All you need is a stocked bar and a little inspiration for a bash where the drinks are second to the scenery. We'll get you on your way with five surefire ideas for an evening of high-flying fun.
A Day at the Races
Why? The Kentucky Derby might only happen in May, but that doesn't mean you can't celebrate like the prize-winning horse owners all summer long.
Setup: Decorate for an outside picnic with red-and-white checkered tablecloths, give each table the name of a prized thoroughbred, and encourage women to wear fun hats. Although it might sound tacky, put the TV or radio on a horse race (or play the movie Seabiscuit) and pass out betting sheets. The losers have to do the dishes!
Music: Anything country. Anyone like the Dixie Chicks? If they're too controversial, go for the crowd-pleasing Dolly Parton instead.
Hors d'oeuvres: Barbecue chicken fingers, tea sandwiches, and ramekins of mac and cheese.
Specialty Drinks: Mint juleps, of course! But if you're not a fan of bourbon, try mojitos (which are made with rum). You'll still get the mint effect.
Island Jam
Why? Everyone loves a luau. And, at this one, they don't have to look at the gross pig on a stick.
Setup: Pineapples and coconuts clustered on the tables, mini tiki torches secured in buckets of sand, grass hula skirts as table skirts, and shells scattered about.
Music: Make a mix of steel drum music by Steelasophical, reggae by Bob Marley, and Hawaiian favorites by Ho'onu'a.
Hors d'oeuvres: Island-inspired food like pineapple bites wrapped in bacon, tiny fish cakes, and lobster rolls.
Specialty Drinks: Pina coladas, daiquiris (don't forget the umbrella toothpicks), and fruity cocktails with names like Wailin' Marley and Kingston Night.
Vintage Hollywood Soiree
Why? If you can't be in US Weekly, you might as well create your own (more respectable) version of Tinseltown.
Setup: Old movie posters on the walls, a "Hollywood" sign, candelabra with long drippy candles, red sateen table coverings, and black velvet and/or zebra-patterned pillows.
Music: The singing movie star originals, like Frank Sinatra, Bing Crosby, and Judy Garland.
Hors d'oeuvres: A rich, sumptuous menu including such munchables as crab dip, steak bites, and cocktail shrimp.
Specialty Drinks: Champagne, olive-filled vodka martinis, and other cocktails dubbed Driving Down Sunset, Brando's Biceps, and Some Like It Hot.
Bridesmaid Blowout
Why? No weddings this season? Give the ladies a reason to wear their old bridesmaid dresses again -- the more hideous, the better! Guys can look dashing in tuxes or trash-tastic in something Dumb and Dumber-esque.
Setup: As weddingish as you want to be! Don't forget the paper bells and "Just Married" signs.
Music: Cheesy (yet fun) wedding classics like "Celebration," "Dancing in September," and "The Chicken Dance."
Hors d'oeuvres: Pigs in a blanket, mini crab cakes, and crudites.
Specialty Drinks: Champagne and cocktails of your choice with names like Taffeta Thrills, Amazing Lace, and Crinoline Creation.
Speakeasy Throwback
Why? To pretend partying is taboo again.
Setup: Black-and-white posters of jazz musicians and flappers, gangster movies showing in the background, and vintage flasks set out on tables. Have the women wear evening dresses to the knee with feather boas, long pearl necklaces, and fans. Men could wear black suits with fedoras and black or white ties.
Music: Some of the first jazz icons, like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Ella Fitzgerald. If you have a record player, use it!
Hors d'oeuvres: Plates of antipasti, cheese straws, and fried calamari.
Specialty Drinks: Martinis and whisky sours with names like Lindy Hop, Foxtrot, and Charleston.
-- Natalie Ermann Russell