Everyone has ugly sweater parties this time of year. We dare you to celebrate differently. Here are some ideas for getting your theme on without donning that poly-knit again this season. All are timely, and none cater to any certain religious background. (Plus, we’ll tell you how to pull off our favorite.)
First, pick a theme. Here are a few ideas:
The Great Depression: Prohibition wasn't repealed until a couple years after the stock market crash, so you can save money by having your guests bootleg their own booze. Old-timey music will get everyone dancing, and the costume choices could be hand-me-downs from your roaring '20s party last year.
Top Chef Des Moines: Everyone already just hangs out in the kitchen at parties anyway. Make it the center of the night by putting a twist on the traditional potluck. Judge the dishes and host a couple of "Quickfire Challenges" during the course of the night. Just don't schedule your party for a Wednesday - odds are your guests with have "a prior commitment."
1992: 2008 is almost over, so it's time to throw a party to honor everything that was super sweet 16 years ago. Because let's be honest: 1992 was the best year ever. (After all, NKOTB, Billy Ray Cyrus, 90210 -- they're all back. And Mario Lopez? He never went away.) Start the night off with some "Trivial Pursuit '90s Edition" and then maybe end it by slow dancing to Whitney Houston.
Next, make it happen. Example theme: 1992
Pick a persona
1992 was in the middle of two fashion eras: The outlandish '80s fashion you're familiar with and the plaid Nirvana-loving grunge era. Go either way in your fashion, or take a different direction. Some outfit suggestions:
'90s neon: On top: a hypercolor T-shirt big enough to fasten on the side. On bottom: Pegged jeans or leggings with stirrups. Ladies should "Perm for a Day."
Go grunge: You'll need some stone washed jeans, a plaid flannel shirt, and either Doc Marten boots or beat-up Cons. And a notebook to write all of the angst-ridden songs that will make your garage band the next Nirvana.
Sports fan: Michael Jordan T-shirt and black jeans with high tops.
Heartthrob central
Poster-sized printouts of Zack Morris, Jennie Garth as Kelly Taylor and Will Smith ("The Fresh Prince" version) should set the tone for your décor. Total hotties. This would also be a great time to break out any "Mortal Kombat" or Ross Perot paraphernalia.
Eat and drink retro
The food pyramid was first introduced to us in 1992, but let's celebrate the anomalies of the age. First thing on your shopping list? Crystal Pepsi. We dare you to find some. Luckily, Fruit by the Foot is still around, in case your guests are hungry for "three Feet of Fun."
Adult beverages you couldn't drink then but can now:
* Zima
* Bartles & Jaymes wine coolers
* Purple Passion (It came in 2-liter bottles but make your own with Everclear and Kool-Aid.)
* Boone's Farm
* Aftershock and Goldschlager (Obviously you don't want to drink these without a mixer, but we're not sure what - if anything - these liquors taste good with.)
Your viewing pleasure
You don't have to haul out the old VCR, but be sure to rent these '92 classics to play in the background:
"Wayne's World"
"Saved By The Bell"
"The Bodyguard"
Old episodes of "Ren & Stimpy"
Sing along mixtape
Don't even think about making an iTunes playlist. CD or cassette tape only, please.
"Black or White," Michael Jackson
"Jump," Kriss Kross
"Smells Like Teen Spirit," Nirvana
"I'm Too Sexy," Right Said Fred
"Baby Got Back," Sir Mix-a-Lot
"Achy Breaky Heart," Billy Ray Cyrus
"This Used To Be My Playground," Madonna
"Baby-Baby-Baby," TLC
"Rump Shaker," Wreckx-N-Effect
"Rhythm is a Dancer," Snap
"I Will Always Love You," Whitney Houston
