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You don't have to wait for Talk Like a Pirate Day to roll around in order to host a rollicking pirate party!

With the the mega-hit franchise Pirates of the Caribbean the pirate theme party has never been more popular with kids, teens AND adults any time of year to celebrate birthdays, graduations, or as a fun summer or pool party theme.

And by pillaging and plundering the 'Net, planning a do-it-yourself costume, pirate party invitations, food and fun has never been easier.

In keeping with the theme, use pirate clip art to make your own easy party invitations. Begin with a hearty... "Ahoy! Come walk the plank" (or... shake your booty!) and inside tell you guests to chart a course to your house with location, time and date.

To decorate, use anything from sand & sea shells or skulls & crossbones to Pirates of the Caribbean posters tacked up in strategic locations.

Just be sure to have plenty of pirate party food on hand : Fish 'n Chips, Golden Nuggets (chicken nuggets) Goldfish crackers and, of course, a festive Treasure Chest Cake you can make yourself. Easier still, make a simple chocolate-frosted sheet cake and decorate using a skull & crossbones template.

Fun pirate party actrivity for all ages: A backyard scavenger hunt for buried treasure!

Looking for pirate themed drinks? Serve your sea faring guests grog or bumboo — made with Caribbean rum for the adults from jugs or bottles marked with an "XXX" (but be sure to have plenty of root beer on hand for the kids!).

Games and activities should be lots of fun for everyone - such as a pirate scavenger hunt, a "cannonball toss" contest made with black water balloons, or a "walk the plank" game made with a 2x4 piece of plywood (and make it extra fun by making them walk backwards.) Also check out other creative pirate party entertainment ideas found here.

When the party's over, thank your guests for coming with goodie bags filled with pirate booty such as toy compasses or eye patches, foil-wrapped candy coins, or other treasure.

More pirate party tips & advice around the Web:

On the Web, set sail for other helpful tips & advice, including pirate costume & dress up ideas plus complete instructions for partying like a band of pirates ....

Coolest Pirate Birthday Party Ideas - Just like it says with a treasure chest of ideas for making it fun for kids & adults - including party games, recipes, homemade decorations and a free pirate party invitation to print.

Pirate Party - Everything you need right down to the goodie bags including ideas for invitations, party cakes, decorations, games & activities.

Do It Yourself Dress Up & Pirate Costumes

DIY Pirate Costumes - With tips for making a tri-corner hat, makeup tips for that Jack Sparrow look, plus DIY pirate boots, hats and vests - and lots more.

Coolest Homemade Pirate Costume Ideas - For toddlers to 5-year-olds, with pictures & instructions.

Grog Recipe

Stir up 1 shot rum, 1 teaspoon sugar or honey, and a splash of lime juice. then add boiling water to fill a mug or glass. Add a cinnamon stick and a twig of mint for flavor and color. Cheers, mate!