Teen Rainbow Party

Why Choose a Rainbow Themed Party

The rainbow has been a source of gay pride since Gilbert Baker created a flag with the colors of the rainbow in 1978. First used during the San Francisco Gay and Lesbian Freedom Day Parade, it has come to represent gay pride across the United States. The colors in the flag (red, orange, yellow, green, blue, purple) stand for life, healing, sun, nature, harmony, spirit.

Incorporating the rainbow into your child’s party will help him know that you accept his choice. Using the colors of the flag is a good way to get ideas for party decorations and the party menu.

Decorations For a Teen Rainbow Party

Choosing the decorations for a rainbow party can be fun. After all, with such a vibrant colored palate to work with, you are sure to create an inviting atmosphere. Incorporate lots of color into the party by having crepe paper hung using colored disposable tableware and tablecloths.

To really amp up the party decorations, hang a cheap bed sheet of a different color on each wall. Then replace all the current light bulbs with colored ones for a multi-hued room. You could even spread the flag across the ceiling to bring all the walls together. Toss colored bean bag chairs in the room as alternative seating.

Another way to decorate for the rainbow party would be to choose one color from the rainbow and accent it using the others. For example, you could use yellow plates and napkins, but have different colored plastic utensils. Have yellow balloons in the corners of the room, but then add a single other color to each bouquet.

Hang up various rainbow colored accessories, such as these to complete your rainbow decorating:

• Rainbow Metallic Fringe—Cover the food table with this metallic fringe.
• Rainbow Drop Fringe Garland—Put this along the edge of walls for a festive look.
• Rainbow String Light Ball Set—Swag these bright lights across the ceiling for a unique effect.

You can even hand out party favors to the guests. Choose an item like a pop can coozie or hanging disco ball that guests can take home with them. A handheld rainbow flag would also be a fitting party favor.

Colorful Party Food

A party is not complete without food. Pick out rainbow-colored dishes to really make a statement. For instance, you could have a fruit salad that features cherries (red), mandarin oranges (orange), pineapple (yellow), kiwi (green), blueberries (blue), and plums (purple).

Finger foods, snacks and appetizers are always a hit at parties. Consider making these colorful foods to serve at your next party:

• Cucumber finger sandwiches (green)
• Strawberry-pretzel squares (red)
• Cheddar cheese slices with crackers (orange)
• Grapes (purple)
• Blue corn tortilla chips with salsa (blue)
• Deviled eggs (yellow)
• Punch (any color)

No festivity is complete without a party cake or other fun dessert. Berry pies are colorful and delicious. Rainbow sherbet ice cream is a great finale to a summer party. Decorated cut-outs in the shape of rainbows are fitting to the theme and yummy.

Planning Rainbow Parties

As you progress with your teen rainbow party planning, be prepared for some angst. After all, declaring something as important as this publicly is a big deal for a teenager to handle. Party planning is stressful to begin with.

Most teens are not big fans of party games. While they may enjoy getting out a fun board game in small numbers, a large party usually consists of socializing. Having background music on while they chat and eat is the best course of action. Some kids may choose to dance, while others will just enjoy the atmosphere. Make the party an open house, so kids can come and go as they need.

You want to prepare your son or daughter for the fact that some friends may not be able to attend. Speak with your child at length to discuss how he/she feels about this aspect of planning the rainbow party.

Helping your child plan this party is an act of support, so be sure to remind your child that you love him no matter what. Use a teen rainbow party to bring your family closer together.