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HOW DO YOU 'CARRY OFF' A THEME?

© Jo Ann Wentzel

HOW DO YOU CARRY OFF A THEME?

You have a great idea for a theme party. The perfect idea, the most outstanding idea you ever had. So what's stopping you?

You're not sure how to 'carry off' the theme. Can you really make everyone believe it is the Gay Nineties? Can you begin to recreate the feel of another planet? How will you ever convince your stodgy friends to participate? That one's easy, "Don't invite them." But, seriously, to create a successful theme party you must make a really good attempt to convince people to participate. Make it easy for shy people and even they will get caught up in the mood.

Creating the perfect atmosphere means knowing about your subject and tending to every detail with the most meticulous care. These two things will leave no doubt in anyone's mind what the theme is and they will soon feel like being part of it.

Step one-Creating the appropriate atmosphere for your party. Location is important. One that is too crowded or just the wrong setting will not work. Ask your relatives or friends with a bigger place to let you host it there. Promise to do all preparation and cleanup. Then, do it. Option two is to rent a hall or place to stage your event. Think of this party as the social event of the year, and then engage in some self-fulfilling prophecy. Enough space means you can seat all your guests comfortable or offer them standing room depending on what type of party you are giving. There should be room enough for all to eat conveniently and plenty of room to conduct games and activities.

The correct setting means you will need a pool for a pool party unless, of course, your theme is a Make Believe Beach Party. It means you will use the darkest rooms for a haunted house and the brightest well lit areas for the Hollywood Stars night.

Step two is the paying attention to detail. This is where any hostess or host can shine. The little touches you add or lack will be the making or breaking of the party. The silly, as well as very creative, little additions will bring fun and surprise to your guests. Did you find just the right invitations with the picture of an alien to announce your Outer Space party? What about picking out the perfect color scheme to go with your Nursery Rhyme Character party? Those tiny parasols you found are a lovely touch for the Victorian Event. Keep your eyes pealed year round for items that will be just right for the next theme. I often find good buys on unusual colored streamers that turn out to be the exact shade needed for a special color scheme. There are garage sale finds like Mexican sombreros or Italian flags to add to the decoration stash I keep. Those thrift store craft items can be used for many things and these are what details are made of.

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