Plan your Arabian or Turkish theme party
Advice, tips and ideas for a great party
Sumptuous setting, exotic entertainment and gorgeous food - an Arabian or Turkish theme party has it all. Here are some ideas and tips for setting the scene…
Approach
There are two main approaches to this kind of party. You could go for a really authentic experience, carefully selecting food and furnishings to capture a genuine taste of the Middle East. Be sure to research your chosen topic or country thoroughly and to select food, drink, decorations and entertainment carefully – the Middle East is a huge place and not all items are appropriate to all places!
Alternatively you could portray an Orientalist fantasy of an exotic faraway place full of dancing girls and genies. This is the land portrayed in the stories of Scheherazade and in the Technicolor movies of the 1940s and 50s. You could play these movie sduring the evening, either as part of the entertainment or in the background, playing on TVs with the sound down or projected onto walls. Try classic 1940s Oscar winner, "Thief of Baghdad".
The name of your event will set the tone and your guests’ expectations for the party. So if you are taking an authentic route, try a descriptive but evocative name like "One Night in Cairo", while a fantasy option could be “Arabian Nights” or "Turkish Delight".
Next: The Setting