Much of the associations of theme parties are originated from the well-known masquerade balls that first emerged during the Italian Renaissance.

“Masques” were costumed dances with the participants being dressed in fancy, prolific costumes wearing ostensible masks.

If this year you decided to host a Scottish-themed part then it is the very time to dress on a Scottish skirt costume and hide the couches, coffee table, TV-set and other furniture units. Make a huge fireplace - like the one seen in a Scottish castle against the far wall.

Adorn the façade using garlands of artificial holly, red, green and gold plaid ribbon bows, ornaments shaped like hunting horns, drums, bagpipes and miniature stags, pheasants and cardinals. Use your imagination and fancy the way your invitees arrive as the Scottish Earl of Clariegh and lady of the castle with an urn of Sebastini wine.

Set the table and cook beef roast, leg of lamb, mashed potatoes, bread, and carrots and peas for Christmas dinner. Pamper your guests with some country music from Scotland at the end of it all.

Many of thecustoms of the masquerade reemerged in the Mardi gras celebrations of the French colonies - in the annual theme parties in the USA. Nowadays dressing in costume is a common aspect of the theme party. Ordinary costume parties turn out into dressing up as a movie character, a historical personage, or as a character of a popular cultural genre, like pirates, ’30s gangsters or vampires.