Christmas may not need a theme, but it spices up a gathering.
Christmas brings to mind memories of the past, and one beloved tradition for many families is sitting in a group after the holiday meal, telling favorite stories. Rather than talking about the past, spend next Christmas bringing your family into it. With a carefully planned event, you can create a retro theme that will inspire conversation and give your family new memories to tell stories about in the future. Does this Spark an idea?
Norman Rockwell Theme
Throughout your house, hang posters and copies of Norman Rockwell paintings. Add the atmosphere by lighting your own fireplace and decorating with holly, mistletoe and other classic adornments. Encourage your guests to wear attire appropriate for the 1930s if possible. Serve a large turkey and have the whole group gather around the table for dinner. No background music is needed as good company and good conversation are the only essential elements to achieving the perfect Norman Rockwell-style gathering.
World War II USO Theme
This theme, sure to be a hit for veterans, will work best if the party is held in a large rented hall. Encourage your guests to wear military-style attire or dresses typical of the 1940s. Decorate red and green balloon arches as well as WWII-themed cut outs with designs such as fighter planes or Rosie the Riveter. Hire a jazz band to provide the entertainment if possible or play Christmas music by crooners such as Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.
Disco Theme
Disco music and styles typical of the 1970s represent kitschy fun, and guests of all ages are certain to enjoy a disco theme. Embrace the glitter of the 1970s by decorating your party space with disco balls and tinsel. If you can, find and decorate a foil tree. Serve fondue, deviled eggs, and jello molds. Encourage guests to wear mini-skirts, faux leather and corduroy. Bedeck your Christmas wreaths with mini-disco ball ornaments or love beads. Many teen idols of the 1970s such as the Jackson 5 recorded Christmas albums, giving you a wealth of era-appropriate music to play.
"Christmas Vacation" Theme
Celebrate Christmas in the spirit of Clark Griswold and his family. Invite fans of the movie to come dressed up as their favorite characters and other guests to wear those ugly Christmas sweaters they keep hidden in the back of their closets. Overdecorate your house, both inside and out, with lights, streamers and the biggest Christmas tree you can find. Play the film in the background, and celebrate your fanhood by playing a trivia game with your guests.
Reverse Christmas in July
If you do not feel like turning the clock back several years, turn it back a few months and embrace the warmer weather of the past summer. Guests should wear a fun mix of Santa hats and beachwear. Bright white lighting and turning up the heat a little extra will definitely improve the feel. Serve beach barbecue food and decorate with cut-out flamingos and beach umbrellas. Adorn a palm tree with summer themed ornaments. You can even do the limbo.
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