Pick a party, any party
June 2008 - Wil Herold

This is the time when so many people take vacations or head to the family cottage for the weekend. For those who can’t get away, there’s no need to be sad. What better time to have a party? Take advantage of the great weather and plan something fun outdoors.
All the best parties have themes that provide a basis from which you can plan the details. A theme party is also a great way to get your guests mixing. Think of something fun and silly like an ’80s party or pick any other era you prefer. It’s hard to take yourself too seriously if you’re dressed up as Madonna or a Rubik’s Cube. Costumes are also great ice-breakers, as they give people easy openings for conversation. When you send out your invitations, have some fun by working in elements that reflect your theme.

Remember that costume parties need to be planned well in advance so your guests can plan what to wear or rent a costume. For theme music, make a mix of tunes on your iPod or break out your old 45s. You can even go crazy with food. A friend of mine once served Pop-Tarts and Kraft Dinner at a retro theme party.

If you don’t want a very elaborate theme, try a simple Latin, Italian, or Caribbean party. Just hang some lights in the backyard and serve up some queso fundido and mojitos for a Latin influence, or Jamaican patties and jerk chicken with rum punch for a Caribbean feel. Or try out a Tuscan theme. The LCBO magazine often has great food and drink ideas or you can even ask LCBO staff for suggestions to go with your theme. You can also get plenty of ideas on the Internet or from your friends. After all, party planning is always more fun when you have friends help you out.

A Hawaiian theme is another easy option. Leis are easy to pick up from many party stores and most of your guests should be able to dig up a Hawaiian shirt or something else appropriate to wear. Just add some tropical drinks and fun music and you’re ready for a night of easy fun.

Food parties always make for a good time and are relatively easy to pull together. You can even start a club with a group of friends and every couple of months you get together at a different home with a different theme. This way, everyone is responsible for something and it cuts down on the work for the host. Themes can be based on anything from a culture, style of cuisine or different ways of preparing the same dish. Why not try something as basic as everyone bringing a different appetizer and have a tapas theme party? Even easier is to have a dessert party – now that’s always a good time.

Whatever your party’s theme, remember that the whole point of a party is to have fun, so don’t sweat the small stuff. Oh, and always have a contingency plan in case the weather doesn’t cooperate.