Throw Down: Superhero Masquerade

It's a bird! It's a plane! It's . . . a really nerdy excuse for a party.

This is a fun party to throw if your friends are supernerds with great senses of humor. It also doesn't hurt if you have friends who look awesome in shiny, skintight clothing.

Here's everything you need to know about throwing your own superpowered masquerade party. Click here for a Superhero playlist, and click here for a photogallery of costume ideas!

Decor


Sceptor swizzle-stick not recommended.

Mylar, mylar, mylar. Get some! It's cheap. Alternatively, you could find strips of shiny fabric like the one I used to jazz up my bar. Any full-size craft store should carry some. If you have extra time on your hands some POW! cutouts, a la Batman, could look great. But you don't have to go too crazy; the real decorations will be the outfits your friends are walking around in.


Videos
I'm a big fan of having movies on in the background on mute. For this party, I would choose movies that are instantly recognizable and fun to look at. Movies like Superman, The Dark Knight, and The Incredibles.

Costumes
Encourage your guests to come as an established superhero, or one of their own design. Half the fun will be seeing what people come up with. Some of your guests won't have the time or the inclination to throw a costume together - so you might let people know that it's fine if they want to come as their alter-ego, and dress in their most mild-mannered disguise. This is the kind of party where you are going to want to create a photo gallery. If you feel like going all out, consider having a few props for your non-costumed friends to adorn themselves in for their photo shoots. Craft stores carry adhesive letters for proudly slapping on someone's chest. Masks can be cheaply had at party stores, as can thick Clark Kent glasses. You might also want to invest in a cape and a well-appointed ray gun.

Sample Menu
You don't want anything too messy that will muss up carefully constructed costumes, and you shouldn't underestimate how tricky it is to eat wearing elbow-length gloves. Here are three suggestions for finger food, followed by two recipes if you feel inclined to set up a superbuffet.

Paula Dean's BLT Deviled Eggs

Molly's Peach Basil Guacamole

Molly's Creamy Edamame Dip with Homemade Pita Chips

Lebanese Spinach and Rice with Pine Nuts

Joanie's Award-winning Mac & Cheese

Featured Cocktail: Jell-o Shots . . . because superheroes are too busy saving the planet to stand around nursing a cocktail.

Take a large, 6oz package of Jell-o and add it to 2 cups of boiling water. Stir until fully dissolved, then add 3/4 cup of cold water, and 1 1/4 cups of vodka. Pour the cooling mixture into tiny, dentist-size paper cups, shot glasses, or ice cube trays.