The toga, 1980s, the costume… the I am so bored of the same old party themes. Aren’t you? Creativity is enhanced when a person needs to stretch their thinking. Whenever creativity is required to solve a problem, adding an unrelated paradox is a sure fire way to identify gaps, create novelty, and establish a killer theme.
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The paradox process is at the heart of a problem solving approach called Synectics. Using metaphor, it takes a person along an excursion to take a break from a problem and then jump into how that metaphor relates to the problem. The paradox is an example of a metaphor on steriods. These are just example of paradoxical themes: cool fire, relaxed tension, repulsive beauty, tamed wildness, sweet Sara (Sara isn’t so sweet). Notice how these phrases catch you for a split second? It is that feeling that attempts to make sense of two unlike concepts that leaves a lasting impression. The metaphor is also the source of themes like toga or the 1980s; it refers to another moment in time.
When making a paradox for a themed problem solving party, it will have the most impact if the theme is short and slightly ambiguous. It will resonate more with participants if they can understand it in their own way. Set the stage, turn on the music, and make the themed party of year fruitful. 
