We started theme parties with food. We'd pick a country (for example, Greece) or a style (like grilled cheese sandwiches), and have a potluck with people keeping to the theme. Then came my mom's night to host a monthly Star Trek party that she attends (a potluck involving watching 3-4 episodes and not dressing up) and she asked if she could have it at my house - I have more room and a wet bar. I really did that party up - printed and laminated drink menus (with such classics as Romulan Ale, Klingon Martinis, and Slug-o-Cola), hung a "Quark's" sign over the bar, and made Quadriticale Bread, Hasperat, and my own take on Gladt (dolmas). Everyone laughed at the effort I put in, but ultimately had a blast. Since then, we've hosted a circus night and a Super Mario night and I have realized that most people see these themes to be an under ten kid thing. So here's how to throw a themed party geared towards an older crowd:
Consider your guests - what are their interests? Do they have any food or drink allergies? It's important to pick a theme everyone can enjoy and to make sure that there is at least something that celiac friend of yours can eat.
Pick your theme - have a lot of friends been expressing a craving for Italian? Pull up some classic Italian recipes, encourage others to make their favorites, watch a classic Italian movie. Do you have a friend who's joining the circus? An adult take on corn dogs (corn brats or sausages with extra spice in the batter), smoked turkey legs, alcoholic sno-cones, cotton candy martinis, find some unique card games. Has your husband been constantly playing classic video games? One-up jello shots, gorgonzola stuffed gumbas, and firepower poppers make an excellent accent to a video game tournament.
Discuss your ideas with guests. Unless it's a surprise party, you should keep it from the person of honor. I've found that people are always willing to contribute ideas and get ideas of what they'd like to bring in turn.
Really run with your theme. Not necessarily with costumes, unless that's you're thing. A little research online will turn up numerous ideas for food, drink, and games. And get creative. Get a keg for Greek night (frat parties - get it?). Don't be afraid to "alter" Star Trek recipes to make Earth food.
Truth be told, if your friends are anything like mine, they enjoy any reason to get together and eat. They'll have fun and will start coming to you, suggesting a Thai night, a Martini night, or a Texas Hold 'Em night. And the themes will never stop. Who said theme parties were just for kids?
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