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Patriotic Party

Table of contents

Introduction

 

Patriotism, defined as a love of one's country, refers to those individuals who can clearly state that "I am proud to be a ...!" And as such, what better way to celebrate this human trait than by having a patriotic party? Below you'll find a number of tips to help you organize your patriotic party for yourself as well as your friends. But first, a little more on the topic:

 

Many people mistake patriotism with nationalism, where the latter is not necessarily regarded as a crucial element to the former. Patriotism emphasizes a much more objective enthusiasm about a place of residence or a place of birth. An example would be an individual who may not agree with the political policies of his or her country, but still feels a love for said country. In short, patriotism is that act of love which aspires to better a country beyond its current state.

 

The word patriotism comes from the Latin patria and from the Greek patrith - the latter who associated patriotism with language, culture, law and the eternal quest for common good. Examples of this became more apparent during the 18th century, where the definition was elaborated to include goodwill to all citizens and a responsibility toward one's fellow citizens. This, however, in itself raises the question about whether patriotism isn't akin to a form of racism: does goodwill and responsibility only pertain to members of the same nationality or is it to all mankind? And if the latter, wouldn't that serve to erode the very principle of a love of one's country?

 

These are indeed hard questions to answer, but may be answered at a later time. For now, it's time to get going to organize that most joyous of occasions - the patriotism party - where you'll be able to invite friends from all the corners of the world and celebrate each other's nationality.

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Patriotic Party Invitations

Get started on your patriotic party by creating a couple of dazzling invitations! Below you’ll find a couple of novel ideas which you are free to use. Just keep in mind that, should you need any of the materials or items as described below, you’ll be able to purchase them in the appropriate retail stores or on the internet. That being said, remember to include the following details in your patriotic party invitations:

  • Party Name: You’ll have to use your creativity here to come up with a fun name. An example would be “Sam’s Seven Nations Feast”.
  • Salutation: If possible, state the salutation on your invitation in the recipient’s native language.
  • Date & Time
  • Venue/Location
  • Dress Code
  • Contact Details
  • Additional information…

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The Patriotic Design

The patriotic design invitation is one that’s easy to make. All you’ll need for this invitation is a computer loaded with the necessary software and a printer.

 

As this is a patriotic party, you’ll first have to consider how many nationalities will be attending. This is necessary to ensure that your invitation caters for all the nationalities.

 

Once you’ve the information, it simply requires getting images of all the concerned flags on your computer and, with the aid of an image editing program, fit them onto the invitation template accordingly. For those who don’t feel like using flags, a collage major landmarks of your friends’ countries should suffice. In addition, you might want to consider using phrases in their native language.

 

When your design is finished and filled with the relevant party details, simply print it off and get ready to have them delivered.

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The Flag Invitation

Everyone knows their own flag, but they don’t often expect to receive it from someone from a different nationality.

 

For this invitation you’ll need a slightly higher budget. But, we have to add, that it will be entirely worth it. Here’s what you’ll need to get:

  1. Purchase a flag for each of your guests or at least for each couple. Make sure that it is the flag of their home country.
  2. Purchase something small unique to your own country. This can include anything from food to a small work of art.
  3. Prepare a paper-based invitation with all the details of your party on it.

 

Once you have all the ingredients, simply place the invitation on the item purchased in step 2 and wrap it with the flag purchased in step 1. Tie the whole package with ribbon or taffeta of an appropriate color and get ready to deliver it. As simple as that!

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The Patriotic Savory Invitation

Similar to the “Flag Invitation” this one simply focuses on food and will require you to get the following:

  1. A wicker basket
  2. Foods native to your potential guests’ home country.
  3. A paper-based invitation

Once you have all the ingredients, simply fill the basket with the food and lay the invitation on top. Again, nothing could be simpler or be a greater source of joy for your friends!

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Patriotic Party Dress Code

Well now, we’d need to write a book on this subject. Very simply put, it will require your guests to dress in their country’s traditional garments. However, as we all know, very few people wear those on a daily basis. Therefore simply stating “Casual” or “Semi-formal” on the invitation should suffice.

Patriotic Party Decorations

Again, here we could fill a book. But here’s the main idea:

 

Make a list of all the attending nationalities. Once that’s done get some information concerning famous landmarks or characteristic items of all those nationalities. When done, simply log on to the internet or visit the appropriate retailer to get your hands on the specific items.

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Patriotic Party Guest Arrival & Announcement

When it comes to announcing your guests as they arrive, it would be apt if you could learn some phrases in their respective languages to help them feel welcome. In English, the typical introduction would be:


”Ladies and Gentlemen, may I introduce Mr. and Mrs. Smith from England”

 

Should you have some difficulty with finding these phrases, simply browse on the internet or go down to your local bookstore for a phrase book of the appropriate language. If you’re still stuck afterwards, simply ask your guests as they’ll be glad to help and be appreciative of the gesture.

 

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Patriotic Party Favors

As for party favors, you needn’t specifically get each guest something from his or her country of origin as the intention here is to supply your guests with keepsakes to remind them of your party. And for this specific purpose, it might be better to get them something from your own country. Here’s an example of what you could get your guests as party favors if you are an American:

  • Cowboy hats, Native American arrows, a baseball glove, a small statuette of Mt. Rushmore, a copy of the Declaration of Independence, etc.

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Patriotic Party Activities

Take this opportunity to learn more about each other’s countries and cultures. As said before, the ancient Grecians valued language, culture and common goodwill to all as those elements of patriotism. Here are a couple of patriotic party activity ideas from which you as well as your guests will be able to benefit:

Trivia

General trivia sets usually include questions relating to many other countries of the world. Simply pay a visit to the appropriate retailer or shop online for an appropriate trivia set.

 

This will be a great icebreaker as knowledge knows no boundaries and will give everyone the opportunity to exercise their gray matter.

 

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Story Telling

Story telling is a human tradition and has been practiced throughout human history by virtually all civilizations.

 

Ask your guests to prepare a story native to their countries of origin which they will be able to tell at your party. To enhance the atmosphere, do this sitting around a fire – either one made in the fire place or one made outside (just keep state or national laws in mind when doing this).

Traditional Dancing

Dancing, like story telling, is a form of expression, sometimes ritualistic, which almost all countries and nations employ. And more often than not do these countries all have their own traditional dances.

 

Again you would need to ask your guests to prepare something beforehand which they will have to teach to all the other guests. As host, it might be a good idea if you could get your hands on some music suitable to all the different attending nationalities.

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Traditional Food Preparation

Once again, this will provide a learning experience for all and exposure to another culture.

 

All countries on the planet have their own local forms of cuisine – both food and drink. Let your guests know that this will be one of the activities and ask whether they’ll be so kind as to bring some ingredients to demonstrate to all those who are attending your party.

Food & Drink

Should you be using the “Traditional Food Preparation” activity above, you needn’t worry too much about supplying your guests with foods of their native countries. Instead, why not just supply them with some snacks in the form of sandwiches, chips and other finger foods which everyone enjoys.

 

For those who feel that a full meal will be necessary, simply introduce them to your own nationality’s traditional cuisine.

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