Throw a Theme Party

By Susan C. Hall

A gathering of close friends always signals a good time. Sometimes, though, a variation on the typical social can elevate a good time to a great time. Here are some suggestions for theme parties that are bound to be big hits.

Fiesta Con Amigos

Start the party in the kitchen (where guests tend to congregate anyway). Place a platter of white and yellow corn taco shells on the table or bar and set out bowls with these fillings:

• Ground beef or turkey prepared with a dried taco mix
• Refried beans (warmed)
• Shredded lettuce
• Chopped tomatoes
• Sliced avocados
• Chopped green onions
• Sliced ripe olives
• Shredded cheese
• Taco sauce

The rest of the meal could include Mexican rice, corn bread, guacamole, and lemon bars for dessert.

You're never too old for a piñata -- watch them line up to bat. You can find piñatas at a local hobby or novelty store. While you're there, pick up some colorful crepe paper flowers to arrange around the food. A little mariachi music in the background is nice, but it shouldn't interfere with conversation.

You could do a similar sort of party featuring a French theme by serving crepes with bowls of condiments and sauces. Or go Italian. Alison K. from upstate New York wrote to us about a make-your-own-pizza party where guests were given dough and all the toppings -- then they voted on the best creation. Alison says Mexican theme parties aren't novel for her group, but they attended one she considered special, a Feliz Navidad celebration. The entire house was done up cantina style, complete with hot chili lights. According to Amy Mayfield from California, parties with '60s, '70s, Hawaiian, and cowboy themes have been popular in her group of friends, and all lend themselves to theme-related decorations and menus.

Come As You Were

This may a difficult party to pull off if your friends aren't comfortable wearing their work clothes or pajamas to a party. The idea is to wear the outfit you were wearing when you received the invitation. If your friends are good sports, deliver the invite when you know your friends will be involved in various activities: playing tennis, gardening, making breakfast, or painting. You might even take a camera along and feature candid snapshots at the party. Complement the casual mood with fondue.

Other Ideas

Amy Mayfield is a fan of book theme parties: dress like the characters, decorations based on the book's setting, or serve the author's favorite food (which would entail some research). Old favorites like karaoke night, line dancing, and costume parties are still big winners. You don't have to wait for Halloween. Lots of adults are just waiting for an excuse to dress up differently. For more ideas, see the yellow comment box.

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