Theme Party

A Theme Party creates a fun way for your guests to get involved in the party.  Whether its a Birthday Party Theme or a summer BBQ, using a theme create a festive environment.

The Happy Face (a.k.a. Smiley Face) is a universal symbol for joy.  It represents good tidings.   We all know what it means; no one has to tell us. We are born with smiles. Many cultures depict their religious figures with a half smile, a traditional sign of the blend of joy and peace.  Some scholars believe the Happy face is apart of the human collective unconscious.  This collective unconscious is our knowledge as a species that influences our life experiences. The Happy Face is apart of our non-verbal communication.  There are no words, only a facial expression.  This image is so prevalent in our society that we look for Happy Faces in the stars.  In the 21^st century, NASA  discovered a Happy Face crater on the planet mars.  How many times have we sang, “the man in the moon is smiling, coz he’s in love.”  The Happy Face as we know it, first gain recognition in the 60’s with the Hippies and its popularity continues to the present.  What better gift is there than a smile!  Happy Face party supplies like paper plates, napkins, and cups are a perfect way to complete a  Happy Face Party Theme.  Party decorations using like glow jewelry, stickers.  A Happy Face piñata can be a centerpiece and double as party prizes.  Party favors like loot bags, necklaces, and inflatables will add smiles to a Happy Face Party Theme.

A party with a theme like a Luau Theme Party need Hawaiian music to create a warm atmosphere.  Casual clothes with bright colors and flowers are fitting at a Luau theme party.  Also, grass hula skirts and coconut bikini tops or mu-mus for the ladies.  Or wear a brightly colored sundress.  For everyone a flower lei necklace, anklet and/or bracelet complete a perfect Luau outfit.  The menu for an authentic Luau party would include Pua’a Kalua (roasted pig).  The roasted pig is cooked in an underground Imu all day long in an open area.  This is a conversation starter. Traditional Luau also have raw seasoned seafood (poke), Lomilomi Salmon (salmon with tomatoes and onion) and Chicken Luau served with long rice.  Desserts are usually Haupia (coconut pudding), Taro pudding and sweet potatoes.  For the beverages serve tropical punch or any pineapple based drinks.  Common Luau decorations are tiki torches, flower lei garland and plenty of Hibiscus flowers which can be placed on the tables as centerpieces.  A long raffia table skirt and umbrella cover adds to the ambience.  Inflatable palm trees, a bar for limbo, and a hula dancing lesson completes the replica of a real Hawaiian Luau.

Line dancing and square dancing is very popular in the western culture for a Western Theme Party. Country western and Campfire sing-a-longs is also suitable for a western party.  Keep in mind that you want to choose fast paced music for the guests at the party that would be fitting for dancing games.  Western wear consists of blue jeans, cowboy hats and any button down checkered or plain shirt. For girls any saloon inspired outfit would be fine.  Or, they can wear the same clothes as the boys. Square dancers are also a big part of the country western theme. Girls wear cut-off shorts and a checkered shirt tied at the waist with the sleeves rolled up. The girl’s hair is usually up in a bun, ponytail, or worn in pigtail braids. The menu for a country western theme party can be pretty much anything as long as its good old fashioned American food. Some examples are hamburgers, steak kabobs, buffalo wings, corn-on-the-cob, BBQ beans, macaroni and potato salads. Drinks can be old fashion lemonade and root beer.  Western theme decorations include Wild West plates, napkins, cups, silverware and tablecloths. Use dark blue, red and white streamers, bandanas, and balloons to decorate around the party area. A cowboy hat or western boot piñata would add fun for your little ones. Cactus makes nice centerpieces.  Make up a “wanted” sign with the guest of honors picture on it and use them for placemats.

Cinco de Mayo is celebrated all over the country during which many people have a fiesta theme party.  Cinco de Mayo is celebrated because it’s the day Mexico won its independence from France. May 5^th is the perfect day to throw a fiesta but anytime is a fun time to have a Mexican Fiesta Theme Party.  Music is a big part of Mexican culture.  Acoustic guitars are played by many citizens in Mexico.  Mariachi bands or any Spanish sing-a-long is perfect for this occasion.  The Macarena is also a fun selection for the party.  For the clothes you can have fun with this one. Boys can wear black jeans with cowboy boots and button down shirts topped with a sombrero or cowboy hat. Girls can wear a long flowing skirt with sandals and any off the shoulder shirt. Traditionally the girls wear a flower in their ear and their hair in a bun.  The menu can change depending on the guests preferences.  Some Mexican food includes Nachos, Tacos, Tostadas, Carne Asada Burritos, and Enchiladas or even Fish, Flan or any Mexican pastry.  Tamarinda and Horchata are some ideas of Mexican beverages you can serve.  For the decorations, red, white and green balloons, streamers, piñatas and sombreros are ideal.  A giant plastic Burro would be another cute idea for you party. Red, green and white cups, plates, napkins and silverware are fitting paper goods.  Real or plastic cactus, Mexican flags, and map of Mexico tablecloths complete your table top decorations. Try planning your party away from grassy areas to give it a feel of Mexico’s scenery. Now all you need is your guests to arrive and you’ll be set to enjoy your Mexican fiesta party.

No one really knows where or when the Mardi Gras custom started. Mardi Gras, which is a carnival, is celebrated all over the world.  It is most popular in New Orleans and Brazil.  Mardi Gras is French for fat Tuesday (mardi = Tuesday and gras = fat).  In the middle ages the day before Lent people would sacrifice a fatten ox for a carnival feast.  Mardi Gras is the Tuesday before Ash Wednesday.  It is a holiday originating from ancient pagan traditions that were Christianized by the Catholic Church. The first historical evidence of Mardi Gras traditions in America dates to 1699 by French explorers near the Mississippi River, about 60 miles south of present day New Orleans.  The Carnival season begins on January 6, the Twelfth Night feast of the Epiphany. According to Christian beliefs, the Epiphany is the day that the three kings, or Wise Men, visited the Christ Child.  People wear costumes and masks.  Merrymakers dance and make music in the street. Krewes or organizations build floats and throw beads and other shinny, sparkly items to crowds of people. Mardi Gras party supplies like paper plates, napkins, and cups are a perfect way to complete a Mardi Gras party theme.  Party decorations like inflatables, and beads ad to the magic of Mardi Gras.  Mardi Gras loot bags tucked in basket can be a centerpiece and double as party prizes.  Party favors like masks and glow jewelry will create festive energetic spirit of a Mardi Gras Party Theme.

Decade theme parties looks back at the different eras.  The roaring 20's Theme Party clothes waistlines were at the waist, but were loose and not fitted. Women wore suits with long hemlines and somewhat full skirts, often with belts at the waist of the jackets. Dress and suit bodices alike were worn loose, even baggy.  They also would have the "earphone" hairstyle popular in the early 1920s, also known as cootie garages.  In the 1920s some of the most exciting and memorable elements in America are the trends.  The most famous people of the 1920s were flappers. These women set fashion trends, a new woman was born. She smoked, drank, danced, and voted. She cut her hair, wore make-up, and went to petting parties. She was giddy and took risks.  The new sound of jazz first spread across America in the early twentieth-century.  

A sock hop 50's Party Theme 1950s gave birth to Rock ‘N Roll music and a popular culture.  This is the era when Chuck Berry, Jerry Lee Lewis and of course the King of Rock 'N Roll, Elvis Presley ruled the air ways.  A sock hop represent an independence from authority, a release of the rebel within all of us. The young generation (teenagers) emerged as their own cultural and social category. They had their own music, their own fashion, and their own social arrangements. Remember in the 50's there were no CDs or cassettes to listen to music.  At sock hops teenagers would gather around the record player to spin their 78s and 45s.  Sock Hops were an opportunity to dance and be carefree.  The ladies wore poodle skirts, bobby socks, saddle shoes and beehive hairdos.  The fellas rolled up their jeans to show off their converse snickers and donned leather jackets.  The prosperity of the 1950s gave young people spending money they had never had before. This was also the time of The Beatniks young people who were poets and artist.  The most famous beats Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac denounced modern life, espoused a life of cultural rebellion. 

Groovy 60's Theme Party "Tune in, Turn on, Drop out"  The 1960s was a time social revolution.  The youth of the 50s were now in college.  They took their challenge to the establishment ( parents, government, school officials) to a degree never before seen then or since.  The young Adults marched on the nations capitol, protested the Vietnam war, held rallies at their Universities, walked for peace and civil rights.  The Young Adults had enough of the status quo.  This challenge resulted in revolutionary ways of thinking and real change in the cultural fabric of American life.  This affected education, values, lifestyles, laws, and entertainment.  The 60's revolutionary ideas are continuing today.  This was also a time to party hard.  Thousands Hippies (young adults that shrugged society, went naked, live on communes, and took psychedelic drugs.) converged on a new York town, Woodstock for a grand concert that went on for days. The music of the 60s is excellent for a Rock and Roll Theme Party with music like the Beatles, Jimmy Hendrix, and the Doors.  The fashion was far and unisex and the women burned their bras.  Everyone wore bell bottoms, natural and long coiffures, tie dye, beads, John Lennon glasses and tried to spread peace and understanding.

Disco 70's Party Theme Knits and denims were the fabrics of choice.  Leisure suits for men became commonplace, and women were fashionable in everything from ankle-length grandmother dresses to hot pants and micro-miniskirts.  The movie Annie Hall inspired a fashion trend with women sporting traditional men's clothing such as derby hats, tweed jackets, and neckties worn with baggy pants or skirts.  The women's movement was strong and women surpassed men in college enrollment in 1979.  The first Earth Day was April 22, 1970.  David Bowie, Queen, Abba, KIZZ, The Bee Gees, Donna Summer were the musical artist that many boogied to.  Nixon resigns in 1974 facing impeachment from the information revealed on the Watergate tapes.  Star Wars was the highest grossing film ever.  Saturday Fever was the movie that really represents the 1970.  The story of a boy who just wants to dance. The men had shoulder length hair and everyone wore tight fitting clothes.  In New York, Studio 54 was the most popular place for a disco party theme.  Disco is not just a club, but it is also a dance style and a fashion.  Around the country roller disco was all the rage.

An 80's Party Theme would feature break-dancing and punk rock. Bands like Duran Duran, Oingo Boingo, Social Distortion and Minor Threat influenced people everywhere. Each crowd had their own way of dressing. Break dancers primarily wore jump suits and high top sneakers and had a fade haircut. The “punkers” wore tight jeans and dress shirts with ties. They had multi-colored Mohawks and wore make-up. Madonna also influenced the way people in the 80’s dressed. Big hair heavy make-up and little to no clothing at all was the style Madonna was famous for. Spandex was another fad, put on an oversized to-shirt, jean jacket, and spandex pants with leg warmers and that would be an average outfit of the 80’s.  

90's Party Theme and Black light Theme Party was craze in the nineties. The early nineties opened a new door in the world of music.  Grunge metal, hip hop and rap were the most benevolent. Most groups are still around today.  Grunge followers wore ripped jeans, flannel shirts and had long hair. Nirvana is one of the more famous bands that started this “grunge” era. Hip hop and rap had a completely opposite group of followers. They wore big baggy jeans, tube tops, sport jerseys and baseball hats. Some groups like TLC, Salt n Pepa, Dr Dre and Snoop Dogg paved the way for artists today. TLC and Salt n Pepa were known for putting political issues into their music.

A few of the most famous Pirates were women. Anne Bonny had a reputation among her peers as possessing a fierce and courageous temper, and a fiery disposition. She sailed with another lady, Mary Read. They often went disguise as a men, to fight and to hide from the governor of Jamaica. Along with Calico Jack, an infamous ladies man, Anne and Mary terrorized the seas. Another great is pirate Sir Francis Drake, a puritan farmer’s son who was known as the Gentleman Pirate. Sir Francis Drake plundered the Spanish Armada in the Caribbean during the 14th century. Although Drake established fame for his bravery and courage, his contemporaries hated and despised him. Drake was liked by Queen Elizabeth. The Queen placed him in command of a fleet of ships and knighted Drake. As long as humans have been sailing the seas there have been Pirates. Other names used for Pirates are Buccaneers and Privateers. The Pirates Flag is the skull and cross bones. Swords are the weapon of choice. Pirates wore eye patches to cover a missing eye, or to feign like one is missing an eye. Some had hooks to replace missing limbs lost in battle. They stole ships and all the treasure within the ship. Pirates hid their booty and drew treasure maps to remember the locations. Pirate party supplies like paper plates, napkins, and cups are a perfect way to complete a Pirate theme party. Party decorations using Pirate Flags and treasure chests as center pieces can double as party prizes. Party favors like Pirate jewelry and swords will give your guests an “RRRRR Matey.”

A Safari Themed Party Animal Party Theme and Safari Theme Party  Food you can serve at a Safari Themed Party are  burgers, fries and colorful drinks with umbrellas. For your Safari Themed Party choose from sweet treats like safari cakes, animal face cakes and or safari cupcakes.  Animal crackers/cookies can also be used as a decoration, simply place animal crackers in a party bowl and use the boxes to make Animal Zoo Cages.  A fun game to play is Hide & Go Seek or Tag.  The person who's "it" weara an explorer's outfit (safari "pith" hat and binoculars) and the rest of the players wearing Animal Masks.  Another game can be  played like an Easter Egg or Scavenger Hunt, just hide your inflatable safari animals, and have the party guests place the animals they've collected in their own Animal Zoo Cages.  Decorate a Safari Themed Party with inflatable zoo animals and make paper bag safari puppets.  Put up safari print balloons and streamers. Have each guest dress up as their favorite safari animal, and the guest of honor as the explorer. A Pool Themed Party   

Pool party theme Pool Party Theme is about enjoying the water.  For thousands of years humans have been jumping into pools.  Evidence of swimming as an organized activity can be found in ancient Babylon, Japan, Assyria, and Egypt.  The first heated pool was built by the Roman Lord Gaius Maecenas.  Swimming Pools became popular in the 19^th century England.  In 1896 swimming was added among the Olympic events.  Today a pool party theme is more than swimming.  It’s an opportunity to be around family and friends, to relax and unwind from the grind of the school or work week.  People love to listen to music at pool parties.  Make sure there is a buffet because a sit down meal is out of the question for this active party theme.  Have a buffet filled with light dishes and finger foods are easy to grab and won’t make your guest feel to heavy to swim. Pool Party supplies like paper plates, napkins, and cups are a perfect way to complete a Pool Party Theme.  Party decorations using like a sun ball, stickers.  A Pool Party piñata can be a centerpiece and double as party prizes.  Party favors like jewelry and stickers, and inflatables will add splashes to a Pool Party Theme.

Decorate a Pool Themed Party with  beach balls, inflatable pool toys and colorful balloons.  Fun Invitations for a pool party include drawing of a diving board or a  photo of a kiddie pool.  Invitations in the shape of swim goggles are another cute idea for a Pool Themed Party.  Ask guests to bring swimsuit, suntan lotion ,a towel and swim goggle.  A Pool Themed Party  can be at a community pool or a water park.  Young children can come too, just blow up a few kiddie pools in your yard. Some fun games to play at A Pool Themed Party are Marco Polo, Water volleyball, coin diving, swimming through rings, and for the younger guests pin the sunglasses on the dolphin.  An easy menu to prepare for  A Pool Themed Party consists of sandwiches, goldfish, popsicles and/or rainbow sherbet, cookies and lemonade.   

A Sport Themed Party Sports Theme  Punt, Pass, Kick or Score this Sports Themed Party will suit any sports fan.  Green, white , black and yellow are the colors of most  Sports Themed Parties.  Decorations for a Sport Themed Party can be little footballs, soccer balls , golf balls and volleyball balloons and paper goods.  The average menu for a sports party is Hotdogs, hamburgers, nachos, pizza, soda and popcorn.  Have your guests dress as their favorite sports star and trade off playing a game of each persons favorite sport. Test each others knowledge on the sport and see who truly is the ultimate sports fan.  

Football
Derived from the English game of rugby, American football was started in 1879 with rules instituted by Walter Camp, player and coach at Yale University.  In 1888 tackling as low as the knee was permitted.  From 1876 through 1879, the game was rugby, with only a few minor American embellishments. But during the next four years (1880-1883), all this would change.  Walter Camp contributed some of the changes from Rugby and Soccer to American football.  The first thing that Walter Camp changed was that one side retained undisputed possession of the ball, until that side gives up the ball as a result of its own violations.  Walter also changed the line of scrimmage, and 11 players on a team instead of 15.  Camp created the quarter-back and center positions, forward pass, standardized the scoring system, numerical scoring and the safety, interference, penalties, and the neutral zone for football.  A touchdown increased in value to six points and field goals went down to three points in 1912.  

Harry Potter and The Sorcerer Stone was the first book written by J.K Rowling.  The story is about a boy, Harry Potter, who  lives with his aunt, uncle and cousin.  He is treated as an outcast, his room in a closet at the foot of the stairs. Harry hasn't even had a birthday in 11 years, but all that is about to change when a mysterious letter arrives by owl messenger.  The letter contained an invitation to an incredible place that Harry, and anyone who reads about him, will find unforgettable. Since the Sorcerer Stone J.K Rowling has written four more books for the Harry Potter series. These books instantly became a huge hit for kids everywhere.  The first book was made into a movie and made box office history.

Bachelor Party Theme
The night before the wedding, the grooms best friends and male family members take him out for one last night of debauchery and pleasure also known as a Bachelor party.  This celebration in the groom's honor was originally called the bachelor dinner, or stag party. Like many other wedding traditions, the custom has stood the test of time. It first came about in the fifth century, in Sparta , where military comrades would feast and toast one another on the eve of a friend's wedding. Even today, a bachelor party customarily takes place quite close to the actual wedding date, as it has become known as the groom's last taste of freedom. Despite the risqué entertainment that is associated with stag parties today, bachelor parties have not always entailed this controversial element. Although rowdy and boisterous, bachelor parties are traditionally organized to allow the jittery groom and his wedding attendants to release some anxieties before the big day. The kindest thing you can do for the Groom-to-be is to pace him. Bachelor party supplies like paper plates, napkins, and cups are a nice way to complete a Bachelor Party Theme. Bachelor Party decorations like mugs, and beverage hats can act as centerpiece and can also double as party prizes. Party favors like badges, glow sticks and cowboy hats fit a Bachelor Party Theme.

Bachelorette Party Theme
The night before the wedding at the Bacheloreette party is the Brides last night as a maiden.  Traditionally it is an all girls night. The Party of maids hit the town.  They dress up in their finery, sprits a delicious scent, slip on the perfect pair of shoes.  Armed with clutch bags and cameras, the group of Bachelorettes celebrates the last night the Bride will spend as a maid.  Bridesmaids and maids of honor help the Bride plan her wedding and of course they take full control of the Bachelorette Party.  For several days before the marriage, a senior maid attended to the bride-to-be. This maid or matron of honor, as we know her today, attends to the Bride’s needs, making sure the bridal wreath is made and helping the bride get dressed. All bridesmaids helped the bride decorate for the wedding feast and give the Bachelorette Party.  Bachelorette party supplies like paper plates, napkins, and cups are a nice way to complete a Bachelorette Party Theme.  Party decorations such as Bachelorette table covers and streamers add a stylish touch.  A Bachelorette balloon centerpiece; can also double as party prizes. Party favors like Bachelorette jewelry and boas, will help all your guests rejoice the wedding of the Bride to be.

25^th Anniversary Party Theme
The 25^th Anniversary is the called the silver anniversary.  Silver represents abundance with responsibility. Silver is a mirror to the soul, helping us to see ourselves as others see us.  Silver is a major conductor and communicator.  It aids speech, public speaking eloquence, enhances patience and perseverance.  Silver draws negative energy out from the body and replaces it with positive energy.  Traditionally spouses give each other gifts of Silver.  It is a time for celebrations.  There is an elaborate party with family and friends and often a renewal of the wedding vows. Months of preparation can go in planning the 25^th Anniversary Party.  It is the time for the spouses to become the bride and groom again.  Stand in front of their community together, they reaffirm their love.  Often the children of the couple are included in the ceremony. The children are the living bond of love and friendship and a continuation of life. 25^th Anniversary party supplies like paper plates, napkins, and cups are a nice way to complete a 25^th Anniversary Party Theme. Party decorations such as 25^th Anniversary table covers and streamers add a stylish touch.  A 25^th Anniversary balloon centerpiece; can also double as party prizes. Party favors like 25^th Anniversary jewelry, hats, champagne bubbles and boas will help all your guests rejoice the 25^th Anniversary of the spouses.

Anniversary Party Theme
Whether it’s your 1st or 50th anniversary, a celebration to mark each year a  couple spends together in wedded bliss is an excellent way to reaffirm the  committed and love the couple shares. It is a tradition to have a party for  you anniversary. Be joyous that you and your spouse have strength your bond another year. Family and friends generally give speeches and toast in the  couple’s honor. Often the festivities include a dinner with a sumptuous menu,  followed by an anniversary cake. Take the party to the next level and have drinks while opening gifts. Make sure to have your camera handy to capture  the moments for your anniversary scrapbook. Anniversary party supplies like  paper plates, napkins, and cups are a nice way to complete an Anniversary  Party Theme. Party decorations such as Anniversary table covers and  streamers add a stylish touch.  An Anniversary balloon centerpiece; can also double as party prizes.  Party favors like Anniversary jewelry, hats, champagne bubbles and boas will help all your guests rejoice the Anniversary of the spouses.