Chocolate Theme Party Ideas! Yum Yum!

Everyone loves chocolate! Just bring a plate of brownies to work and watch how quickly they disappear. When contemplating your next party, consider hosting a chocolate theme party. A chocolate party is ideal for many occasions, is easy to prepare and does not have to cost a fortune. Your event can be as simple or elaborate as you desire. Check out these ideas for some chocolate themed inspiration. CHOCOLATE PARTY INVITATIONS Nothing formal is required for a chocolate party. If you want to buy expensive invites, great. Otherwise, something simple with a "dessert" theme works fine. Try a chocolate-themed note card. You can print labels with the party information on your home computer to stick inside the card. Spray your invitations lightly with a chocolate scented perfume or chocolate room spray for a special touch. If you're the crafty type, try one of these ideas: Purchase plain cardstock and chocolate dessert themed stickers or rubber stamps, available online or at most large craft stores. We found lots of chocolate theme choices at AddictedToRubberStamps.com Print your party info, along with your favorite chocolate dessert recipe, on chocolate theme recipe cards. Use chocolate bar labels and glue sticks to decorate plain cardstock. If you want to deliver your invitations personally, make individual bags of brownies, chocolate cookies, or candies. Tie with a ribbon and add a label with the party information. CHOCOLATE PARTY DECORATIONS Chocolate scented candles are a must unless small children will be at the party. Not as mood invoking, but quite effective, is a chocolate room spray. Chocolate brown balloons, paper plates and napkins can be combined with many complimentary colors. We like bright pink, light mint green, icy pale blue or aqua. Arrange pretty bowls or doily-covered plates of chocolates and truffles around the party area. CHOCOLATE PARTY FOOD Now for the interesting part! Anything chocolate goes... use your imagination! There are many great recipe websites and books out there to inspire you. Not a chef? No problem-you can find semi-homemade and easy recipes, as well as great finds at your local market. Make it yourself, buy it, or do a little of each! An added plus - you can make just about everything well ahead of time. There's no reason to stress out when planning a chocolate theme party! Be sure to make your chocolate offerings the center of attention on a decorated table or buffet. Go for small portions so that guests can try a little of everything. Make your brownies, cookies and cake slices mini-sized. Everyone's favorites: brownies, chocolate mousse, chocolate pudding, chocolate cake or cupcakes, chocolate cheesecake Lighter fare: chocolate fondue with fresh fruit, chocolate covered strawberries, chocolate sorbet with fresh berries Great for teens: chocolate chip cookies, chocolate ice cream with fudge topping, chocolate pizza, hot cocoa with marshmallows, s'mores, chocolate soda Cocktail party: chocolate martinis Be sure to have plenty of cold bottled water and milk on hand. For the adults, a pot of good coffee, espresso or cappuccino always goes well. CHOCOLATE THEMED ACTIVITIES You'll be busy eating and socializing, but if you need an activity, here are a few suggestions: Watch a chocolate themed movie, like Charlie and The Chocolate Factory, Chocolat or Willie Wonka. Don't want to spend all that time watching a full movie? You can't go wrong with the hilarious "Chocolate Factory" episode of "I Love Lucy". It's available on the season 2 DVD with the official title of "Job Switching". Make decorated chocolate dipped pretzels or no-bake chocolate truffles. Play a chocolate trivia game - Our pick: "Chocolate Smarts". Fill and decorate a large jar with chocolate candies, like M&M's or individually wrapped chocolates. Be sure to count all the pieces first! Let each guest guess how many are in the jar by placing their guess on a small piece of paper. The winner takes home the prize. CHOCOLATE THEME PARTY FAVORS Be sure to thank your guests for attending with party favors. A few suggestions for memorable, yet inexpensive, favors: Individually wrapped or boxed chocolates - Let your chocoholic friends indulge after the party! Homemade chocolate treats - Pack them in a small bag or box. Brownies and cookies are always appreciated. Chocolate Spa or chocolate scented bath and body products - Chocolate soap, chocolate lip balm or a chocolate scented candle is a great favor for a shower or girl's party. Chocolate Cookbook - A small chocolate cookbook, even a small paperback version, is something that your guests will use again and again. If you're on a budget, print out some of your favorite recipes on individual cards and place in a decorated cello bag or envelope. Hot Cocoa Gift Bag - Place individual packets of hot cocoa mix and a little bag of mini-marshmallows in a cello bag. You can add a peppermint candy stick for the holidays.