Good friends, good food, and a well planned party all add up to a great time. But why spend all of your time planning a regular ho-hum party? Building your party around a clever theme will give your guests a time they will remember with pleasure long after the party is over.

The idea of theme parties brings to mind masquerade or costume parties. Masquerade balls became popular in the 15th century in Italy as an answer to the Inquisition of the Roman Catholic Church, suppressing heresy. Masquerades allow participants to show other aspects of themselves. Acting under false pretenses, their alter egos are allowed to shine for a night.

Theme Parties aren’t just for Halloween

Every kid wants to have the ultimate birthday party. They dream of pony rides and clowns in their yard, a cotton candy machine and carousel with magical horses. Granted, these are dreams that seem unimaginable to create in real life, but you can throw a great birthday party by using a theme and creating decorations and games that are inexpensive, but still convey the spirit of more expensive ones.

Adults can let their hair down when attending theme parties. Many have secret desires to be rock stars or Hollywood glamour gals. They would be laughed at if they dressed like a caveman in everyday life, but a theme party allows them to be whatever they want, with no holds barred!

Adults feel more at ease acting out their character fantasies when others are joining them in the process. The wallflower at the dance may become the life of the party when giving the opportunity to hide behind a costume!

Using a theme for corporate functions adds high impact to a presentation. An airplane theme can suggest “The Sky Is The Limit” or playing games that require partners can help co-workers learn to work together to achieve a common goal.