'Crusoe'
This time of year it makes sense to throw a party where guests get to dress a little over the top. And what better theme than a period piece based on a classic novel such as NBC's Crusoe, airing Fridays? Few things put people in a better mood than dressing like a proper 17th-century British gentlemen with sand between his toes and the occasional starfish caught in his underpants. Did you know that if you yank off one of their legs it'll grow back? We're talking about the starfish here. Nevertheless, Halloween begs for a quality costume party, so grab some pantaloons and hang on to your palm tree, because we're going to party like it's 1699!
Setting the scene:
Instead of ruining all of your priceless 17th-century furniture when guests spill rum all over it, choose a tropical island theme -- he's in the Caribbean, after all -- and decorate with everything from palm trees and palm fronds to bamboo plants and stalks. You'll want a couple of rope hammocks next to the tiki bar, which better be surrounded by sand -- available at your local garden store -- if you really want this party to be memorable. To bring the treehouse theme to life you will also need to drape muslin from place to place using bamboo poles as frames. Visit the Crusoe Web site to see some possible options. For accessories add some treasure maps, old compasses, chests, gold coins and shrunken skulls for effect. Invitations should be treasure maps with burned edges, while party favors can be everything from copies of Daniel Defoe's book to replica coins from the era.
Attire:
Suggest to guests that they come dressed as one of these: 17th-century lady or gentleman, ragged beach survivor in tattered period clothes, native cannibal, pirate or period British soldier.
On the menu:
Tropical. And by that we mean rum and lots of it. OK, fine -- feel free to add actual food, including native selections: bananas, coconuts, mangoes, pineapples and pomegranates, as well as fish and pork.
On the hi-fi:
While music of the 17th century is sure to get your guests feet a-movin', it'll be toward the door. Try a little steel drum music.
The showstopper:
OK, the steel drum music was cute, but move this shindig to Robinson Crusoe Island off the coast of Chile to really channel your inner Crusoe. It's spectacular and doesn't require a shipwreck.
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