Masquerade Party Ideas

Throwing a masquerade party, means thinking elegant. Masquerade parties are a far cry from rowdy Halloween costume parties. As a rule, they're well-organized, formal, centered on dancing and filled with an air of mystery and opulence. These parties give everyone a chance to dress up, so they're a hit with kids as well as adults.

Choosing a Theme
Great masquerades begin with great themes. A Mardi Gras theme or a general masquerade party is a low-key approach that gives your guests complete freedom in choosing a costume. These masquerades tend to be much less formal, which is great for kids and teens or guests who are on a tight budget.

For a semiformal or formal masquerade, think of themes that suggest a dressy occasion. Shakespeare, Victorian or Sherlock Holmes themes give guests a chance to dress as a favorite character or simply reflect the style of the historical period. The Roaring '20s offers plenty of fun costume ideas in a slightly less formal format. For a modern theme, think James Bond or Monte Carlo.

Spreading the Word
With your theme chosen, it's time to get out the invitations. Try to find stationery and envelopes that fit the theme, to help your guests get excited about the party. It is essential that the invitation spell out the theme and the type of dress that guests will be required to wear. If your theme is set in a certain era, such as the '20s or Victorian England, be specific. Leave your guests to their own, and they'll show up as clowns and doctors or, worse still, without costumes at all.

Include the date of the party, the location and the start and end times. Be sure to mention if dinner will be served. At a masquerade, drinks and appetizers are typically the only things on the menu. Include information on how to RSVP as well.

Hosting the Party
Masquerade decorations should reflect the theme, and you don't need to go overboard. At a masquerade, the costumes and masks are the real stars.

If you're renting a space, look for one with a grand entrance or a stairway that will allow guests to be the center of attention as they arrive. Lighting should be low, to reflect the secretive nature of a masquerade. Strategically placed candles and dim overhead lights set the right mood. 

Mirrors should be a prominent part of the decorations. Have mirrors placed around the room so that guests can check their costumes, and secretly check out the other guests. A few colorful ribbons or streamers hanging from the edges of mirrors will add to the ambiance.

Simple flower arrangements with candles are ideal centerpieces. When using candles at a masquerade, be sure that the flame is completely contained by the holder and isn't exposed. Feathers, ribbons and flowing dresses can be dangerous if there are open flames about.

Food and drink should be limited to a few choices, typically wine, champagne and bite-sized appetizers. Masks can make it very difficult to eat and drink, so you'll want small finger foods and a supply of straws.

For a true masquerade feel, hire a string quartet to play chamber music and waltzes, or have a live pianist. If that's out of your price range, you can use prerecorded music that fits the theme, but keep it on the slow side. If you're planning a '20s or Monte Carlo masquerade, or even a Mardi Gras party, consider having some games of chance, such as roulette and cards, to entertain your guests.