Toga Party
Toga parties have become highly popular theme parties among college students. Some say these are by far the best college parties that ever existed, and with all those people wearing sheer sheets instead of clothes who would deny the special charm of these parties?
Toga parties originated in the 1950s and have been hugely popular ever since! Their success climbed higher with the release of one of the best American comedies ever, National Lampoon’s Animal House. Even though this was not the first film in which the toga parties were presented, it was by far the most successful one. For many colleges this is the source of inspiration for these outrageously fun theme parties (or was it vice versa? Hmm …)
Simple, Home-made Togas
All people attending a toga party, regardless of their gender or age, must wear a toga. While this is obligatory, there is no restriction regarding the type of toga one should wear. Thus, the toga costumes have really diversified since then and more “modern” approaches have been experimented.
Home-made togas, (made up of bedding sheets or white stripes of fabric) are the most popular among male party attendants, and are easy to make and wear. Wearing one, you can mingle in with a crowd given over to Bacchus, God of Drink, and partake in eat, drink and be merry!
Elaborate Toga Costumes
Bold men, usually leaders of the fraternity/group, like to stand out from the crowd. They usually choose to go for red togas, the color that only an Emperor could wear. The red color is associated with royalty, so their preference for this color is understandable. Other colors usually worn by men are blue, green or black. Golden embroidered togas are sometimes worn as a symbol of distinction.
Women usually go for colorful togas that will highlight their beautiful features. Also, shorter and sexy togas and even two piece clothing derived from togas are highly fashionable among female college students. Those choosing a more dramatic appearance go for a Cleopatra costume with a long toga with golden embroidery and stunning make-up featuring “smoky eyes” and large eyelashes for a dramatic look.
Organizing a Toga Party
While guests will only have to worry about their appearance, the host is also in charge with organizing the party. This involves sending invitations, decorating the house and preparing the food and drink for the Roman banquet.
Invitations can be printed on a thicker paper, on a yellowish or brownish background. Try dark brown or black letters and use a more antique-like font. Roll it and seal it with melted wax from a candle. For a more authentic look choose one of your rings and make a stamp on the wax. Then, burn the margins of the rolled invitation as it just got out of a fire.
For house decorations, use vines and red and white fabrics thrown on the tables, chairs and even as drapes. Use jugs or carafes for serving the wine and matching plates to serve the food. Also, look for specific dishes and try to cook them or at least try to achieve their look. Bring lots of fruits and foods, preferably grapes and figs, and place them on large plates. They are great for snacks and décor!
For even more fun, contests can be organized: toga contest or grape smashing contests are great for entertaining the party people!
Even though toga parties are nowadays more modern and adapted to the contemporary requirements, they are still great fun! They represent the perfect occasion for letting your spirit free and party the Roman style: fun costumes, lots of drinking, good food and beautiful men and women around!
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