Ides of March postcard

I Came.  I Saw. I Conquered.

March 15th.

….


What is the Ides of March?

courtesy of Jennifer Vernon, for National Geographic News, March 12, 2004

Julius Caesar’s bloody assassination on March 15, 44 B.C., forever marked March 15, or the Ides of March, as a day of infamy. It has fascinated scholars and writers ever since. For ancient Romans living before that event, however, an ides was merely one of several common calendar terms used to mark monthly lunar events. The ides simply marked the appearance of the full moon.

But the Ides of March assumed a whole new identity after the events of 44 B.C. The phrase came to represent a specific day of abrupt change that set off a ripple of repercussions throughout Roman society and beyond. Click here for the rest of the article

Today, thanks to the William Shakespeare‘s play Julius Caesar, the soothsayer’s warning to Julius Caesar, “Beware the Ides of March,” has forever imbued that date with a sense of foreboding.  But here at Party Idea Pros we say the ides of March is just another excuse to party, especially for those interested in ancient Roman history, Shakespeare, or anything toga.   Pick and chose from a wide range of ideas.  This theme can go as elegant or as bawdy as you desire.

Ides of March Party Invitations and Stamps

Choosing your invitation is the equivalent of the title of a paper … it sets the tone for the entire party!

Ides of March postcardVeni, Vidi, Vici - I Came, I Saw, I Conquered flyerNeon Sunglasses

Ides of March Postcard

Veni, Vidi, Vici – I Came, I Saw, I Conquered.  Flyers

Veni, Vidi, Vici – I Came, I Saw, I Conquered Invitations

Veni, Vidi, Vici – I Came, I Saw, I Conquered Stickers

Perfect for decorating place cards

Looking for an unconventional, fun invitation idea?  Attach a note with all the party details to a pair of sunglasses.

Neon Sunglasses

How about something a bit more formal?

Paper & Ink Designs: Vintage Blocks - Personalized Flat Card

Champagne Bubbles : Black Invitation

Fire Light Black Invitations

Sophisticat Invitations

Paper & Ink Designs: Vintage Blocks – Personalized Flat Card

Stamps

Veni Vidi Vici stamp

Veni Vidi Vici Stamp

Elegant Return Address

The custom embosser is all about sophistication. Now you can easily add some elegance to everyday stationery or as an elegant alternative to having your return addresses printed on your party invitation envelopes. They also make wonderful gifts. You will be surprised at how often you use your new embosser.

Custom embossers

...

Ides of March Party Decorations

Ancient Roman Party Decor

Mediterranean Kit

Ivy Vine Column

Fluted Column 8′ White Pair

Classical Pool Each

Silk Ivy Vine Garland

Ivy Vine Garland W/roses Dark Blue Each

Holland Ivy Foliage Chain Garland with clear outdoor lights

Banners and Backdrops

Toga Memories Banner 48 X 134 Horizontal Vinyl Banner EachJulius Caesar on His Way to the Senate on the Ides of March Stretched Canvas Poster Print

Toga Memories Banner in a variety of sizes

Julius Caesar on His Way to the Senate on the Ides of March Stretched Canvas Poster Print

Balloons

Gold Balloons (6)White Balloons (6)

Gold Balloons (6)

White Balloons (6)

Gold and White Flowers

Golden IlluminationsEverything Glitters Champagne & GoldGolden Evergreen Wreath

Golden Illuminations

Champagne & Gold

Everything Glitters

Golden Evergreen Wreath (for your front door)

Change the look of your home furniture … cover tables, couches, chairs, everything!

Solid White Flat Sheet

Drape over all your furniture and tables and then trim with garland and gold cord.  Buy the cheapest cotton sheets you can find.  These were 64% off, last we checked.

Now Add a touch of Ancient Rome

. Fine Matte  Metallic Twist CordProduct DetailsGrapevine Cluster String Light SetProduct Details
Four 6′ Artificial Grape Ivy Garlands with Grape Clusters

Ivy Vine Garland

Fine Matte Metallic Twist Cord Style

Grapevine Cluster String Light Set

Perfect Candles for an Ides of March Party

The More Candles the Better!

Low lights and candlelight can transform an ordinary room into a chic and festive party venue.   There is no such thing as too much twinkle at any party so the more candles, tea-lights and votives, the better.

Renaissance Jar Holder12" Metalic TapersGlitter Ball Candles

Renaissance Jar Holder

This antique gold holder features a classical roman styling. Your burning candle gives off a soft glow as it shows through from inside the basket. Fits a Jar Candle up to 4″ inches wide. This is an excellent holder for a 20 oz Jar Candle, available in a variety of fragrances. It is also a lovely accent with a votive and votive holder placed inside.

12″ Gold Metalic Tapers

Glitter Ball Candles

Tea light candles
Votive/Tealight Cup

Ides of March Party Favors

Mini Oil and Vinegar Bottles with Personalized Labels

Mini Olive Oil and Vinegar Bottles with Personalized Labels


Ides of March Party Paper Goods

Sorry –We can’t link directly to these products.  Simple click on any link below, then search “toga party” and you will be taken directly to the products.

TOGA! Party Dinner Plates

Toga! Party Luncheon Napkins

“Toga! Toga! Toga!” Cups

TOGA! Party Pack

Solid Gold Paper Plates, Cups, Utensils, and Table Cloths

Gold Dessert Plates (24 count) Gold Square Dessert Plates (12 count)Gold Lunch Napkins (50 count)Gold 9 oz. Paper Cups (24 count)

Gold Dessert Plates (24 count)

Gold Square Dessert Plates (12 count)

Gold Lunch Napkins (50 count)

Gold 9 oz. Paper Cups (24 count)

Gold Heavy Weight Forks (24 count)Gold Heavy Weight Knives (24 count)Gold Heavy Weight Spoons (24 count)

Gold Heavy Weight Forks (24 count)

Gold Heavy Weight Knives (24 count)

Gold Heavy Weight Spoons (24 count)

Gold Round Plastic TablecoverGold Shimmer Plastic Tablecover

Gold Shimmer Plastic Table cover

Gold Round Plastic Table cover

Ides of March Costumes

We’re not sure if costumes qualify as party decor or as entertainment, but in either case, for this theme we highly recommend making it a costume party!

The classic toga

Rather than a sheet, it is best to go to a fabric store and buy real fabric — solid white is traditional, but any color, any pattern will work if you just want to have fun with the whole toga concept and want to stand out from the crowd.   Generally, fabric is  less expensive than sheets and is a better shape for wrapping around your body.    TogaBoy suggests buying 4-6 yards of  fabric.

Beyond a sheet …

Toga Male Adult Costume Toga Female Adult CostumeToga Woman Adult CostumeToga Toga Adult Costume

Toga Male Adult Costume

Toga Female Adult Costume

Toga Woman Adult Costume

Toga Toga Adult Costume

Roman 5pc Armour Set Adult Costume Warrior Goddess Adult CostumeRoman Hunk Adult CostumeFemale Gladiator Sexy Adult Costume

Roman 5pc Armour Set Adult Costume

Warrior Goddess Adult Costume

Roman Hunk Adult Costume

Female Gladiator Sexy Adult Costume

Athena Adult Costume Glamorous Goddess Adult Costume

Athena Adult Costume

Glamorous Goddess Adult Costume

Mark Antony Adult CostumeMarc Antony Adult CostumeCaesar Adult CostumeCaesar Adult Costume

Mark Antony Adult Costume

Marc Antony Adult Costume

Caesar Adult Costume

Caesar Adult Costume

Ancient Roman Accessories


Gold Roman ShieldRoman Wrist Bands - LeatherGold Roman Chest Plate (2 Piece)

Gold Roman Shield

Roman Wrist Bands – Leather

Gold Roman Chest Plate (2 Piece)

Roman Belt with CoinsRoman Cuff Gold Unisex

Roman Belt with Coins

Roman Cuff Gold Unisex

Costume Gladiator Sandals

Roman (Brown) Adult SandalsRoman Adult SandalsRoma (Tan) Adult BootsSexy Gold Adult Shoes

Roman (Brown) Adult Sandals

Roman Adult Sandals

Roma (Tan) Adult Boots

Sexy Gold Adult Shoes

With gladiator sandals a popular choice in women’s footwear, you may pefer to buy a pair you will wear again!

Don this fabulous head wear to celebrate the Ides of March.

Toga Party Wearables

Roman Laurel Wreath Each

Ivy Vine Garland Each

Sunglasses

Sunglasses Pkg/12

Not Quite a Costume

Not so into the toga thing?  How about one of these t-shirt designs?  They come in a variety of styles and colors.  If you happen to be on a college campus and want to generate excitement for your party, consider shooting t-shirts into a crowded quad or cafeteria like they do at ballgames.

Veni, Vidi, Vici - I Came, I Saw, I Conquered shirtIdes of March shirt

Veni, Vidi, Vici – I Came, I Saw, I Conquered T-shirt

Ides of March T-shirt

Sling shots

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Neck Ties

Roman Party Decoration Necktie Ides of March tieVeni, Vidi, Vici - I Came, I Saw, I Conquered tie

Roman Party Decoration Necktie

Ides of March Tie

Veni, Vidi, Vici – I Came, I Saw, I Conquered. Necktie


Food and Drink for your Ides of March Party

Signature Cocktails

Apricot BelliniDolce Vita's Surubao

Apricot Bellini

  • 1 ounce apricot nectar (30 ml)
  • Prosecco, to taste
  • Pour apricot nectar into a champagne flute. Top with Prosecco.

Dolce Vita’s Surubao

  • 10 fresh raspberries
  • 1 tablespoon raspberry syrup
  • 1 tablespoon sugar
  • 1 lime, freshly squeezedRoman Holiday Cocktail
  • 1 ounce vodka (or 2 ounces if you prefer)
  • 4 ounces cranberry juice
  • crushed ice
  • A slice of lime to garnish
  1. In a large sturdy glass, combine raspberries, raspberry syrup, sugar and lime juice. Use a pestle to gently crush and mix ingredients. Then add vodka and cranberry juice.
  2. Add ice and shake vigorously using a cocktail shaker. Pour back into the glass. Garnish with a slice of lime. Serve immediately.

Roman Holiday

Cocktail

Ingredients:
- 2 oz Aperol (Italian light spirit)
- 1 oz Gin
- 3 oz Club Soda
- Splash of fresh orange juice
Garnish: Orange slice

Mix Aperol, gin and orange juice in a cocktail shaker with ice. Strain the mixture into a highball glass and top with club soda. Garnish with orange slice and serve.

More Beverages

Product DetailsWine Gift Crates: Italian Duo

San Pellegrino

Place a few large bottles on the table or individual bottles at each place setting

Italian Duo of Wine

Delectable Delights

Food is where the Italian influence can really shine. For a festive atmosphere, keep the food delicious, simple and bite-sized.   The Food Network suggests laying out easy-to-prepare foods such as bowls of olives and plates of crudités. Arrange crusty Italian bread, tapenade (olive spread), pesto and quality Italian salami on a large wooden cutting board and let your guests help themselves. Another option is a pizza station where your guests can create their own personalized pizzas

Roman Holiday: Bucatini, Fava Beans, Guanciale, Pecorino Romano Product Details

Robert Love’s Roman Holiday: Bucatini, Fava Beans, Guanciale, Pecorino Romano

Olive del Diavolo

Olive Primavera: Fresh Three-Olive Blend Tossed with Citrus

Prosciutto Wrapped Melon Pizza Margherita

Prosciutto Wrapped Melon

Proscuitto Wrapped Asparagus

Pizza Margherita

Portobello Pizzas

Grilled Antipastoin Endive Boats

Lamb and Radicchio Barquettes

Bruschetta Di Prosciutto

Calamari with Citrus Aioli

More Menu Ideas from Food Network

Ides of March Party Entertainment Ideas

Games can make for a killer evening

How to Host a Murder - Roman Ruins

How to Host a Murder – Roman Ruins

Having mentioned your name in his Roman epic, the renowned poet, Flabbius Corpus, invites you to a banquet for the premier recitation of his historical work. When you arrive, you discover there’s been a murder in the garden and a priceless statue is missing. As one of the eight Roman characters, you and your friends will be scheming and srambling til the end.

Watch a Movie (or just have it playing in the background)

Are you a  Netflix or Blockbuster member?  Want to add a bit of campiness to your night? Rent a season of Xena: Warrior Princess or stick with the classic warrior movies, Gladiator or Braveheart

Xena: Warrior Princess (single episodes are also available on Amazon)
Music

Product Details Product Details Product Details

Dinner In Italy

Viva Italia! Festive Italian Classics

Dinner Classics: The Italian Album

Product Details Product Details Product Details

Party Hearty!

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