When I was a sophomore in high school, I was elected the class vice president. I ran on a whim, figuring such a position would look good on a college resume but not actually require much in the way of work. I was right, though I spent much of my unremarkable term worrying our president would be assassinated for his controversial views on diet soda in the vending machines, thereby thrusting me into a position of slightly-more-than-zero responsibility.

One of the main (only) things we did in student council was determine the themes of the school dances. This was a perfect opportunity for us to show our creativity and give our students a unique experience. Naturally, this opportunity was squandered. All of my brilliant theme ideas were shot down in favor of trite, overdone stuff like “One Night in Paris,” “A Diamond is Forever” and “Meet Me at the Motel 8.” I suspect our nation’s myopic focus on standardized testing is the cause for such creative indifference.

In college, themes are still in demand. Sometimes, a house party requires something special to add some zest to the usual weekend get-together.

If you’re looking to embrace creativity and give your next party a top-notch theme, maybe these suggestions will help.

Viva la Industrial Revolution!: Ever wish the party could just keep going, nonstop? Well, with this theme, partygoers will be required to party for up to 16 hours without a break! Come dressed as a 19th century factory worker, but don’t worry about the soot – it’ll be pumped into the house throughout the evening (and morning and afternoon). Best of all, you can bring your kids! What they’ll lose in bone mass, they’ll make up for in memories.

Temperance: Movin’ It!: Don’t worry. This theme won’t preclude you from serving alcohol, which, as we all know, is absolutely required for anybody to ever enjoy themselves at all. The fun starts when actors from the local historical society come dressed in petticoats to protest the presence of said alcohol and glare judgmentally at you for drinking it. Kick back, relax, and enjoy the old-timey activism!

Actual Trash: The “White Trash” theme has been particularly popular in the last few years. Well, with this theme, partygoers come dressed as their favorite piece of literal trash. Whether you choose the classic crumpled-up ball of paper, the beloved cigarette butt or the vastly underrated improperly-disposed laptop battery, you’re sure to have a truly trashy time. Also, this theme makes decorating a snap: just empty a few trash cans around the house or apartment and you’ve got an instant landfill that will get people “wasted” in no time.

Good Riddance: Most nostalgia-themed parties focus around things we remember fondly. This theme celebrates all the things we don’t miss at all. Come dressed as your least favorite character or celebrity from back in the day and get down (as in, “depressed”) to the awful music of whichever era you were raised in. Now excuse me while I put the finishing touches on my Captain Planet costume and pick up some Creed CDs from the discount bin.