Thursday 16 July 2015

Spanish Theme Night Ideas

Encourage your guests to come in fancy dress.


If you're looking for a party theme that's a little different and not too difficult to arrange, why not try a Spanish theme party? Spain is renowned for its vibrant and energetic culture, which might be the perfect inspiration for a night to enrapture your guests. With some basic information on Spanish culture, you can create a rich and immersive party environment. Does this Spark an idea?


Invitations


Start the Spanish theme with the invitations. You could print works of famous Spanish artists, such as Pablo Picasso or Salvador Dali, or photographs of Spanish landmarks, such as La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona or the Royal Palace in Madrid.


Food


For an authentic feel, serve tapas, a classic Spanish appetizers. They are served as a wide range of small portions, each one featuring something a little different. These might include cold dishes such as olives or cheese or warm ones such as albóndlgas (meatballs in sauce), chopitos (fried squid) or patatas bravas (fried diced potato with salsa). A popular dessert food in Spain are churros, sticks of fried pastry similar in taste to a doughnut, which are dipped in hot chocolate.


Music


The characteristic Spanish sound is the flamenco guitar, associated with the city of Seville. Cost permitting, you could hire a live guitarist to play for your guests, but if you're on a budget, try recordings of a revered flamenco guitarist such as Carlos Montoya.


Decorations


The colors of the Spanish flag, red and yellow, should dominate among your decorations. Position red and yellow balloons, streamers and ribbons around the venue, and perhaps place a large flag in a prominent position. Large floral displays could add color to the center of each table, though avoid dahlias and chrysanthemums because they are associated with funerals and death in Spain.


Speak Spanish


Brush up on your basic Spanish to get your guests in the mood. "Hello" is "hola," "how are you" is "como estas" and "goodbye" is "adios." Say "muchas gracias" for "thank you very much" and "mucho gusto" for "pleased to meet you." Refer to your friends as "amigo" or "amiga" for males and females respectively.


Fancy Dress


Encourage your guests to come in Spanish-themed outfits. For men, consider renting matador or torero costumes and long flamenco dresses for women. For guests on a budget, simple costumes can be constructed. A long, flowing dress and fan will suffice for women, and a red shirt and sash with black trousers and shoes will give men a passably Spanish look.

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