Tips for Throwing an Oktoberfest Party – By Hallie Hammack – Source: http://www.ask.com/explore/tips-throwing-oktoberfest-party
Throwing an Oktoberfest party can be and fun and easy even if you can’t make the trek to Munich. Oktoberfest is an annual celebration held in Munich from late September through the first week of October that attracts over five million revelers every year, making it Germany’s most famous event and the world’s biggest fair. So get in the spirit of the celebrations by throwing an Oktoberfest party for all your friends!
Invitations
Set the stage for your Oktoberfest party by making sure your guests’ first impression is the right one. Why choose a plain white invitation when there are so many other choices that will convey the jovial nature of the party? Look for invitations that feature beer steins, pretzels or the German flag. Encourage your guests to get into the spirit of the party by addressing each recipient as Herr, Fraulein or Frau — Mr., Ms. and Mrs., respectively.
Decorations
Oktoberfest is all about community celebration, so if the weather allows, head outside and gather your friends under canopies or around picnic tables. Fire pits are also a great addition to any fall party. Whether you celebrate indoors or out, however, make sure the theme reflects German culture by decorating in white and blue — the official colors of Oktoberfest and the Bavarian flag. Also consider hanging German-themed posters around your home or posting a banner outside so guests know they’re at the right place. Just don’t forget to substitute “Wilkommen!” for the traditional American greeting of “Welcome!”
Costumes
Nothing adds a sense of fun to a party like seeing all your friends in costume. Encourage your male guests to dress in lederhosen and suspenders, and for women to come as the traditional Bavarian beer gal, complete with blond braids. If your budget allows, buy a number of the green Tyrolean style hats so guests that forget to dress up can still get in on the action.
Food and Drink
The key to any party — and especially Oktoberfest — is having the right food and drink. Wow your guests with a range of traditional German dishes, such as bratwurst, sauerkraut, pretzels and potato pancakes. Finish off the meal with a serving of German chocolate cake, apple strudel or black licorice. Make sure you have plenty of drinks on hand — especially beer — to help guests wash down all the rich German food. Keep your thirsts quenched and add to the decor by setting up a beer tasting station. Stock it with a range of unique beers and start sampling!
Music
Take the time to find the right music for your Oktoberfest party. Download several albums of upbeat and traditional German music and play it on loop throughout the festivities. Don’t forget to include “The Chicken Dance” — it’s the most requested song at Oktoberfest and the dance is simple enough to appeal to even the least-coordinated guest. If you have your heart set on live entertainment, look for a small band that specializes in polka or another form of traditional German music. Remember that these bands are the most in-demand in the weeks surrounding Oktoberfest, so book early.
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