What was the best private party you've ever been to as an adult? Was it themed?

[PinkMartini]

Hello
I'm starting to plan a big birthday party in London.
I'm looking to have music (possibly a band but I'll think about that), substantial finger food and lots of booze. A private party in a fab central london location- my flat isn't nearly big enough for the number of people I'm thinking about.
I'm toying with the idea of a theme party - I went to an awesome Kings & Queens party (all the girls got to wear tiaras, twas v amusing) and also quite a good Heaven/Hell party - I like the idea of a theme that doesn't dictate completely what you wear.

I'd love to hear your thoughts on the best party you've ever been to - what was good/bad etc?
TIA

Bar bungee is fun at parties.

I did a kids party for grown up once which was really good, vodka jellies, apple dunking, jelly babies etc. We encouraged dressing up and had two nappy clad rugby players and several very restrained women (well normally anyway) turning up in lolita type outfits.

You can also hire velcro walls and velcro suits for fly nights. V. cool.

Best thing though is to find a pub that will give you the room for free in exchange for you paying for food/drinks etc. That way you don't have to clear up.

My best party was to a friend's 50th. It was a surprise party for her and her female partner arranged it like a Women's Institute thing. We all had to participate in competitions such as baking Victoria Sponges, artwork incorporating friend and loads & loads of 'village fair' type games. It was the wickedest party I've ever been too.

I find theme parties naff.

The best one I went to was the millennium one a bunch of us threw, with a close friend volunteering his unbelievably huge and gorgeous house in the mountains as a venue.

It was FAB!

We had it catered and all spent months acquiring the beverages.

The stereo system in the house was top-notch and the host and his partner spent ages making play lists.

People brought sleeping bags and matts - most of our friends were climbers and outdoor enthusiasts - so they could really party.

There was an indoor and outdoor jacuzzi.

We partied till the sun came up.

The best one that springs to mind was a friends wedding reception -it was held in a field and old barn next to his parents house.

They had a huge BarBQ/pig roast (although that had no appeal to me as I'm veggie!), lots of food and drink laid out in the barn and an open fire as the evening went on.

Most people were camping over (so no hassle about getting home) -they had portaloos in the field.

At various stages there were games of rounders and frizbee going on which kept the children (and competitive adults happy). Everyone just partied until they were ready to go to bed and, as it was all in the same field, just passed out in their tent!

Thanks for all the ideas. Keep 'em coming.

Yes expat, I know what you mean about the naff-ness but want to do something really memorable.

Then bring that wish, and your passion and enthusiasm along and I guarantee you will give the most memorable of parties.

Any more for any more?

hate fancy dress tbh

Well I wasn't thinking fancy dress, cod, more a theme but am definitely veering away from it. Don't want people to have to go to too much effort.
What made the best party you've been to then?

i cant hink of one in isolation ( sadly)
hmm i think the best onesare haev

someone doign drinks - or a man wiht a bottle 9 real pita trying to find a lukewarm bottle of plonk)

also all th wine si the same and the host keeps what peopel bring fr=or another time( but not to provide crap)

also fab music htta everyone knows - not someweirdo rave trance old skool whatever that may be cool for one person but eveyrone really wwants " coem on eileen" (!) or whatever

Just a little bump - does anyone else have anything to add?
TIA