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) 
  

• 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

• 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"