Know Your Guests

• You know your guests--let them inspire your party theme. Maybe you and your friends all went to high school in the 1970s; try a 1970's disco theme to evoke shared memories. Maybe you just got back from Hawaii and are still drinking Mai-Tais every night. You've bragged about your trip to everyone you know, so take things one step further and adopt a luau theme for your annual summer party. Or if you and your friends traditionally watch the Academy Awards together, jazz things up this year and host an Oscar party, with guests dressing up as their favorite movie stars.
  
  

Visualization

• Choose a party time that everyone can instantly visualize. Mention the 1970s to anyone, and they'll instantly think of powder-blue leisure suits, shag carpeting and The Bump. Similarly, "luau" conjures up images of flaming torches, grass skirts and sweet, fruity tropical drinks. These themes are also ones that can easily be addressed in costumes and decorations. Polyester duds are readily available at thrift stores and vintage clothing stores, as are those old rayon Hawaiian shirts, and most party supply stores carry a full array of tropical decorations and costumes, from blow-up palm trees to grass skirts.
  
  

Decor

• Once you've settled on a theme, it's time to think about decor, from invitations all the way to the actual decorations you will use to doll up your party location. Combine both old and new--if you limit your shopping excursion to a party store, you might end up with something too one-dimensional and predictable. Visit antique malls, thrift stores and other merchants for party decor. For example, if you are throwing a luau-themed party, stock up on the plastic tiki shells, leis and grass skirts from the party store. Augment what you find with real flower leis shipped over from Hawaii, tropical plants from the local garden store and wooden masks from the nearest import store. Similarly, if you're throwing a Big Band party, get the silver and gold balloons from the party store, and visit the local antique mall to pick up some old jazz LPs to hang on the wall, vintage 1940's "Life" magazines to scatter on the coffee table, and maybe even an old 1940s-style radio.
  
  

Costumes

• Don't leave your guests on their own to find a costume for your party. Include tips for guests on where to find the appropriate duds in the invitation. Most cities and towns have at least one vintage clothing shop, or try an online dealer such as the Rusty Zipper. And don't forget thrift stores, particularly if your theme calls for something that's not too old or hard to come by, such as 1980's funky hats (don't laugh--hat parties can be hilarious) or Hawaiian (you'd be surprised at how many thrift stores have fine collections of Hawaiian shirts, even the old rayon ones).
  
  

Music

• Don't forget music to match your theme. For a Mexican fiesta, you certainly need mariachi music; for a luau, Hawaiian; for a girl's Snow White party, vintage Disney soundtracks. Most record stores have a "world music" section for the more esoteric stuff, while music from an appropriate era can be found in the "compilations" or "various artists" sections. You can even buy CDs with the top hits of a given year if you're looking at a birthday party that zeroes in on the birthday boy's birth year.
  
  

Food and Drink

• Again, make sure you match the theme. A German Oktoberfest party requires brats and sauerkraut; for a 1970s party, what's more appropriate than fondue? The same goes for the drinks: Mai Tais and Pina Coladas for a luau party, martinis and Manhattans for a 1960s party, sangria and margaritas for a Mexican fiesta.