ikwewe What a fun article! Parties with groups of friends is the best part of being in a community.

I like to host a grazing party, lots and lots of finger foods. I make a bunch with a theme, like Peruvian delights, or Alaska bounty, and everyone brings something. We make sure to have crudites for those who wish to munch without a lot of calories. We serve wines, teas, and coffee, and end with a theme dessert tray, like baklava, or Russian treats. We set out lots of napkins, small plates and several different serving areas. People wander around and try different things, compare notes, meet new people and a lot of conversation groups get going. I put out recipes for a few of my special plates.

At a middle eastern market near me, they have a huge selection of different olives with different stuffings and marinades, and I think I may have the basis for another party, Olive sampler with middle eastern treats.

Charmean Neithart Interiors, LLC. Hi ikwewe. Sounds like a good time. I love the olive idea. That would not be one to miss, you can also serve all kinds of tapenade. I can make a whole meal of that stuff. Thanks for sharing your ideas. Party on! Charmean

ikwewe Me, too, Charmean. I could probably happily live on olives, almonds and Spanish cheese. Might be a lot healthier, too. :)

Esther Hershcovich Yes to Chinese New Year.
Yes to Poker night.
Yes to Chocolate fondue party.
Yes to Movie night.
Yes to concert.

Now all I need to do is get some friends over; loving these ideas here.

Bookmark this ideabook: check.

jcanost Oh my goodness, the concession stand used for the Movie-Night Party is THE cutest! What a terrific idea. My nieces and nephews would adore this and I can't wait to premiere it ;). Thank you so much for the inspiration.

amir norouzmehr movie night is great.there is an idea for a TOP 5 FAVORITE MUSIC.
you invite your friend and inform them that they should choose their top 5 music or track of life,then
every body bring his/her top 5 music on cd or memory, then while every body is drinking or eating finger food, friends can talk that track, memories of that track or share ideas about the lyric of that track and it can make special hours to make the hearts of the friends more close.KARAOKE PARTY , maybe too.

i really loved your ideas for having pop corn in special boxes at home when it is movie time.

thanks
nzdrovia

calkelley My rather unimaginative husband used to theme his parties - 'wish I was in CA' before his 'thanks god, I'm not in Baltimore' ones. But his best, which we've had several times together, is a Heritage Dinner Party! It's a potluck where everyone brings something from their heritage and wow! the types of food are fantastic. Most of us are mutts so we have a wide range of nationalities to pick from.
I love the Oscar party and our neighborhood gals would love to join that one.

judyg Esther, where are you? We will be there. Neither rain, nor sleet nor snow will keep us away. We will bring the wine.

Try this: http://www.foodandwine.com/recipes/herb-roasted-olives