How to Give Your Labor Day Party a Great Theme

For me Labor Day has always represented the end of summer. It was never really fun as it meant time to go back to school and cold weather. But you can make Labor Day a special occasion everyone will enjoy!

No matter what your age, it is a great time to remember your school years. Think about inviting friends you went to school with and haven't seen in a while. Then build your theme around your graduation year or decade.

Find music from that time period you used to listen to for a CD play list.

Or just choose a theme based on what your friends like.

Decorate everything from walls to food using themes from that era.

1950s

The 1950s had classic cars so those are a must decoration. Since pink and black colors were big they are great to use as a base. Other things include poodle skirts, pony tails, Bobbie socks, slicked back hair, root beer floats and drive-ins. Use some or all of those for your theme.

You can ask people to dress in that era. Maybe think about even giving a prize to the best outfit. Again, make the prize something based on the theme like a 1950s replica die-cast car.

Make a dessert that looks like old an record player. See info at http://www.ehow.com/how_5095987_make-record-birthday-cake.html.

And serve milkshakes, big double-decker cheeseburgers and fries.

You may want to have a hula hoop or limbo contest. Also a dance contest would be lots of fun.

Bring out old photographs you took from that era. The 1950s are a great easy era to base your party around. If in doubt, think about the TV show "Happy Days" or the movie "Grease".

You can also put out great posters from TV shows of that time like "Howdy Doody", "Leave it to Beaver" and "I Love Lucy".

Music is easy with such classics as "Twist and Shout", "Rock Around The Clock", anything from the Beach Boys and Elvis.

1960s

The 1960s was an era of psychedelic impressions.

Get bean chairs, lava lamps, beads and old posters from that era for decorating. Also acoustic guitar were very in so maybe someone will want to play.

People can dress with long haired wigs in crazy hippie outfits. It was an anything goes time in the United States.

Smiley faces, peace symbols, candles and tie-dye outfits were also in and can easily be found today.

Games of the era were things like piñatas and charades.

Music also varied from Led Zeppelin to Chicago to Donny Osmond but I would stick with some classic music such as "The Night Chicago Died" by Paper Lace; "Seasons in the Sun" by Terry Jacks ; "Billy, Don't Be a Hero" by Bo Donaldson and the Heywoods; "Chevy Van" by Sammy Johns and "Afternoon Delight" by the Starland Vocal Band.

You can also have a name that tune contest from a play list.

I think of the TV shows "Mod Squad" and "Dragnet" as great shows from the era to seek ideas from.

1970s

I can't help but suggesting you go with a disco theme. It is by far the best way to go when celebrating the 1970s.

See if you can find an old John Travolta "Saturday Night Fever" poster.

Make sure you have a disco ball hanging as your centerpiece.

Fondues were big so you can use that as your food theme if you wish. Appetizers like pigs in a blanket were also a 1970s fad.

Have a "do the hustle" contest using music from such artists as Sly and the Family Stone, the Village People, Donna Summer, the Commodores, La Chick, K.C. & the Sunshine Band, Kool & the Gang, The Bee Gees, Average White Band and Patti LaBelle. Or just use the "Saturday Night Fever" soundtrack.

If you can find some old 8-tracks, hang them around as decorations. No one listens to them anymore so be creative with them.

People can dress with huge high heels platform colored shoes, scarves, big sunglasses, glow jewelry and huge floppy hats.

Get an inflatable microphone and see who can sing some of the oldies.

"Star Wars", "Charlie's Angels", "Rocky" and "The Incredible Hulk" were huge in the 1970s so you can use one of those themes if disco is not your thing.

The big game at that time was a Ouija board. See who will dare to use it.

1980s

Neon was huge in the 1980s so it is a good place to start. Get anything neon such as sunglasses, headbands, necklaces and balloons. Even tableware can be neon. Also use lots of glitter.

Decorate with 80s items like the Rubik's cube and yo-yos, fake tattoos and candy necklaces.

Music of choice was Madonna, Cyndi Lauper, Michael Jackson, The Police, Def Leppard, Blondie and Bon Jovi.

Trivial pursuit was the party game of the time so be sure to give everyone a chance to play.

Try to remember what your friends liked. Maybe it was those friendship bracelets or hair bands. Make sure everyone has one.

Guests can dress as pop stars or in a punk theme. Or they can get curly hair wigs or mullets. Some can wear tight jeans and sport the Farrah Fawcett hairdo.

Find posters featuring 1980 films like "Risky Business", "Pretty in Pink", "Weird Science" and "Porky's".

Smurfs and Pac-man were also huge 1980 fads your party can be based around.

Jelly bellies, pop rocks and Reese's pieces are great 1980 snacks.

Top shows in the 80s were "Dallas", "Dynasty", "Family Ties" and "The Golden Girls". Any memorabilia dealing with those will be fun.

Those are a few ideas. Use your imagination and this years Labor Day party may be the best celebration of the season.