Theme

Theme parties are great for kids or adults. If you're planning a Movie Party, decide whether you want the party to be of a casual event, or perhaps more glitzy and glamourous and centered around a major awards show. Either way, with the right decorations and planning you will leave your friends talking about your party for weeks! Lights, Camera, Action! captures all of the traditional movie icons, and is a great start for planning the look of your party.

Party Plans

Planning and hosting a party should be fun, not stressful! Make sure you plan ahead, starting at least 6-8 weeks in advance depending on the theme, so that you're not rushed the day of the party. Your guests will appreciate your thoughtful planning and attention to detail, and you'll enjoy yourself more throughout the party planning process.

Make sure you deliver or mail your invitations at least 2-3 weeks in advance so that your guests can respond and plan accordingly.

Schedule

The length of your party will vary depending on the number of guests, the type of food served, and the activities that are scheduled for the party. Think about the events, and allocate time appropriately.

Guests

Keep the party size managable. Determine what will work best for you and your party setting. If the party is a large event with lots of guests, recruit some friends who are willing to lend a helping hand.

Decorations

Think about how you can "transform" areas of your home, yard, or other party space so that your guests truly experience the movie party or awards show theme. Start by reinforcing the theme with coordinating wall and table decorations. Lights, Camera, Action! includes Centerpieces, Cutouts, Printed Confetti, and Giant Party Banners.

Don't forget the movie "props". Creative Expressions offers Feather Boas, Miniature Clapboards, and Megaphones that can be used as decorations, centerpieces, or even favors for your guests to take home after the party ends. If you're really into authentic movie decor, check out the internet for websites that offer everything from movie reels, to film cans, to director's chairs. The possibilities are endless if you're budget is endless!

Roll out the red carpet! Look for Creative Expressions' Sidewalk Runner that can be used inside or outside the home to make your guests feel like movie stars when they arrive at your home.

Stars can go a long way in adding to your decor. From Cutouts, to Confetti, to Hanging Decorations, to Centerpieces, Creative Expressions offers a variety of products themed around Stars.

Twinkling white lights automatically add a magical glamour feel. Add them to centerpieces, table decorations, or wall decor to make everything sparkle!

If your party is at home, don't forget to decorate the outside of your house! Create spotlights directing guests to your home. Snap their photos on the red carpet (you can use as mementos later)! This will help set the mood for the party and direct guests to the correct address.

Activities/Games

What's a party without games? Or in this case, awards! Create simple ballots and let your guests "vote" throughout the evening. Make sure to have some simple prizes and/or award "statues" on hand for the ultimate winners. Let your creative juices flow - the award categories are completely up to you!

Other Ideas

Remember the photo you "snapped" as your guests arrived? Create a simple frame from colored cardstock from your local craft store and give to your guests as a parting party memento.

Party Wearables

If it's appropriate, ask your guests to come "dressed" for the theme. Are you showing a specific movie? Have your guests dress up like one of their favorite characters. Or better yet, their favorite actor or actress. Is this more of a glamourous affair? If so have them pull out their black ties and cocktail dresses for the event. Create an "experience" your friends will enjoy!

Favors / Prizes

If your movie party is centered around a particular movie or movie theme (i.e. sports), use this as a starting point for your favors. Let your budget be your guide. Most likely your guests are not expecting anything, so these can be simple.

Game prizes are fun for both winners and losers. If you opt for "awards", keep the prizes simple. Make sure to have some silly prizes on hand for the losers as well so they have something to take home.

Food

The type of food you serve will be dependent on several factors, including the location, the size of the group, and the time of day. Taking all these things into consideration, as well as your budget, you may opt for simple snacks, appetizers, or an evening cocktail party. Whatever you choose, take the extra step to coordinate the food to the theme of the party. Your guests will be impressed, and you will make the event even more memorable!

Don't forget the popcorn! Creative Expressions offers Popcorn Boxes in two sizes for that authentic theater feel.

Unexpected

No matter how much you plan, be sure to expect the unexpected, both good and bad. Be prepared with a good attitude and a camera!