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Hosting a party at home — whether you’re entertaining five or 50 — takes serious skill. From the invitations to the menu, prep work to party flow, there are tons of considerations to take and decisions to make from brainstorming through clean-up. 

Having a thoughtful theme is a great way to streamline planning and give your guests a night they won’t soon forget. Party theme possibilities are endless, but we’ve rounded up four of our favorites! Happy celebrating!

Wine Tasting

Perfect for cooler months (or even a holiday party), a wine tasting is a great way to spark conversation and get the drinks flowing. A personal favorite is a concealed wine tasting: each guest or couple brings two bottles of the same wine in a covered package. The first bottle is tasted and graded based on things like taste, smell and color, and the couple who brought the winning wine gets to take home everyone’s second bottle as a prize. Serve elevated apps and palate cleansers to enjoy between tastings, and offer personalized wine glasses as a favor.

Progressive Dinner

Get the whole cul-de-sac involved in this meal-activity hybrid: a traditional progressive dinner. Taking place across multiple homes, each participant is assigned a course to prepare and serve. Kick off the evening with a cocktail and apps at one location, then walk as a group for a heartier meal at the next, capped with a dessert and drinks at another. A progressive dinner is a great way to break the ice, spotlight each neighbor’s favorite dishes, and showcase different homes — all while a memorable evening unfolds.

“Board” Night

There’s nothing more chic than a well-done charcuterie board, so why not get creative with the trend? Encourage guests to bring a board appetizer following a set theme: a specific color for a rainbow party, international offerings for an around-the-world soirée, or breakfast, lunch and dinner favorites in an around-the-clock theme. Pair with your favorite board games for a playful and delicious evening.

Black-Tie Affair

Go all-out for a milestone birthday or a special occasion by hosting an elegant black-tie affair. Whether you polish your home to perfection or opt for a swanky venue, pull out all the stops with curated decor, catering, a top-shelf bar, and, of course, red carpet-worthy style. Nfocus readers voted The Showroom Nashville as the winner for 2022's Best Formalwear, and they can supply all the glam designer gowns, whether you’re looking to rent or to buy.