Birthdays, anniversaries, Christmas, Halloween, Easter, Valentine's Day.
With occasions coming up all year round, finding a party theme can get harder and harder every year.
While everyone just likes a good meal, a good host always gives a little extra to make the event more memorable.
If you're out of ideas, you may want to consider an international theme.
Whether it's Chinese, Mexican or African, foreign cultures offer a wealth of ideas when it comes to entertaining.
Here's how you can pull off an international theme and make a lasting impression on your guests.
Choose a lively color scheme.
A color scheme plays a big role in the overall look and feel of your event.
Each culture has its own trademark colors: the Chinese like red and gold, the Japanese prefer sleek white and bamboo green, and Africans are all about earth colors and vibrant hues.
Look up the prevalent shades in your chosen theme and work them into your décor.
Serve the right food.
The food is the center of attention in every party, so it makes sense to plan your menu according to the theme.
It also offers a fresh change from the dishes we're all used to.
You don't have to follow it to heart, especially if your guests aren't very adventurous.
Just one or two international dishes should be enough to put an interesting taste on the table.
Set the table right.
Table settings can also vary by country.
While it's not a major detail, it won't hurt to look into international table settings.
For example, Korean tables usually have all the dishes served at once, while a Mediterranean theme puts prominence on the wines and wine glasses.
Don't feel bound to the rules, but follow them whenever you can.
Play some native music.
If you have time, browse the web for folk music samples you can use to go with your decor.
Not all of them will suit the mood of your party, but if they do, it really completes the international theme.
The right music lends a touch of authenticity to your event, and your guests are sure to appreciate the effort.