The starting point is the easiest. Picking a date. The only consideration here is that the date will fall into a season and the season will assist you in determining an appropriate theme for your party. By considering the costume associated with the theme you are better able to determine if it's truly appropriate for the date set. Beach Parties work well when the weather is warm and not quite so well when everyone has a jumper on top…..similarly Grand Costume Balls are at best uncomfortable during mid-summer. So we get to the first tip;

Tip 1: Date identifies season and season influences party theme….

Remember it's still your party so chose a theme that bets reflects your personality and that of your guests. If you want a more formal cocktail party, select a theme that is in keeping with this; something refined 1920's theme or nautical with the mysteries of the Orient. If however you want to dance all night chose a theme in keeping with that say Disco. Don't be afraid to be adventurous; Halloween costumes can also work well within other themes - and people will be glad to get a second use from them, why not party on Friday 13th or when there's a Full Moon. Tinsel and Turkey Christmas party in September. Be watchful of the weight and thickness of these costumes and remember rule 1; so our next tip is;

Tip 2: Make sure the theme fits your party personality….

Having selected and finalised your theme and ensured it fits your party personality create your invitation list, check it twice to see who's naughty or - oops, someone else's script…just make sure that you have the budget and a venue suitable for the number of guests you have identified. Remember also, that choosing a costume and the right level of accessories can be time consuming; less so if you internet shop at Karnival-House, but even so allow your guests sufficient time to plan; so the tip is;

Tip 3: Get your invites out early and let your guests know the party theme at the same time and maybe a list of suggestions you may have.…..

It's always nice to let your guests know you appreciate their efforts when they take the trouble to dress up. You can give token prizes for the worst, most over the top, or whatever category you decide. In reality the categories will be decided by your party personality - they would be different for a Luau than for a Cocktail Party;

Tip 4: Let your guests know you appreciate their efforts with their costumes

Ok, you have the theme, you've issued the invites and you're expecting your guests to arrive in full costume. Now take the theme through to the decorations of the venue and perhaps also through to the food and catering. For example; Luaus provide an endless array of decoration possibilities, lanterns, Tiki torches, garden flairs, garlands, palm leaves etc and you could theme a BBQ and a range of tropical punches to drink.

Tip 5: Having themed your guest; theme the venue, catering and refreshments…..

Keep a few costume suggestions close to hand at all times. There are always a few guests who are reluctant to wear fancy dress and will cite not knowing what to select as a prime excuse. If you have a few well considered costumes and lists of accessories you can offer some help to get them back into the spirit of the event. Don't forget to give them the web address of one of the best internet fancy dress sites around: Karnival-House.

Tip 6: Also have costume ideas available to help those who waiver……

Ok, it's your party, you've picked the theme, you've sent the invites out, you've offered unending costume and accessories help to those who have needed it; you've themed the venue; themed the refreshments; worked like crazy to get everything ready - oh yes, one final rule;

Tip 7: Enjoy yourself………….