Putting on a memorable party doesn't have to bust the budget. A little imagination, a great theme and a good eye can produce a party that will be remembered as THE party of the year.

Whether celebrating a holiday, birthday, anniversary or just gathering friends together, it helps to have a party theme. We chose a A Night in Morocco, which can be exotic and mysterious.

It's also important to consider all five senses: sight, sound, taste, smell and touch.

We asked Morgan Childs, owner and president of Moana Events (www.ModernLivingHawaii.com and www.MoanaEvents.com), who produces weddings, parties and special events for a living, for budget-minded advice. The Kaua'i native has worked with Wilcox Hospital, the Hawai'i Chamber of Commerce, Kahala Mall, Ala Moana Center and Fashionista's Market, to name a few.

Childs' advice for frugal party-planning: Start by shopping in your own cabinets and closets. Much of what you need may be right there.

Since disposable plates, napkins, tablecloths and cutlery can be expensive and are not eco-friendly, Childs recommends using whatever you already have. Mixing and matching makes a table more interesting.

"White is the easiest and least expensive color to pull together a party with, and it's crisp, clean and modern," she notes.

To make the meal experiential and get the guests talking, Childs likes to serve an interactive dish such as fondue. Add an appropriate spice (in this case, nutmeg), and it melds with the theme. Fondue is also one of the least expensive and simplest dishes you can serve to guests.

Here's how Childs pulled together a Moroccan party on a budget, shopping at Ross, Flora-Dec, Walmart and Pier 1 Imports.

SIGHT

Choose a color scheme. Morocco brings to mind jewel tones. Our colors: plum, gold and silver.

Use as many candles as you can afford (Ross has the best buys). "Everyone looks better by candlelight," Childs said. Avoid direct lighting and opt for paper lanterns, dimmers and candles reflecting on a mirrored surface.

SOUND

Make the music match the theme. If you don't have Moroccan or Arabic music, borrow some from a friend.

SMELL

An often-forgotten sense. To go Moroccan, try a cinnamon-scented candle in the living room or bathroom and cinnamon sticks and nutmeg on the table. "Use light smells that won't interfere with the food. You never want a scented candle burning on your dinner table," Childs said.

TOUCH

Create a variety of textures throughout the room, but especially on the table. Mixed and matched glasses, plates and cutlery can make the table more interesting.

TASTE

"Go for exotic spices in common dishes," Childs suggests. To make the meal experiential and get the guests talking, Childs likes to serve an interactive dish such as fondue. Add an appropriate spice (in this case, nutmeg) to meld with the theme. Fondue is also one of the least expensive and simplest dishes you can serve to guests.