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Theme parties: It's not dumb if it's fun

Sometimes we all need a little change in our lives.

I'm not talking about a new hairdo or a vacation.

I'm talking about a theme dinner party.

Now honestly, it takes a little gusto to organize a dinner party. It can — however — be as simple or intricate as you wish to make it.

Never underestimate the power of potluck, if you ask everyone to bring something, you'll save time, money and sanity.

The thing about theme parties is this: If you can decide on a theme that fits you and your friends, you can't lose.

If your friends are into camping, but can't get away from work on the weekends, or have children to care for, ask a friend with enough land to build a fire, and cook a meal as if you were camping.

If your friends are not the outdoor kind, but like getting dressed up instead, organize a cocktail and crepe party.

Don't forget the importance of ambiance, carefully choose music and other details (like clean dishes) ahead of time.

And whatever you do, have fun. Get into the idea and others will too.

Cocktails and crepes

Dressing up is optional, but if you have friends who like to get a little fancy invite them over for cocktails and crepes. The one thing you don't want to do when organizing a cocktail party is run out of booze, so ask your friends to bring the ingredients for their favorite drinks or a bottle of wine — that way, there will be plenty. Instead of a hearty dinner with your cocktails, choose to make crepes instead.

Pseudo camping

If you have established a place to have a campfire, bring everything outside. Once you think you've got it all and get started, don't allow yourself to go back into the house — improvise. That's what's makes it like camping. Avoid disappointing your crew by remembering graham crackers, chocolate and marshmallows for s'mores.

Take-out potluck

One of the fun parts about dinner parties is cooking, but sometimes we'd all prefer to have someone else do the preparation part. Most restaurants, from Bravo in West Chester Twp., to Stefano's in Middletown, allow you to get carryout. So, invite your friends over for "gourmet take-out night." You'll want to set the theme and assign your guest courses, so one person doesn't show up with BBQ ribs and another sushi. Here's some ideas: Italian, diner food, Thai, French, Spanish, clambake, sushi, southern food, California contemporary.

Ice cream and coffee party

Ask all of your friends to bring a pint of their favorite ice cream and you'll provide the coffee (whiskey optional). Don't forget that someone may just show up with a friend who is lactose intolerant or not a coffee drinker, so have sherbert available as well as hot tea or hot chocolate. What goes well with ice cream and coffee? Board games or a movie? Actually, as long as there's ice cream, who cares?

RECIPES:

Crepes

4 eggs

1/4 tsp salt

2 cups flour

2 1/4 milk

1/4 cup melted butter or margarine

Directions: Break four eggs into a bowl and add 1/4 tsp of salt. Whisk until the egg looks uniformly yellow. Add 1/2 cup flour to egg mixture. Whisk into egg mixture as you add milk, and then flour. Continue until you have added it all. Whisk until it is smooth. Add melted butter to the batter and whisk again until smooth. Cover the batter and refrigerate until you are ready to make crepes. Use an 8-inch skillet. Pour about 1/4 cup of batter into the skillet (use no-stick spray, butter or oil if the pan is not a nonstick pan). As you pour, move the pan around so the bottom is covered thinly by the batter. Flip after it has cooked on the one side. After the crepe is cooked, top with ingredients of your choice.

Some suggestions: Ham, cheese, spicy mustard; or peaches, Hershey's chocolate syrup and cashew slices.

Yield: 20-24 crepes

Veggie Medley

Serves 6-10

Eight large potatoes

Four large portabella mushrooms

12-15 stalks of asparagus

Two garlic cloves

Salt

Pepper

Butter or margarine

Italian dressing

Directions: Cut potatoes, mushrooms and asparagus into bite-sized pieces. Chop up garlic. Split the vegetables into piles and wrap in aluminum foil. Before folding the foil up, add salt, pepper and add about a tablespoon of margarine and a dash of Italian dressing. Put foil package in campfire, close to the edge. Let sit in for 10-15 minutes, flip and repeat. Remove from heat carefully, dump veggies in a container and enjoy.

Yield: 6-10 servings