some dancers to come in and teach your guests to hula would be a special treat, but if that is not possible, wing it yourself by first learning using an instructional DVD.
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