Table of contents

• Introduction
• Indiana Jones Party Invitations
• Indiana Jones Arrow
• Treasure Map
• Indiana Jones Postcard
• Indiana Jones Party Dress Code
• Indiana Jones Party Decorations
• Indiana Jones Party Guest Arrival & Announcement
• Indiana Jones Party Favors
• Indiana Jones Party Activities
• Indiana Jones Film Marathon
• Treasure Hunt
• Retrieve the Relic
• Spot The Lies!
• Food & Drink
• Foods
• Drinks

Introduction

Do you love adventure combined with a little bit of intellect? Are you one of those who harbor a fascination for lost cultures and ancient treasures? Well, if so, then our Indiana Jones themed-party is the one you have been waiting for! And to help you along the way, we've put together a list of the most essential party tips and ideas which you can use to make your Indiana Jones party an unforgettable event. But first, a little background on the man himself.

Created by George Lucas, Dr. Henry Walton "Indiana" Jones, Jr. first appeared in Raiders of the Lost Ark, 1981. The film, set in 1936, tells the story of a distinguished archeology professor, Dr. Jones, who lectures at the fictional Marshall University in Connecticut and is set on the trail of the Ark of the Covenant – which, at the same time, is sought by the Nazis. It becomes a match of daring, whit and luck as the two sides try to throw each other off the trail of the Ark. But, we all know who wins.

The second Indiana Jones film is entitled Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom, and was released in 1984. This film is actually a prequel to the first one as it was set in 1935 - a year before the events of Raiders of the Lost Ark. During this film Indiana has to show his strength and survive countless horrors while trying to recover the lost Sankara Stones and save children from the feared Thuggee cult – all set in India.

The penultimate Indiana Jones film - Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade - is set in 1938 with the ultimate quest at hand: the recovery of the Holy Grail. In this installment Jones again fights the Nazis to recover one of the world's most sacred relics.

And finally, we come to the last installment of the Indiana Jones film series: Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull. This film portrays an older Indiana Jones who tries to restore a crystal skull to its original location while fighting a number of soviet agents who've got their own plans.

And just in case you are entirely new to the Indiana Jones film series, here are a couple of things you should know:

• The name "Indiana" was actually the name of Dr. Jones' pet dog when he was a kid.

• His trademark clothing and accessories include a fedora hat, a leather jacket, a bag (Mark VII British gas mask bag - modified), pistol and Indy boots.

• He is played by Harrison Ford in all four of the Indiana Jones films.

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Indiana Jones Party Invitations

What makes a good invitation? The amount of money spent? Or perhaps the idea? We believe it’s the latter – and to help you along we’ve listed a couple of inexpensive ideas which you can use to let your friends know that they’re invited to your party. Just note that if you need any of the materials mentioned, be sure to have a look in the appropriate supply store or on the internet.

• Party Name: Think of an adventurous name that will let your friends know that they’re in for a super party! Ideas here include: “John’s Elixir of Life Quest Party”.

• Salutation

• Date & Time

• Venue/Location

• Dress Code

• Contact Details

• Additional information…
  

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Indiana Jones Arrow

As you know, Indy always gets shot at – if not by bullets then by arrows or poisonous little darts. As such, an appropriate invitation would be the Indiana Jones Arrow.

For this you will need to buy a replica/fake arrow at an appropriate outlet in your area or on the internet. Once you have the arrows, you will need to attach a paper-based invitation. These can either be bought or self-made.

When you have everything, just combine the arrow and the invitation and get ready to deliver.

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Treasure Map

If there’s a map, then there must be treasure – especially with an Indiana Jones party. To make this invitation you can either use paper or leather. Depending on which you choose, you will have to adapt your decorations accordingly: those using the leather invitation will have to think of a design that can either be printed onto the leather or by hand. If you’re thinking of using paper, then you’ll have a few more options as you’ll be able to age the paper and use more colors. For paper ageing techniques or ways to treat leather, be sure to have a look on the internet.

Now, in addition to the decorations, you will have to include the details of your party. These can be listed among some clues that reveal the location of a treasure hidden at the party premises. But remember, don’t make it too easy!

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Indiana Jones Postcard

Back in the days of Indiana Jones, postcards and letters were the common methods of communication. And as you can imagine, a postcard from Indiana Jones would have been quite the item to receive as it could not only contain the details of a party, but also a couple of clues that lead to something mysterious? Catch the drift?

For this invitation you only need a computer connected to the internet and loaded with the appropriate software (such as image editing suites and word processors). In addition, you will need a couple of blank postcards and of course a printer capable of printing on postcards.

Now, as you can imagine, you will have to design a suitable image for the front of your postcard. This can be virtually anything, but will have to keep in line with the Indiana Jones theme. Think of crystal skulls, think of sacred medallions or golden masks that used to be part of a long forgotten treasure. When you’ve got the image you want for the front of your postcard, remember to include the name of your party.

Next you will have to tend to the back of the postcard where the details of your party will come along with a short message. If you want, you can also add some minor decorations here.

As soon as you are done, print a sample and see if it looks the way you want it to. If it does, print out the rest, stick on the stamps and get ready to deliver!

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Indiana Jones Party Dress Code

If you or your friends want to dress up as Indy, here’s what you will be needing (all of which can be bought from the appropriate retailer in your area or from the internet):

• Fedora hat,

• Leather jacket,

• Whip (toy),

• Indy boots (now available commercially)

• Modified Mark VII British gas mask bag

• Pistol (toy)

Though not everyone will want to dress up as Indy as a party full of Indiana Jones characters could become quite dull. To that end, find out if some of your friends will mind dressing up as Russian or German soldiers. Or even a priest from the Temple of Doom. Whatever you decide, be sure to specify it under the “Dress Code” section of your invitations.

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Indiana Jones Party Decorations

The following items can either be bought from the appropriate toy retailer in your area or from the internet or made using paper mache.

• Tombstones

• Sarcophagi

• Mummies

• Snakes

• Spiders

• Scorpions

• Scrolls

• Hieroglyphs (on the walls)
  

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Indiana Jones Party Guest Arrival & Announcement

Before the event starts, get your hands on an item that you think your friends will enjoy. This item will be used as the prize for the Indiana Jones raffle – the tickets of which they receive as they enter the party venue.

Indiana Jones Party Favors

Indy party favors? Well, as you can imagine, just about anything exotic and mysterious! Here are a couple of ideas, all of which you will be able to find at the appropriate retailer in your area or on the internet.

• Key rings

• Crystal balls

• Magnifying glasses

• Toy whips

• Posters

• Calendars

• T-shirts
  

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Indiana Jones Party Activities

Indiana Jones Film Marathon

If you’re having an Indiana Jones party then it’s only fitting to watch of couple of these legendary movies. Doing this will not only set the mood for the rest of the party, but ensure that your guests are well entertained. Here are the titles of the Indiana Jones movies:

• Raiders of the Lost Ark

• Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom

• Indiana Jones and the Last Crusade

• Indiana Jones and the Kingdom of the Crystal Skull
  

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Treasure Hunt

For this game you will need the help of a couple of parents or friends that won’t necessarily take part in the event. What they will have to do is do a bit of research about Indiana Jones and compile a list of questions and answers.

In addition, someone will have to buy and hide a secret treasure and create a couple of maps to get to this treasure. The person or people responsible for creating the maps will have to litter them with clues, some of which are false and others which are true.

Now, when it is time for the treasure hunt, you and your friends will have to divide into groups. Those who compiled the questions will have to go and stand at strategic places on the way to the treasure, however they are not supposed to reveal its location.

When it’s time to start, every group has to be given a map and try to find the treasure. As soon as they reach one of those with the questions, they may only pass once all the questions have been answered successfully. It would therefore be prudent to design the map in such a way as to ensure that all groups go by one of the questioner.

Needless to say, the group who finds the treasure, wins.

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Retrieve the Relic

Another game suited to our current theme, Retrieve the Relic will not only test your speed, but also your ingenuity.

First, divide in two more or less equal groups. After that, decide on an item to use as the Relic and in which of the two groups’ possession it will be first. If you’re having trouble deciding on who will be the first keepers, then just toss a coin or draw some straws.

When it’s time for the event, it’s up to the group in possession of the Relic to keep it safe. This means a little espionage to see what the other group is up to. The group who has to retrieve the Relic, on the other hand, will have to devise their own strategies as to how they will get their hands on the Relic. This can include espionage, gorilla tactics, etc.

To add some realistic fun to the event, both groups should be equipped with squirt guns.

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Spot The Lies!

Think you know your mates, do you? In this game you will find out!

To start off, you will have to have a pencil and a piece of paper ready for each guest. You and your friends will have have to write three true things about yourselves and two lies. The trick is obviously to make the lies appear as valid as the truth. As soon as everyone is finished, collect the scraps of paper in a bag or a hat.

Finally, it’s time to pass the hat around and see if you can see which of the facts are true and which of them are false. If you can’t figure it out, then someone else has to help.

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Food & Drink

For food and drinks, you can get creative and make up your own dishes and their according names. If you need recipes, just have a look on the internet. We do, however, believe that Indy and his friends only ate that which they knew or could make out (willingly of course) which is why normal food aren’t a bad option either. Here are a couple of ideas:

Foods

• Grilled Taco Nachos

• Jalapeno Muffins

• Poppy Seed Dinner Rolls

• Cheese Platter

• Pizzas

• Pasta Salads

• Burgers

• Tacos

• Kebabs
  

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Drinks

• Lemonade

• Non-alcoholic cocktails

• Punch

• Fruit Juices

• Sodas

• Sports Drinks

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