For those of you who aren't in the know, there's a reason to celebrate, act and talk like a pirate on September 19. If you haven't guessed, International Talk like a Pirate Day lands on that day! And for those of us who can't just let a special day like that go by without throwing a special bash full of booty that even Davey Jones would be proud of, fear not! Even the driest landlubber can celebrate this fine, scurvy loving holiday by hosting a party at home.



Sticking with the theme of "piracy" is important when decorating for this type of party. As such, lighting will play an important role for your décor. Think of old pirate ships, old haunts where pirates and wenches could be found, bars and the like. Decorating after the Captain's Quarters of any old pirate ship can be a good theme to play off of. Vintage, traditional looking chandeliers filled with gemstones and candelabras are always ideal as lighting centerpieces for any room, and they sure evoke a pirate ambience. Keep the lighting of your chandelier dim so that your party has that mysterious, old ship feel. And for extra kicks, tie a rope by your chandelier and anchor the end to a latch on the wall; don't attach the rope literally to the chandelier. The whole purpose is to make it look like you could untie the rope and swing from it as the chandelier drops.

If you're looking to give your home a shipping dock setting, add some torch lights along the walls of hallways and around your living room and yard. Wall sconces with torch-styled lamps will work well, especially if you have amber colored diffusers. Table lamps are also another great way to achieve that pirate feel, as long as you stick with vintage inspired lamps and silk shades. More brownie points to you if you can find a terribly designed lamp with skeleton bones or skulls on the base and neck of the lamp!

Once you've got your lighting down, you're ready to start assembling your fellow pirates and wenches for a nightlong party full of booty and ale. Arrggghhh, enjoy, me matey!!