Today we recommend a Space fancy dress theme as in 1980 on this date the second of the Star Wars films, ‘The Empire Strikes Back’ was released. We have done Star Wars, see our Star Wars Costume range, and Space, as a costume theme many times (see the red text panel on the right, and take a look at these space fancy dress costume blogs) and bemoaned the fact that Star Wars really only works for ‘boys’, there being a lack of female characters and costumes. Notwithstanding that the Star Wars films were set in a galaxy far, far away, we look at some of the ‘spacial’ effects for a futuristic party in the world beyond costuming, especially if the event is being held outdoors. For a start, there are some theme party suppliers who can provide props such as inflatable aliens, planet cut-outs and ‘Roswell Incident’ ephemera. You might also find that there are some ways to put Christmas fairy-lights to new use with this theme-area. Here are a few other ideas worth exploring.

Dry Ice: Although an effect more usually associated with the bubbling cauldrons of Halloween, dry ice (or solid Carbon Dioxide) may have a role to play (you can find suppliers on the Net), although there are handling, health and storage issues involved in the ‘real thing’. One can find vapour machines which create a similar effect without the associated problems, although such machines can be expensive to buy, so hiring may be a better option.

Glow-in the Dark Effects: Items in this category can range from the chemical glo-sticks which, once ‘broken’ and activated, can produce eerie light for a good period of time, to products which you ‘charge-up’ from an intense light source. There are also the increased ranges of solar-powered lighting products intended for garden use but some of which can be adapted for other uses. When it comes to glow-in-the-dark make-up (very useful for futuristic fashions and aliens), although this usually comes in intense neon colours and can thus work well on its own, it works best when subjected to an ultra-violet light source. Luckily these are increasingly easy to find  – there are even hand-held portable units.

Balloons and Sky Lanterns: Between them, these two items have created a good number of ‘UFO sightings’ of their own in their time. Although the last few years have seen balloons with in-built LEDs on the market, the large latex ‘Rover balloons’ (named after the entities in the cult series ‘The Prisoner’) are most effective. The rising price of helium (so to speak) means these are best air-inflated and hung from fishing twine (as long as this does not create a health & safety hazard). Sky lanterns, although pretty, are also controversial because of their supposed lack of biodegradability and health-hazard potential to livestock. Although it rather goes against their purpose, tethering them so they can be recovered (and possibly reused) may be an option to work on.