Answer: Soccer Party for 17 Year Olds

I love this idea. I played competitive soccer in high school (left wing!) and the bond with teammates is priceless.

The first thing that popped into my mind for a soccer party was black and white, playing off the ball. Black and white florals or geometrics are a super-hot design trend, especially when paired with a "pop" color like pink for girls or red for boys. But, to bring in the team spirit, your "pop" color should be a team color(s)!

FOR A GIRLS' TEAM

For a party where the girls swap out their cleats for heels, check out the photo of Celebration's expert Darryn Murphy. You'll get an idea of what I mean by the black, white, and "pop" color motif. This is pretty girly, but cool.

If you want to go in this direction, use a black or white floor-length tablecloth on the buffet table. Place a black and white floral print length of fabric over the cloth so it comes down as a front panel on the buffet. The website Social Couture has some black glam candelabras, white ceramic partyware, and more that would look great on the tabletop. Check out Social Couture's "Black Vine" party for more ideas along this line or the "Girl's Night Out" party, (obviously, without the Martini stuff for your your crowd), which has a lot of pink against black and white zebra patterns.

FOR A BOYS' TEAM

Use a black tablecloth and purchase black and white check linoleum floor tiles to use as place mats or under buffet platters on the party table. Toss a few mini soccer balls around the party for fun and to really bring the "black & white" theme home.

Or, check out what we did for our Super Bowl Party. You can use the same idea with your team colors on the buffet and use soccer candy dispensers on top.

FOR BOTH TEAMS

Decorate with team color balloons and team color ribbon around napkins - wherever it works. For party favors, little soccer ball key chains would be an ideal memento of their time spent together as teammates and buddies!

Best, Jeanne