How to Host a Black & White Party
Hosting theme parties for children typically requires incorporating a cartoon character, but what about theme parties for adults? A black and white party provides the host with an opportunity to create a memorable event limited only by your imagination. Set the tone with the invitation and carry it through in the decorations, attire, food, beverages and party favors. Whether creating an atmosphere for a birthday, anniversary, retirement or just a celebration of friends gathering, a black and white party is easy to plan, coordinate and host without many extra expenses. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select an invitation. Setting the stage for the black and white party begins with the invitation. Obviously, choosing a design using these colors is critical for establishing the theme. Design your own invitations or purchase some. Include the details of the party, such as the time, date and location as well as the black and white theme. Inform guests of other important information as well, such as if your party is formal or casual, and the dress code of black or white attire.
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Create an atmosphere using black and white decorations. Purchase black and white balloons, tableware such as plates, napkins, silverware and cups, confetti, streamers, candles, flowers and any other decorative pieces that catch your eye. Set-up a photo opportunity as the guests enter, using balloons, streamers, fabric or a combination. Simply snap photos with a digital camera. Print the photos either that night to take home. Or have photos printed and include them in a thank you card afterward.
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Design a menu of black and white foods. Arrange bowls of black and white candies around the room, such as candy-coated chocolates, black licorice pieces,jelly beans, white peppermint candies or Jordan almonds. Appetizers can include foods such as white cream-based soups, white, rye or marble rye breads, soft white cheeses, black or white bean dip or hummus.
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Entrees should continue the black and white theme. Chicken and fish provide a white protein. When accompanied by white rice flavored with black beans and spices, make for a theme-fitting meal. Other options include pasta with white sauces, pizza using white sauce, cheese, onion and black olives, or fish tacos using flaky white fish, lettuce, onion and Monterey Jack cheese.
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Desserts are the easy part of the menu. Feature white chocolate cheesecake with dark chocolate drizzle, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies served with ice cold milk, black and white brownies or vanilla ice cream topped with chocolate chips and chocolate sauce.
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Create a signature drink menu. Many drinks -- both alcoholic and non-alcoholic -- can be fashioned to follow the theme. Stout beer is black, as are coffee flavored drinks such as the White or Black Russian. Serving coffee after the meal with dessert is traditional, and the coffee can be used for mixed drinks as well. Non-alcoholic drinks such as virgin black and white tea also satisfy the non-drinkers in attendance.
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Finish the party off with black and white party favors. Purchase black and white jelly beans or chocolate candies, slip them in a small bag and tie them closed with black and white ribbon. Or take a group photo - in black and white of course - and print copies to distribute before guests leave.
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Tips & Warnings
For formal parties, consider using plastic black top hats as serving dishes for an added dramatic touch.
Black table cloths provide a nice backdrop for food presentation, especially when coupled with alternating white and black cloth napkins.
References
Resources
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