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THE UNIVERSITY DAILY KANSAN
SELF-IMPROVEMENT
WEDNESDAY, JULY 7, 2004
HOW TO... THROW A TOGA PARTY
Hail Cesaer?
Only if he refills my goblet
Compiled by Donovan Atkinson,
edited by Julie Jones.
Summer is the perfect time to throw outdoor parties and barbecues. But instead of just throwing another pool party or grilling some hot dogs, there may be another option you haven't thought about. Immortalized in the classic film Animal House, a toga party is perfect for the warm summer weather.
While the men of Delta House kept their party indoors, feel free to take the action outdoors. But before you send out invitations telling everyone to show up at X p.m., there are few things you should do to guarantee a successful Bacchanal.
The absolute essential of a good toga party is of course a good toga. Don't just fold some bed sheets around yourself, make a real toga and impress your guests. Ancient togas were made from long narrow pieces of fabric often cut into a semicircle or oval shape.
Togas
For an authentic look, take an oval-shaped piece of fabric that is nearly three times longer than your height. The width should be half the length. For example: a 6 foot man would need a cloth that is 18 feet long and 9 feet wide.
Togas are always worn over a sleeveless, knee-length tunic that is often belted at the waist. To properly drape a toga: 1) Fold the cloth lengthwise.
2) Drape the left side of the toga over your left shoulder.
3) Pull the right side around to the front of the body and gather some of the material into a roll.
4) Throw the right side over your left shoulder.
5) Tuck part of the left side into the belt. Sandals are the only appropriate footwear for togas.
Beverages
When selecting the drink for the evening, be sure to avoid anything with the words "Bud," "Miller" or "Pabst" in the name. Avoid beer, as wine goes best with the traditional Roman party wear. Wine in a bottle that is. The wine industry may want you to buy a box of wine, but keep an element of class by buying it in the bottle.
Food
Keep the food simple. A selection of cheeses, fruit and breads should be encoug to keep your guests satisfied.
Décor
Need to light up your dim backyard? Go the Prometheus route and grab some fire. Torches can liven up your yard, just be sure not to turn it into the Lighthouse of Alexandria.