Theatre, drama, color, lights… everything out of the ordinary… what takes a great shower from blah to bridalicious? We think it’s a great theme.

Themes set the stage for fun at an event, especially something as primed-for-smiles as a bridal shower, where opening gifts is part of the show. Themes create a sense of expectation and make everything easier, from planning food and decorations to buying and anticipating opening the gifts.

Here are a couple of ideas for the next shower on your list, from reliable standbys to open-ended options that put your imagination to work.

A better twist on household basics. If the couple is outfitting a home first time or just needs a fresh start on basics, this theme reliably fills the bill. Here, you might choose a room, such as the kitchen or bath, or a category, like linens.

For a better twist on the traditional, focus on special interests of the bride. For example, does she like to bake? Decorate the party like a bakery shop, and shop like a baking fanatic in this huge category that offers everything from vintage aprons to the latest in high-tech baking mats.

Another room to outfit is the master bath, especially if the bride has registered for gifts so you have guidelines for color. A better twist: add a little fun by conspiring with everybody to hide a themed gift-within-a-gift, such as tucking in a lovely fragranced soap inside a towel set or in between lovely plush velour slippers. Other tuckable luxe items: a Vitabath Green Gel Eye Mask or Vitabath Spa Skin Therapy™ In Bloom Gift Set .

Destination fun. Where is the couple going for the honeymoon? Do they like to travel? Put what you know to work. If you can’t recreate Paris, you can recreate the Parisian café for the shower, and supply everything from travel guides to luggage to TSA-friendly luxuries like Vitabath gift set separates.

Bonus: All items in the travel set are less than 3.4 oz are are prefect as an approved carry on size

Get imaginative and sensual by picking a theme that pairs a color with a fragrance or material: Linen and lilac, white and fluffy, chocolate and coffee, silver and saffron, orange and citrus, blue and blooming. We suggest getting friends together over something like chocolate and coffee to put your collective imaginations to work on this seriously fun chore.