Holiday Theme Party for Film Fans

In recent years when it comes time to holding the December workplace, organization or community group party, many of us have been driven by guilt and frustration rather than joy in our planning. My non-profit film organization, the Rhode Island Film Collaborative, came up with a fantastic holiday theme party that allowed everyone to participate, with no fear of offending anyone. The result was the most well-attended, well-enjoyed, latest into-the-night celebration ever. It was also our first genuinely successful fund-raiser.

Although film tastes vary, most movie fans agree that just about anything in black and white - filmed long ago - is far superior to anything filmed in color, whether it is a holiday movie or not. Thus was born the idea to hold our Holiday Party with a Black & White theme. It was genius.

The tables and chairs were black and white, decorations included black and white table cloths, streamers, black and white balloons, classic black and white movie posters were hung on the walls, black and white films were projected against the white walls (silently) of the gigantic white cyclorama, guests were asked to wear black and white outfits, and even some of the food was black and white. It looked like a black and white winter wonderland inside the studio. In fact, a photo taken of the "set" before the guests arrived looked like a black and white photo.

A local film warehouse donated their space, so the event was held in a local film studio. Our VIPs who came to sip champagne and schmooze were thrilled. We made sure to invite the film community "well-knowns" and a few local politicians who have supported the film community. We made sure a good photographer roamed the spacious venue to snap pictures that could be used for both positive public relations, and also just for fun.

The food buffet was spectacular. It was provided by Raymond Norman Cooks. Vendors were very generous to our non-profit, and even in these spare times we received great donations. We had a variety of raffle items (including movie/film-related items), a local improv group, Bring Your Own Improv, performed, and Rory Raven, a mentalist (mind-reader) also was there to entertain the crowd. The best measure of the evening was the fact that folks came and stayed and stayed and stayed. We were shooing the last of them out around 3am.

Rick Lataille of WRIK Entertainment "spun platters" for people to dance long into the night. The music was key to the party's popularity and people literally danced their shoes off. We were able to create a relaxed, welcoming, fun atmosphere that made everyone relax and enjoy. On the way out the door, folks of all ages remarked that "it was a really good party".

So I can heartily recommend you find a "common ground" for the group you want to entertain for the Holiday season, and everyone will enjoy it.