• Incorporate digital lighting effects for a science fiction theme party.Outer Space Abstract image by Mark Grenier from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>
  
  Common party themes, such as the 80s or murder mysteries, are often over-done and predictable. Implement a unique party theme to give guests an experience they have never had before. Once a theme is developed, exercise your creative skills to develop related invitations, decorations, music, games, food and drinks.
  
  

Cult Classics

• Develop a theme based on your favorite, cult classic film. Examples of cult classics include George A. Romero's, "Night of the Living Dead," John Waters' "Hairspray," and Jim Sharman's "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Send invitations printed in the style of movie posters. Have guests dress up like characters from the films. Play music related to the film or the film's soundtrack. For example, during a "Hairspray" party you would play music from 1960's. Play quiz games where guests are asked about detail in the films. Winners could receive copies of the movie, a movie calendar, a movie poster or movie other paraphernalia. Have a screening of the movie where guests reenact scenes.
  
  

Science Fiction

• Turn your home into a parallel universe for a science fiction party. People can come dressed as aliens, robots and mad scientists. Decorate treats with silver cake sprinkles to give them a synthetic appearance. Serve drinks of unusual, toxic-like colors such as appletinis or champagne with blue curacao. Play synthesized music and install moving, colored LED spotlights. It is also possible to adapt a murder mystery-style game to a science fiction party where guests have to solve a science fiction-related mystery such as an alien abduction. You can also have a science fiction scavenger hunt.
  
  

Pirates, Nerds and Hot dogs

• Imagine a houseful of people dressed as pirates, nerds and hot dogs. Combine three completely unrelated things to create a theme of hilarious juxtapositions. Other examples include Greeks, cops and woodland creatures; zombies, shellfish and Carmen Miranda; and bugs, rednecks and Elvis. Develop menu items, a soundtrack and decorations that incorporate all three items. Play games where people who dressed up according to the different categories are pitted against one another. Have a best costume contest where members of one group vote for the members of the other groups.