Answer: A Night with the Stars

A star theme is a great choice, as it is extremely versatile.

For an elegant look, I'd go with black tablecloths. Set mirror tiles with safe, beveled edges on the table, and place a cylinder vase containing water with a white floating star candle on the tile. The candlelight reflected in the mirror is beautiful. You can alternate vases with a single floating candle and a single floating white spider mum along the buffet and fill in with votive candles.

On the TV show I hosted and designed, "Weekend Entertaining" on the DIY Network, we did a "Star Gazing" theme party complete with a telescope, astronomer, a star tablescape, kaleidescope invitations, star-shaped food and more. You can reference that party on the DIY Network's website for some ideas.

For an exotic feel, consider using a Moroccan star theme with hanging star paper lights and cool lanterns. Place Morrocan lanterns with flowers around the base on tabletops and then add color throughout the party. Check out www.e-mosaik.com for more on this theme.

A couple of other ideas are a Movie Party Star theme and you can really add to it with an outdoor movie theater. With a movie theater set-up, you can show a DVD specific to your fundraiser, which adds a heartfelt dimension to the event. Or, you could go with a chic beach theme using starfish and shells.

Best, Jeanne