TO DREAM THE IMPOSSIBLE THEME 

by Jeanne Benedict

 Great planning takes organization and focus.  The most efficient and fun way to coordinate your event is to start with one central idea.  A theme.  But, choosing a truly innovative theme is tough.  There are a lot of classics floating around, the luau, a toga party, the 70’s bash.  And if your heart is set on a luau, then crack open the coconuts and hula ‘til dawn.  But, a theme without a purpose stops at the front door.  Guests compare grass skirts, and, check out the paper pineapple decorations that they’ve seen many times before. Unimpressed, they converse about life at the office.  The result? The same old “water cooler” chat next to a tiki torch.  You deserve a bigger pay-off for all your time and effort spent as a generous, fun-loving, party host.  

 Personalizing an event along with fresh ideas is the key to its success.  It’s as simple as giving the party a title based on the personality profile of the guest of honor or the occasion.  With that single title or theme in mind, a chain reaction of ideas will help the party details fall into place.  Basically, you’re giving yourself a blueprint for creative thought.  Here’s an example of how I brainstorm for a theme idea:

 “My friend Robert loves a tropical atmosphere like Hawaii. He’s kind of a casual guy, but he has elegant taste in that he loves Champagne. Champagne is bubbly…just like that Don Ho song Tiny Bubbles…oh, and Christmas is just around the corner.  Words that come to mind are Santa, bubbles, ornaments, island, mistletoe, beach, pine, pineapple…” 

 I could free associate for hours but, I’ve found my theme and a couple of titles which are   “Don Ho, Ho, Ho Hawaiian Christmas Party” or “Maui Masquerade Barefoot Ball”.  I realize I’ve made a giant leap from thought process to title.  The following pages contain worksheets that will help you organize your thoughts.  You’ll learn how to find similarities in the words that you’ve written down that will lead to a perfect theme, fun party title, and, terrific décor ideas. 

 With Robert’s “Don Ho, Ho, Ho” theme we could make mistletoe and flower leis. We could use hang miniature silver ball ornaments of the edge of Champagne glasses as a festive “Tiny Bubbles”.   For the “Maui Masquerade” theme we could decorate the buffet with pine boughs and pineapples that have been spray-painted gold.  Guests could wear elegant tropical masks made from banana leaves and adorned with natural materials such macadamia and Kona nuts.  Once you start thinking in this associative manner fabulous ideas will come to you in the middle of the night. Arm you bedside table with paper and pen.  You’ve set your imagination free to dream the impossible theme.

When you’ve christened your party with a title and theme, follow through on every aspect.  Start by looking through this book at the countless theme party pages, which offer specific suggestions for everything from invitations to decor.  Change the name that I’ve given the party to your personal title and you’ve got the heading on your invitations.  Or scan the theme charts for more ideas.  You should have all the tools you need to apply your idea to everything from invitations to dessert.  As you plan your party theme and develop ideas keep these points in mind: 

What are the resources available to you?

The first resource that every host considers is financial.  You want to throw a sensational party without mortgaging your home.  You probably have more resources on hand than you realize.  Theater companies, and schools usually have a warehouse full of scenery, décor and costumes.  These organizations are always looking for ways to make money and would probably welcome a bid for rental on these items.  Offer them a security deposit and be prepared to pay it should an item incur damage at your event. 

Research every element your theme for unique ideas.

Sometimes a little research will reveal a theme title and ideas. Are you hosting a medieval party? Type “medieval” in the box of any search engine on the Internet and look at the websites.  You’ll probably find everything from kings and queens to recipes for legs of mutton.  You’ll also find literature, movie, and song titles that will lead you to a theme title. Go to a library and page through a book on your chosen subject. Search through old newspapers on microfiche if you are looking for something date specific. 

Create as many thematic “tie-ins” as possible.

 Your guests will never be at a loss for conversation if they spy a clever theme tie-in wherever they glance.  Personalize everything with a title or prop.  For example, a creative sign over a champagne fountain may read “Laura’s Fountain of Youth” and a decorated mirror next to the sign is self-explanatory.  With a lot of smarts and a few bucks you can add some great finishing touches to your theme. 

Don’t compete with your guest list.

This is a tough one for me.  I tally my RSVP’s daily thinking that the number of people that show up to my party is an indication of its success.  Forget about the tote board and enjoy planning your event.  You and your guests will have a great time regardless of the number of people who attend. 

Do what you can and if you run out of time, money, or energy let yourself off the hook.

Even superwoman takes her cape to the cleaners. You don’t have to use every idea in this book.  I start with grand ideas for personal occasions and seldom do I use every single one. I simply run out of time and energy.  Recognize when you’ve stretched yourself to the limit and stop.  Alter your plans if necessary and save yourself a little stress. Remember, all this work is for a party and it would be nice if you could celebrate along with everyone else.  However, if you are being paid to execute an event and you fall short on items promised to a client consider a new business.