Fete Files: Casino Night

Going to the casino can be a total blast, but if you don't have the cash to spare, or meet the age requirement, a trip to the casino is not quite possible. Consider throwing your very own casino party. Invite all of your friends over for a night of glamour, food, drinks, and (faux) gambling! It will be a perfect excuse to get all dolled up and have some fun!

INVITATIONS ONLY

Consider using a fun and fancy theme appropriate invite for your casino night. Let your guests know your ready for a night full of glam and gambling, but don't break the bank while doing it! Myexpressions.com has some great casino night invitations, all of which are reasonably priced. My personal favorite was these printable "card" invites.  

You can add your own personal touch to them by printing them yourself and adding some extra decorations. Price is $10.50 per pack of ten and can be found here. This particular invite is also one that can be easily made with your own materials, at no cost! If you're artistic enough to create  your own fabulous card shaped invites, consider making them yourself! It will serve as a fun pre-party activity to get you in the mood for your very own casino night party! 
 

SWEET SLURPS

Consider giving your casino party a theme, for example, VEGAS! Incorporate this theme into all party favors and activities, including the beverages and the attire!. This will create a fun and exciting environment for you and all of your friends to really let loose and enjoy a night of faux gambling! Now, for those of you under 21, hence one of the main reasons for throwing your own casino party, consider serving some great mocktails, like a non-alcoholic mimosa! Mimosa's in general are super easy to make, simply mix champagne and orange juice together and voila! I found this great mock-champagne recipe on www.tasteoftx.com. Try spicing it up a bit with some orange juice for an added on flavor. 

Mix it up: 

2/3 cup Sugar 
2/3 cup Water 
1 cup Grapefruit juice 
1/2 cup Orange juice 
3 tablespoons Grenadine syrup 
28 ounces Ginger ale -- chilled

Combine sugar and water in  
saucepan over low heat. 
Stir until sugar is dissolved. 
Bring to boil and boil 10 minutes. 
Cool. 
Add sugar syrup to 
grapefruit and orange juices. 
Chill thoroughly. 
Add grenadine and ginger ale 
just before serving. 
Makes about 1 1/2 quarts 

For those of you 21 years and older: simply substitute this recipe for an alcoholic mimosa with real champagne.

DINNER, DRINKS AND DINERO

Stick to a classy theme in regards to food for your casino night. Don't worry about serving a sit down dinner because everyone will likely be pre-occupied with gaming and chatting. Consider serving simple, yet sophisticated pickings like dips and cheese and crackers. Evite.com has some great ideas for the more elegant palate, but as far as pickings are concerned, stick to the classy, yet easy to make options. Evite.com suggests serving spinach and artichoke dip, which is a fabulous idea. If you're like me, and addicted to T.G.I Friday's spinach and artichoke dip, consider getting your supplies at your local grocery store for little cost. Also consider baking cookies and having lots of little snacks to pick from, such as cheese and crackers, chips, etc.  
 
DECORATION

Half the fun of your casino night party should be the decor. Buying lots of fancy decorations for your party can really get pricey. Everyone has got there own set of cards, and maybe even a poker set. Consider having your friends chip in for the decor and supplies for your party! On your invitation, ask (politely!) that everyone chip in and bring some of their own casino supplies. Also, if you're able to spend a few bucks on decorations, there are some great casino party supplies available at plumparty.com.

Consider suggesting that all of your guests get dressed up to follow the theme of your ultra classy Vegas style extravaganza! Most importantly, have fun and enjoy a night of glam and (faux) gambling at your casino night party!