PREPARING THE BACKDROP
I don’t know about anyone else, but from time to time I cast my mind back over the years and revisit the fun times from the past. Recently I have been thinking about the exciting swinging parties, and I quite naturally progressed to wondering what we can do to put some oomph into future events. Right now I favour the idea of a theme.
A swingers’ party affords just as much, and probably more, scope for a fun theme as any other kind of party. Certainly there are no limitations on the outrageousness of the clothes being (nearly??) worn! When hosting we can give free rein to our minds and be creative.
I am fortunate to live here in Cyprus where we enjoy at least six months of glorious summer each year, affording almost endless possibilities.
I like to keep it as simple as possible, so here are some of my thoughts that are not especially elaborate and won’t need too much preparation.
Beach. It would be ideal, of course to use a real beach, but unless you happen to own a private one, it just isn’t possible. Everyone can wear beach attire at the start (so they have a little something to take off!); colourful towels can be spread over the sofas and floor; at least one beach umbrella can be erected and, most important of all, in my opinion, the playing of appropriate music will seal the scene. I favour Caribbean sounds that include reggae and calypso.
Undead. Much more simple than it sounds! So much can be achieved with make-up, to create the illusion of zombies, vampires and ghosts among the living! Any old, torn and battered clothes can denote a zombie; dramatic and/or bright clothes for a vampire (with fangs from the joke shop!); a ghost can be as simple as an old white bed sheet, with eye and arm holes cut in it, and the wearer benefits from needing little or nothing on underneath! Not everyone should be in costume. No changes need be made to the room(s), other than lighting exclusively, if possible, with candles. As for music, for this I would fill the air with ethereal New Age sounds and Gregorian chants.
Hell. Similar, in a way, to the previous one, but this one is not the undead among the living, for this we descend into Hell! Here again, make-up will help to create Beelzebub and his court of demons. If anyone has proper body paints available, they can have their outfit painted on them so they don’t have clothes on at all. Lighting can be partly candles, and partly red and blue light bulbs. For music, I would choose original heavy metal, like Black Sabbath, Mötorhead etc. Believe me, and I do know, fucking to such a heavy pulsating beat is very exciting!
Wedding Orgy. This is just simulating a small wedding reception. A bride, groom, best man, bridesmaid(s) etc can be designated, with the others as ‘invited guests’. The only preparation here is to move furniture to allow dancing space, and lay out a simple buffet. Any danceable music is ok, with lights not too bright, but not too dim either. The spectacle of the bride and groom having sex with all and sundry is an irresistible image!
Roman Orgy. A blog post like this wouldn’t be written by me if it didn’t include a Roman orgy! Dress code: just togas! They can be easily put together with remnants of fabric. Simple ‘how to make’ details are readily available online. Once again, lighting will be with candles. A big dish of exotic fruits is a good way to set the scene, and filling pitchers (jugs) with the wine will add authenticity. I don’t know what music the Romans listened to, but something sounding like Elizabethan minstrels would probably be OK, otherwise, I think I’d go for some ‘new age’ again.
Whatever the theme, experiences like these, and many other, scenarios can be greatly enhanced by a little imagination and preparation, helping everyone to get into the spirit and act the part. In the Roman orgy, for example, instead of John having sex with Maria, you have Mark Anthony ravishing Cleopatra! Exciting!
Really, I guess all I’m saying is that giving it some forethought, and spending a little time to prepare, elevates an occasion from good to great!
Have fun – that’s what it’s all about!
