Think gold and glitz...think cards and games...think fancy and fun! Here are a few ideas for hosting a Las Vegas casino inspired party.

 Invitations

Find an old deck of cards.  Using cardstock, glue a couple cards on the front of the invitation...  You don't have to chance your luck ~ you're sure to have a good time at Casino night at the Smith's!  ~or~ you could have a more formal invitation made for you.  See the Fine Stationery link  for more ideas. tip: if you want your party to be more formal ~ specify this on your invitation, ie: black tie

Recruit friends... (ask them to dress in white button-down shirts with a black bow tie and black trousers)... to portray a coat check person, one to man each game, a bartender, a waiter/waitress, a D.J., an impersonator, someone to help in the kitchen, and you of course will be the casino manager.  tip:  to make it true 'vegas-style' ~ have a friend stand outside handing out assorted pamphlet and brochures (local strip clubs, resteraunts, etc..) how funny would that be ; ~just like in Vegas!)!

You can rent slot machines, roulette table, etc..(check your local yellow pages for rentals) 

Decorations

Clear the room as much as possible to set up tables for separate areas for the casino:

Games ~ poker tables, slot machines, roulette wheel, bingo, etc...
Hang casino lights in place of the actual neon of Vegas...
Use these glitzy gold rimmed paper plates and napkins from Plum Party.

Menu

Vegas Buffet ~ provide shrimp cocktail, hot wings with bleu cheese dressing, carved prime rib, puff pastry hors d'oeuvres and for dessert, truffles and mini cheesecakes. Set up a stack of the elegant gold rimmed paper plates and napkins ~ see top right column for picture...

 Set up a bar, complete with  beverage napkins (get them personalized ie: "Nicole's Riverside Casino" ~ see Party Basics link to the right), cups for olives with sword picks, cherries..., a tip jar, plastic cups, plastic martini cups, a cup with stirrers, etc...Provide mixed drinks...

Also if space permits, set up a "high roller's lounge".  Provide cigars, snacks, etc. 

Activities

Have several poker tables set up
Rented casino games (check your local yellow pages for casino game rentals)
Bingo

Party Favors

Gold bags filled with dice, playing cards, chocolate cigar, faux diamond ring, scratch off tickets, $100 Sniff tissues, and a card that reads "Good for one free SHRIMP COCKTAIL"