Decor

• The idea of a New York City theme prom is to make the room look as much like New York City as possible. One idea is to make different areas of the room look like different areas of the city, so the entrance could look like Central Park, the dance floor could look like Times Square and the seating area could look like Park Avenue. You can buy banners and wall hangings of the NYC skyline, or you can ask someone in your school art department to create New York City scenery. You can even run a contest for artistic students to see who designs the best scenery, and you could reward the winner with free tickets to the prom. Using white mini-lights is also a great way to set the scene. You can use the lights on the skyline and Times Square wall-hangings to resemble twinkling city lights.
  
  To create "Central Park" at your prom, make a "stone" walkway by laying down pieces of gray plywood, or you may even be able to find discounted tile or stone at a home supply store. You can line the walkway with fake trees or bushes, or paint trees on the scenery, and then use white lights on the trees as well. You can also drape strands of white lights from the ceiling to create a "starry night" effect.
  
  

Pictures

• You can have scenic backdrops for picture-taking when attendees also arrive. Websites sells New York-themed sets like these for that exact purpose. For example, Shindigz.com sells a Times Square kit, Still of the Night kit and Central Park kit with standing cutouts of buildings and other architecture. This will be ideal for formal photos, as well as a place for students to return for pictures with friends later in the evening.
  
  You could also buy or make life-size cutouts of New York City celebrities, such as Sarah Jessica Parker and Howard Stern. Students will enjoy taking funny pictures with these as well.