According to the StyleLife Academy, there are three things that one must do to throw a great party.

1. Have a reason. Any reason will do. Leverage the power of the word "because" to get people in the door.

2. Have a theme. Even a very superficial theme will encourage the guests to be a little wilder and have more fun.

3. Deliver a surprise. Halfway through the party, have something change for the better. In Style's example, he had hired a local shaved ice vendor to show up at his barbecue and dispense shaved ice for his guests.

I have 1 and 2 covered. I'm hosting a party to celebrate my cats' birthday and the them will be Hawaiian Luau, "in honour of Lili's heritage." (One of my cats is named Lili'uokalani, after the last queen of Hawaii.) Yes, this is completely silly, but it doesn't have to be serious or deep. This is enough to get people's attention.

I'm largely at a loss for a good surprise, though. Jav suggested two strippers and a midget, which is simply out of the question. More generally, I'm thinking that an entertainer of any sort probably won't be a very cost-effective surprise. The frozen treats from Style's example don't seem like a bad idea. Busting out jello shots or homemade tropical popsicles partway through might work. I'm looking for other ideas, though. What do you suggest for my party's surprise?

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Some vices miss what is right because they are deficient, others because they are excessive, in feelings or in actions, while virtue finds and chooses the mean.
Aristotle, Ethica Nichomachea

You're gonna regret not hiring two strippers and a midget, I'm telling you!

Hmmm make sure you move all the furniture out of the area where the party is happening so people feel more inclined to stand up. Everyone has been to a party where people are sitting down doing nothing. You never want this to happen. I expect this is a drinking party (if not, it should be) so you should order a keg (or another) halfway through. This will get people really wild and excited. That's a great way to throw an epic party.

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If only God would give me some clear sign! Like making a large deposit in my name in a Swiss bank. - Woody Allen

Tray full of jello-shots sounds like a fun surprise to me. Be sure to buy those cheap grass skirts and coconut bras as party props for your guests to try on and play with.