What Can I Do for a Black-and-White Theme Party?

Follow the dress code for a black-and-white theme party.

A black-and-white theme party may seem plain in color, yet is dramatic in effect. A black-and-white theme can add elegance and sophistication to any celebration. Invite your friends to a black-and-white themed party.

Dress Code

Enforce the black-and-white dress code. Notify guests in the invitation that everyone must wear black, white or both. Make it a formal affair where protocol calls for black tie and ballgowns.

Photographer

Hire a photographer to take pictures of guests in their whitest whites and darkest duds. Print pictures in black and white, and send them to guests as a party favor.

Walk the Black-and-White Carpet

Roll out a checkered black-and-white carpet leading to the venue entrance. Place life-sized cardboard cutouts of movie stars and celebrities from old and new Hollywood such as Madonna, Charlie Chaplin and Marilyn Monroe. Hang shimmery, black velvet curtains from doorways, and decorate with black-and-white balloons and sparkly streamers.

Old Hollywood Glamor

Have a classic black-and-white movie playing as the backdrop to your party, such as "Casablanca" or "A Streetcar Named Desire." Use film strip decorations and silver star cutouts for added effect.

Libations

Greet guests with an intoxicating white or black Russian. Propose a champagne toast, and sip your drink from crystal flutes. Vanilla milkshakes with a chocolate syrup swirl are an appropriate nonalcoholic alternative for a black-and-white theme party.

Table Dressings

Dress tables in black-and-white linens. Adorn tabletops with white floral centerpieces and white votive candles. Wrap candles with silver organza bows. Set white china on top of black charger plates, and your silverware on pressed, white napkins.

References

• Slice: The Black and White Party
• My Party Planner: Black and White Party Theme