Throwing a party can be a great way to shake off the doldrums of winter and to officially welcome spring to Philly. While you don’t need to have an excuse to throw a party, picking a theme for it can make the process of planning go a lot more smoothly. Take a look at what’s going on around Philadelphia this spring to help you come up with a few party theme ideas.

Flower Power Party

The Philadelphia Flower Show takes place in early March each year. Every year, the show has a different theme (in 2016, the theme was “Explore America,” in honor of the National Park Service). Take inspiration from the show by making your party revolve around a floral theme. Decorate a table with a variety of flowers in vases, give small pots of spring flowers, such as pansies or primroses, as party favors, and serve dishes that feature edible flowers or are decorated to look like flowers (such as a cake in the shape of a daisy).

The central activity at the party can be learning how to make flower arrangements. You can call up a local florist and see if he or she is willing to spend an hour or so teaching you and your guests how to arrange flowers or take a more informal approach and purchase several flowers and vases and try to DIY your arrangements.

Pop Art Party

The Philadelphia Museum of Art is running a special Pop Art exhibition through May. The bright colors and playful nature of pop art makes it an ideal party theme. Decorate your home with small prints of well-known pop artworks, such as Andy Warhol’s soup cans and Roy Lichtenstein’s cartoons. Put together a play list of international pop music hits, including songs from The Beatles, Serge Gainsbourg, and Sonny & Cher. Serve brightly colored foods and drinks, such as colorful cupcakes and vibrantly hued cocktails. A pop art themed party is definitely the time to prepare a few drinks that feature blue curacao, for bright green Midori sours, and for vibrant red Campari and sodas.

Wonderland Party

In 2015, the popular children’s classic Alice in Wonderland turned 150. To celebrate, the Rosenbach Museum and Library is holding a special exhibition, through May of 2016. Whether you’re looking for party theme ideas for a kids’ party or an adult party, you can use the popular story as inspiration.

One option is to throw a Mad Tea Party. Visit a thrift store and stock up on a variety of mismatched tea cups, saucers, and tea pots. Offer a large selection of teas to your guests, as well as small pastries such as petit fours and macarons.

If you have outdoor space, and the weather is nice, another way to tie your party into Alice in Wonderland is to play croquet. You don’t need to use flamingos, of course, and no one needs to dress like the Queen of Hearts.

Picking a theme makes throwing a party at your Philadelphia home much easier. And choosing a theme that relates to what’s going in the city this season helps you feel that much more connected to your town.

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