Planning a Successful Vegas-themed Party

Whether you’re turning 21 and can’t quite afford to go to Vegas (or the rest of your friends still aren’t legal), or just itching for a fun theme to attach to an upcoming get-together, a Las Vegas party can be a glamorous affair.

Firstly, there are the invitations. If you’re going to send out invites the old-fashioned way (a.k.a. envelopes and stamps), a great idea is to use playing cards on the cover. Drawing dice and using fancy lettering also adds a nice touch. If you’re simply sending e-mails, or creating an event on facebook, search for some creative Las Vegas pictures to give your guests a great first impression. Make sure to tell them ‘dress to impress’!

Next are the party preparations. Take a look at the following compilation of suggestions, and pick and choose whatever feels right for your party!

• Hanging cards: Everyone has a set of playing cards laying around the house (if not, the nearest Dollar Store usually has some in supply). Using a hole-punch, puncture a hole large enough for some string or ribbon to be tied through. Then using tape, attach the string end to the ceiling, or on a steady streamer, or against a wall, or along the side of a table… Feel free to change the length of the strings so the cards rest at different lengths. Get creative!
• Wall decorations: In addition to the hanging cards, or looking very elegant on their own, would be large playing cards gently taped to the walls. If you have the time and resources, make a few of the Aces (as they’re the easiest) using construction paper or Bristol board, or print off pages from your computer and round off the edges with scissors.
• Plates, napkins: Some party stores actually have printed napkins with hearts, diamonds, spades, and clubs. But the general rule for cutlery and the like is to keep to Red, Black, and White, as these are the colours of playing cards. Red or Black or White plastic plates can be found at many Department Stores or Dollar Stores, White napkins can be found at any grocery store, Clear or Red cups are available at party stores or Dollar stores.
• Pool table: Go to your local fabric store (I went to a second-hand clothes store) for a large sheet of green fabric to drape on your tables. This gives your party a great poker-table setting, and protects your table from the inevitable spills. If you don’t mind the clean-up afterwards, a nice touch is glitter/sparkly confetti artfully sprinkled on top.
• Playing chips: Ask some friends if they have any poker sets you can borrow for decoration (or if you’re ambitious enough and with the right crowd, for actual playing!). If no one has them, and you really want them, be prepared to shell out some extra money. Decent playing sets range anywhere from $15-$50. If you’re lucky, you might be able to find some plastic ones at a nearby dollar store or party store.
• Drink decorations: Sometimes at these kinds of parties, you’re going to want plastic cups. A traditional red solo cup with a stir straw and a drink umbrella make for a fun conversation starter. Alternately, there’s always something to be said about a cherry skewered by a little plastic sword.
• Fun drinks!: A quick search online will show you all sorts of Vegas-themed drinks – write some of the tasty-looking ones down and go get the ingredients! Try to find some with similar recipes. That way you won’t need to spend so much. Great staples are Orange Juice, Cranberry Juice, Sprite/7-Up/Ginger-Ale, Grenadine. Of the alcoholic variety, Triple Sec, Rum, Vodka (optional: flavoured), and Blue Curacao are general favourites. If you’re feeling particularly ambitious, create a drink menu for your friends to order off of.
• Snack foods: Vegas is known for its buffets, so decide if you want to do a potluck and have everyone bring over a snack, or break out that old, dusty cook-book stashed somewhere in your closet and set to it! Easy store-bought foods include: Shrimp rings, fruit trays, chips and dip, nachos and guacamole/salsa, quarter-sandwiches, mini-pizzas, chicken wings…
• Background music: For maximum hilarity, search for Vegas playlists online. If you’re not into all the country songs that pop up, consider downloading a soundtrack from one or more of the following movies.
• Background movie: Great movies to watch or have playing in the background are; Ocean’s Eleven, Ocean’s Thirteen, 21, The Hangover, and Rain Main.
• Friendly Lottery: Make your own tickets, or pick some up from the nearest party store. When your guests arrive, give them each a ticket to hold onto, and put the matching number in a hat or bowl. Before the party’s over, or when everyone leaves for the night, hold the draw and award the prize to whoever has the corresponding number. Fun prize ideas include: a Poker Set, wine, money, home-made goods, gift cards/certificates.

Hopefully you’ve gained some great ideas for your upcoming party. Learn some poker games like Texas Hold’em and Blackjack. All that’s left is for everyone to arrive! So throw on that smart-looking suit or that sassy red dress, and get that party started! As Elvis Presley would say, ‘Viva Las Vegas!’.