I need ideas on how to throw a masked ball. it needs to be magical, but cheap!?

My friends and i have about 20 people (a few of them boys that are not exactly friends, more like guys our guy friends know we are trying to impress) coming to my house for a party where you must wear a mask and formal attire. We have a very low budget (like, dollar store is good!), but want to transform my house into an old 'castle', with a color scheme of silver, gold, and jewel tone. The problem is, I have limited space in my basement, where it will maily be, and we are also using my small kitchen and (if my mom allows us) the back deck(this can fit about 5 dancing couples at a time). Any ideas? I've got some, but i need a VERY cheap way to make it look like a castle.


p.s. any ideas for cheap finger food/elegant snacks?


25 minutes ago - 3 days left to answer.I need ideas on how to throw a masked ball. it needs to be magical, but cheap!?
This party theme is great!





Here are a few ideas:


Colored light bulbs (purple, blue, or pink) may make your party space dim and mystical. You could also get pink or light purple cellophane to cover the door, objects, and possibly walls, get iridescent/silver confetti (maybe stars)or garland, iridescent table clothes.





Check out these easy and classy appetizers you can make n the cheap: http://www.celebratewithstyle.com/site/DisplayArticle5MinApps





I am writing an article on teen parties and would love to have you contribute. Please send me an email (address in my profile) if you would be interested.





Thanks!I need ideas on how to throw a masked ball. it needs to be magical, but cheap!?
Ideas for cheap finger food:


Deviled eggs (you can make these look very fancy)


Cubed cheese and crackers


Cubed meats (like italian salami)


Fondue pot


Prosciutto wrapped melon slices (can't find prosciutto? Use any decent thin sliced and salted ham)


Cucumber sandwiches (sliced bread with crusts removed, butter or garlic herb spread with hothouse (seedless) cucumber slices) cut into triangles)


Champagne punch (or make with 7-up depending on the age of the participants)


Castle Theme:


Have you thought of paper mache? Cheap to make and paint.


Get cheap plastic swords toys at the dollar store. Make up a couple of broomstick horses and you have a 'joust' contest.


Used stuffed dragon animals for that 'maiden in distress' feel.


Make up a ';tower'; out of cardboard barrels (the kind used to pack dishware for moving) cut in half and fasten together with screws, a glue gun or duct tape. Put a rapunzel barbie doll in the top.
Just paper mashay


And add aluminum foil and then color black


Also bye flash lights from a dollar store and paint the light red and put it by the window to make it look like the window is glowing red. Just like a hounted castle
look at stumps.com (It's a prom and party supply place) It's not cheap like you're looking for but you may get some ideas there that you can translate to the dollar store