While party suppliers can help you with everything you need for a great party, the first thing you need is the grand idea to transform an average party into an awesome event that everyone remembers.

The possibilities are endless. Film and TV are a great place to start for up-to-the-moment pop culture references. Equally popular are famous bands or musical genres. Want more ideas?

• Generational parties (70’s, 80’s, Gen Y),
• Letter parties (comes as something that starts with "D"),
• Colour parties (black & white is always on trend),
• A specific theme, such as horse racing theme. (You’d be surprised at the range of jockey uniforms, racing forms, bookies’ outfits and even horse costumes that are out there.)

Speak to the experts

If you do get stuck, or are looking for something really different, local party stores are the place to go. The experts behind the counter have helped stage countless successful parties, so if anyone knows what works and what doesn’t, it’s them. Plus, they’ll can work within your budget too, which takes another concern out of the party equation.

Let’s say you decide on a 1950s rock-n-roll themed party. Visit your local party supply store or party hire store, (or check out their websites) and you’ll find everything from backdrops printed with old rock-n-roll records to soda fountains and jukeboxes.

There are costumes for Elvis wannabes and frocks straight out of Happy Days; table centrepieces in the form of musical notes and guitars; and even get balloons printed in the Fifties theme – all from the one shop.

So, once you’ve decided on a party theme, and have had a chat with the friendly staff at a party goods store, you get get cracking on putting together a complete party package. Done properly, you’ll create a themed night your friends will be talking, laughing and Instagramming about for months to come.