How to Throw a Greek Themed Party
The European country of Greece affords party throwers a vast array of themes for a rocking party. Ancient Greece, widely considered the cradle of Western European civilization, provides a creative theme for a costume party tailored to an eclectic crowd, while the Americanized Greek toga party better suits a college party. For the foodies in the crowd, one can opt for a Greek-themed dinner party, as many Americans lack familiarity with traditional Greek cuisine. No matter the theme you choose, this Mediterranean country works as a unique opportunity to excite your guests about attending your event.
Make It a Toga Party
Made iconic by the movie industry, like in National Lampoon’s "Animal House" and countless other films centered on fraternities, the toga was the famous garb of the Ancient Greeks. Generally, the toga appears as a very long piece of cloth wrapped over the shoulder and around the body, occasionally over a tunic. In Ancient Greece, men most often wore togas, but there’s no reason to exclude women from the festivities.
To make a modern toga, you can simply use an old bed sheet wrapped over one shoulder: White togas are classic, but feel free to pick another solid color of your choosing. For footwear, suggest that guests wear sandals, a popular choice in Greece’s temperate climate. Attendees at toga parties may anticipate a carefree, "rules-free" environment, so make sure to provide a few refreshments to loosen up the atmosphere.
Incorporate Traditional Greek Food
While many Americans have familiarized themselves with certain aspects of Greek culture, such as the lore of Ancient Greece and its mythology, few have incorporated Greek cuisine into their diets. A Greek food-themed party may also be well-suited for a potluck, or a party where everyone brings one dish to share with the rest of the guests. Throwing a large Greek potluck will provide your guests with the opportunity to sample many of the great dishes Greece has to offer.
Greek food makes great use of olive oil, vegetables and herbs, as well as fish, poultry and cheese, all of which are staples of typical American diets. Popular appetizers include feta and olives, Melitzanosalata (an eggplant salad), tzatziki (a yogurt-based dipping sauce for bread) and fasolada (a bean soup). Main dishes vary greatly, including cabbage rolls and spanakopita (spinach pie) for vegetarians, as well as gyros (spit-roasted meat on pita bread), and souvlaki (grilled and skewered meat).
Become Greek Gods
One of the first aspects of Greek culture we typically tend to learn about is the Greek mythological figures, each of which possesses a defining character trait. Due to the veritable ocean of choices available to your guests, it's unlikely that all of your guests will arrive as Zeus or Aphrodite. For men, Apollo makes an ideal option. The god of music, poetry, archery and healing, Apollo was a true Renaissance man before the term even existed! Apollo most often appears with a lute and his bow and arrow. Women may wish to dress as Athena, a goddess of both wisdom and warfare, who's known for her crested helm and for carrying both a shield and spear.
