MAIN Home Life Entertaining Bon Voyage

Parting Is Such... A Party!
Easing the Transition with Celebration

Don't think of a farewell party as saying good bye. Plan your party with a bon voyage theme to help you remember that a new adventure is starting. Someone you are close to is going to be enjoying the open roads or the open seas...travel and adventure are ahead and it is exciting!

Richard Bach, who wrote Jonathan Livingston Seagull, offers this thought on being apart:

"Don't be dismayed at good-bye's. A farewell is necessary before you can meet again. And meeting again, after moments or lifetimes, is certain for those who are friends."

To celebrate the moment, a party for friends and family is fun. Whether the farewell is for a ten day cruise or a best friend moving halfway around the world, the party should highlight the fun you've had together, the sights the traveler will get to see, and the happy reunions you'll share when you see each other the next time.

Here are some ideas for themes for your bon voyage party:

Cruisin' - Friends about to embark on a cruise will be delighted with a nautical theme. Colors should be sea blue and green with some bright yellow sunshine as highlight. Shrimp cocktail and tuna on crackers with golden yellow cheddar cheese can provide the buffet. If you plan a sit down, make it a fish feast - try this New England Clam Bake!

Moving - Celebrate the new life ahead with lots of pictures and a theme based on where the guests of honor is relocating to. If the destination is California, serve California wines and salads with surfing and beach decorations.

Italy could be some great pasta dishes, regional wines and white and red checkered table cloths. Each nation and area has local dishes, scenery and customs that are fun to explore.

Just use your imagination to highlight all the fun of travel and your going away party will create memories to be cherished long after the wanderers have returned home!

Bon Voyage!

also see in Entertaining -> Retirement Party Ideas

also see in House & Home -> Moving