Themes Can Add Zip to your Entertaining

After entertaining at home for over thirty years, you get a little jaded by hosting and attending the standard dinner party. Oh course, if it's the right mix of people, you have nothing to worry about. But sometimes if you're mixing a group that you have never brought together before, a theme can set a tone, that takes the pressure off the guests and rests it on the shoulders of the Arabians, the French Masquerade, or the Toga clad. And who doesn't like to get dressed up and act out a bit? here are some ideas to get your creative juices moving.

-A white party. A great summer theme, everyone has to come in white clothing, ala the original by Truman Capote.

-Celebrities. This is a home run whatever the season, everyone always has a favorite they want to be, for at least a night!

Arabian Nights. Fun and sexy, people love the fez's, belly dancers, and colorful brocade vests and turbans.

-Masquerade Ball. Dressed to the nines and face masks on top, a perfect blend of who is that woman in the stunning dress?

-Gender-bender. Invite everyone to come as the opposite sex. Great in the fall or anytime you want all your guests to laugh with delight.

Tahiti Night. A perfect way to perk up a dreary winter, think sun. Break out those tropical shirts and dresses, top with leis. Serve drinks with paper umbrellas.

Safari. Add some zest to an early spring get together with a jungle theme. Woman can dig for there animal prints and men can come as proper British hunters or Tarzan!

-Cherry Blossom. Celebrate the Orient. Invite guests to wear kimonos, chopsticks in their hair, sumi wrestlers, Kung Fu, anything Asian. Serve dinner on grass mats instead of the dining table.

-Toga. Excess is the key here. Opulent bowls of fruit, flowing beverages and plenty of skin make it an old stand-by.