Organizing Theme Parties

Make sure you know your guests. The more you know about your guests, the less likely you are to choose a theme that they don't like.

If your theme is a color theme, be very careful about extending it to the food. Be serious, who do you know who wants to eat blue food? If you go with a color scheme, then as far as the food is concerned, just theme the presentation, not the food itself. So, blue plates etc. not blue food.

If you know that a number of your guests are not exactly 'party animals' and don't really feel comfortable if made to stand out from the crowd, don't put them on the spot, go for a more laid back feel to your event, your guests will thank you for it.

Don't make the mistake of concentrating so much on the theme that you forget that this is a party you're organizing and hosting - make sure you play the host or hostess and ensure your guests all have food and drink.

Remember that if you go for a fancy dress theme, this can work out expensive for your guests. If you feel that the expense could be an issue for some of your guests, you may be better advised to go with something simpler such as a basic color theme. If you stipulate that every guest has to wear at least one item of clothing of a specific color - particularly if this is a basic color such as black or white - then none of your guests should have a problem finding something they can wear from their existing wardrobe.

Another potential problem you should take into account if you decide to go with a fancy dress theme is the 'embarrassment factor'. Adults can be easily made to feel uncomfortable, so before you choose a remotely risqué theme, make sure you judge your guests right and are confident they will be up for it, particularly if there will be any role playing involved.

It's also a good idea not to make the theme too complicated, particularly if this will lead to lots of administrative tasks during the party itself. You've no doubt put in plenty of time organizing the event so you must make sure that you at least give yourself a chance to enjoy it on the night.

If you take anything away from the above when planning a theme party for your friends and acquaintances it should be the 'know your guests' mantra. It can't be stressed too strongly just how important this is. Getting this right will make the difference between having a highly successful party and one that really doesn't get going at all. What will all or most of your guests be comfortable with? And, perhaps more importantly, what won't they be comfortable with? If you know most of your guests pretty well then go with your instincts - if your idea feels right then it probably is and you should go with it.

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