Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Summer Party Theme: Arabian Nights

As the panther continues to plan her summer theme party (coming soon), she is inspired by a myriad of summer themes.  Some may be your stereotypical summer theme but some ideas are more unique.  Today we would like to share ideas for and exotic summer party theme...

Arabian Nights:  Plan an Arabian Nights themed party for a sultry, star-filled summer night.  Your goal for this party is to create a backyard party oasis.

The number one necessity for this event is a tent.  Think beyond your traditional tent.  Sure you can rent full walled tents from your local party rental company, but it is summer... you want the open air.  Instead rent a canopy tent.  This has a covered tent top but open sides.  Hang drapery panels or sheets from the canopy and tie them back with heavy corded tassels to create luxury.  If you don't have room for a canopy, get creative.  Purchase yards and yards of inexpensive gauzy fabrics in rich colors and create your own canopy between trees or whatever is available to you.

A simple backyard canopy tent can be turned into an Arabian dream...


Line the ground beneath the tent with old rugs, overlapping on one another.  Any rugs will do, but Persian-style rugs are best.  The more colors and patterns, the better.

Bring your coffee table into the tent for a dining table.  Or, simple fashion a long low dining table from a 4' x 8' sheet of plywood on cinder blocks.  Drape the plywood table with overlapping lengths of colored fabrics.  Scatter pillows in rich colors all over the floor for seating and lounging.

Visit your local import store like Pier-1 imports, or Cost Plus World Market and stock up on lanterns and candles.  This will really set the mood.  Hang lanterns around the tent, and place them on the dining table.

Serve an array of middle-eastern finger foods with a lot of flat bread for scooping.  Some ideas are hummus, olive plates, minty rice, and lamb kebabs.



May your Arabian night be magical!

-The Panther






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