Articles » Liven Up Your Entertaining: Throw a Theme Party!

Liven Up Your Entertaining:  Throw a Theme Party!

Want to add a little spice to your next get together?  Try throwing a theme party in your backyard. 

Starting with the invitations, whether you do this by snail mail or email, get creative. 

Try a beach theme.   Read on to get some ideas and get your creative juices flowing.

A beach theme is a relief from our dry desert.  (Don’t you just get cooler thinking about sitting under a palm tree, sipping a cool drink, a tropical breeze blowing your hair?) With a few dollars and a little time, you can create a tropical retreat on your patio.

Start with the invitations.  If you’re mailing them, go to a craft store and wander through the scrap booking aisles.  There are lots of stick-ons to help you create your own special invitations.  If you’re going the email route, then search for free graphic images to include in your invite.  Palm trees, flip flops, coconuts, sun glasses; you get the idea.

Next, decorations.  Take any tablecloth and drape a fish net over the top.  Instant beach feeling.  Candles placed in trays surrounded with lots of shells, give you even more ambience. Fountains of any size with tropical flowers floating in them, add to the atmosphere with the sound of running water.  Don’t have a fountain?  You can purchase small tabletop ones inexpensively or buy a pump and make your own; they’re easy.  Tiki torches placed in the backyard further establish the mood and light up the night.

If you want more of a cabana feeling, try hanging canvas panels around your dining area. You can purchase a painter’s drop cloth at the paint store or buy regular canvas at the fabric store.  The panels can be hung on a rod if you want them to be permanent, or stapled if you want to remove. 

Menu.  Here you can be as extravagant as you want.  If you’re doing a small party, and your budget will allow, consider lobster.  Bigger group, go with grilled fish or shrimp.  Check your cookbooks for sides to go with whatever fish dish you decide to serve.  As for drinks, think tropical.  Fruity drinks like pina coladas can be made with and without alcohol.  Just don’t forget the little umbrellas!  

Dress.  It wouldn’t be a beach party without you and your guests being in the proper attire.  Tell your guests to dress appropriately; flip flops, big hats, sarongs, shorts are all acceptable beach ware. 

Final note.  Make your preparations in advance so you can enjoy the party without getting stressed out.  No matter what your theme, just follow through from invitation to food and your guests will appreciate your efforts and give you kudos for your creativity.  Above all, have fun!