NPR’s Life Kit has tips for throwing a themed party, no matter the occasion.
MICHEL MARTIN, host:
It’s Halloween weekend, certainly a time for trick-or-treating, fun and partying. Maybe you’re the one who always gets first prize for your costume. I see you. Or do you like to go for spooky decor? Well, the fun of a good theme party can be enjoyed all year round. Life Kit’s Andee Tagle has tips for throwing a themed party, no matter the occasion.
ANDEE TAGLE, BYLINE: When Southern California-based food and lifestyle expert Brandi Milloy was pregnant with her daughter, she knew she didn’t want just a run-of-the-mill baby shower — you know, a standard tame afternoon where everyone sat politely and looked at him blankly. presents. Instead, she centered her party around something a little unexpected.
BRANDI MILLOY: So I had this wish menu and it was everything I’d been craving throughout my pregnancy, from Chick-Fil-A chips to sweet tea to sour belt candy to a cereal bar because I couldn’t get enough of just it got cold. milk and cereal.
TAGLE: Milloy says the personal touch, that surprise factor, really made it a book shower.
MILLOY: And there were little touches everywhere at the party where people were like, oh, my gosh, that’s how you are. And it’s like no other baby shower I’ve ever been to.
TAGLE: But what counts as a good topic? Milloy says it’s what makes the waiting easier. Go back to that wish list.
MILLOY: It was really like the third guest at the party because people were so curious. Like, wait. Really? Did you like this?
TAGLE: Think of your theme as that super fun friend you can always count on to help throw a party for you. It should be a conversation starter, something to get people excited and give your friends common ground in shared activities like costumes or stuff to bond over. Theme parties are a chance for creativity, so don’t be afraid to think outside the box. How about a tea party or a T party? This is the one where everyone dresses up as something starting with the letter T. It’s a blast. How about a Patrick Swayze movie marathon for your movie-loving brother named Patrick? Have fun with colors or playlists or sporting events. Time out your favorite book or era.
Then, once you’ve chosen a theme you’re excited about, be thoughtful about how you spend your party funds. As tempting as it can be to shop the entirety of your local party store, Milloy says you don’t need to bombard your guests with your theme at every corner to get your point across. What does excess look like? Milloy says a telltale sign is letting a lot of soft and fluffy stuff aggressively tell the subject’s story for you.
MILLOY: For example, I went to a party. And you could tell the person was really committed to this Paris theme. They wanted black and white, straws, napkins. It was all Paris, Paris, Paris. And I kept thinking, man, you know, they spent so much money on all this themed stuff that they’re probably going to throw away when this party is over.
TAGLE: Instead, she says, keep it simple and focused with just a few touch points.
MILLOY: The biggest thing when it comes to themed parties is, if you have a neutral base, if you have white plates and white cake tables and neutral table linens, you can let the food be the star. And then show little elements of that theme.
TAGLE: Make a special playlist, prepare a signature cocktail, hire a magician, but not necessarily all three. Finally, when the day of the celebration comes, prepare yourself. Inevitably, someone will appear off topic. But don’t give your guests a hard time about it or make them feel self-conscious. Instead, remember the reason for the meeting in the first place.
MILLOY: I’d rather show up and not dress than not show up at all. It takes a lot of effort, but if a friend comes along and he’s not feeling it, I’ll never force it on him. But I’ll give them a cute little cocktail with a little floating eyeball and try to make them laugh.
TAGLE: For NPR’s Lifetime Anchor, I’m Andee Tagle.
MARTIN: For more party planning tips and tricks and much more, check out Life Kit at npr.org/lifekit.
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