If you find yourself thinking of ways you can make your next dinner party different from the last one, it might be time to think out of the box. If you’ve found your last few gatherings to be a bit stuffy and bland, perhaps it’s time to involve some good old-fashioned fun during your next soiree.

One of the easiest ways to mix things up is to throw a theme party involving costumes. Here are some ideas to get your started:

* Go back in time. A fun way to experience history is to bring it to life through your party’s theme. Have your guests dress in colonial costumes, decorate the room with candles and share dinner as the early Americans in New England would have with a farm-fresh dinner. Or celebrate decadently as the Romans by enjoying fine meats and cheeses and Italian wines while encouraging guests to come dressed in toga costumes.

* Party like a rock star. Have guests dress up as their favorite artist and assume a rock star persona for the evening. If your guests have musical talent, encourage them to perform in front of the group. With performers like Lil Wayne, Katy Perry and especially Lady Gaga in the forefront today, there are plenty of eccentric costume ideas to choose from.

In addition, here are some other ideas for an interesting evening:

* A progressive party. Get together with neighbors and friends and open your doors for a celebration that moves from one house to the next. Organize a menu of snacks and beverages at each location that guests can enjoy before moving on to the next home. If alcoholic drinks are being served, be sure to designate drivers.

* Movie night. For something different, rent a projector and hang up a white sheet for an outdoor movie night if the weather is nice. If the weather doesn’t allow for an outdoor flick, move the party inside, but incorporate elements of the movie into the evening’s activities through games, decorations or food and drink.

As adults, it’s easy to let formalities and expectations get in the way of hosting a fun party. But by throwing a tasteful party that’s different from what your guests are used to, you’ll increase the likelihood that your event will be one to remember.