You can choose from a number of approaches to a monkey-themed party, including jungle, tropical and sock monkeys. Any monkey-themed party can use banana-shaped invitations. Food choices can include banana splits, banana bread, banana chips, carrot cake, peanut butter cookies, and monkey bread, as just a few examples. Many monkey-themed gifts are available online and are appropriate for favors, as are banana-flavored candies or products. Does this Spark an idea?
Jungle Monkeys
For a jungle theme, choose decorations that resemble a jungle. Consider whether you are going to include other jungle animals, or only monkeys. You can rent trees and use green crepe paper to create a jungle back drop. Table coverings could include green tablecloths, leaves, or place mats woven from natural fibers. Pith helmets and khaki make for party wear. For younger guests, consider chimpanzee face paint. Use songs like "Jungle Love" for background music. Entertainment might include a monkey impersonation contest or a competition for the best Tarzan yell. Give stuffed monkeys as party favors.
Tropical Monkeys
Items for tropical, island or luau parties can do double-duty for a monkey-themed party. Consider inflatable palm trees as part of the decorations. Dress stuffed monkeys in hula skirts and leis, and invite guests to wear Hawaiian shirts or other island attire. Play island music, "Caribbean Queen" for example, or Hawaiian music, like the hula chants of Mark Keal'i Ho'omalu. Broaden food choices to include other tropical or island flavors including coconut, pineapple and mango. Serve beverages from coconut shells. Host a hula competition. In some larger cities, you can arrange a visit from a monkey for your party. Favors might include leis or flip flop key chains.
Sock Monkeys
Sock monkeys are an appropriate theme for parties geared toward children. Choose more subdued colors to replicate the monkey's colors: taupe, brown and red. Play a game of "pin the smile on the sock monkey." Children can make their own sock puppet monkeys, use paper cups and yarn tassels to create their own fez hats, or use craft foam to create monkey masks. For entertainment, children might peel bananas with their feet, or have a relay race pulling sock monkeys in wagons.
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