Donna Folland is the owner of Arsenic Fashions (arsenicfashions.com), a locally based internet clothing company that specializes in Victorian, gothic, fetish and lolita clothing. Every January's end from 2005 through 2009, she threw an elaborate house party to celebrate Lewis Carroll's birthday. Here, she reveals some of what she learned about the art of recreating Alice's world for a night among friends.

Why do you love Alice in Wonderland? I love stories about people who go from everyday mundane life and are suddenly transported to a land of magic and adventure. It helps to keep me thinking that anything is possible.

What characters have you dressed up as for your parties? Year 1: Queen of Hearts; Year 2: The Mad Hatter; Year 3: The White Rabbit; Year 4: The Mock Turtle; Year 5: The March Hare.

What are some of your favorite costumes that you've seen at your parties, and why? I love to see all the different variations of the popular characters, like The Mad Hatter, Queen of Hearts or Alice, but I also love to see people get creative and dress like an obscure character or theme. Alice Too Tall is one of my favorites, as well as the Cook, and Alice's sister who reads the book with no pictures.

What advice would you give to people who want to put together a great Alice in Wonderland costume? Make your own costume. Whether you're a seamstress (or know someone who is) and you can sew something yourself, or are just great at finding unique pieces at a thrift store, you can be sure that you won't show up looking like anyone else!

What are some of the best food you've had at your parties? My absolute favorite food contribution was when my friend Madelyn brought "Mock Turtle Soup" (which was actually olive soup). She brought it in a great big pot, with a printed label to go with it that read, "Beautiful soup, so rich and green, waiting in a hot tureen..."

How about decorations? I have a stockpile of Alice decorations that are easy to find if you know where to look at any party supply store: pink flamingos to hang from the ceiling or set up along the edge of a room, giant playing cards and card suit confetti, cut-out mushroom-shaped figures on blacklight-reactive paper with a blacklight in a room; things like that. One of my favorite decorations was from 2008. My friend Norm made me gigantic mushrooms from chicken wire, fabric and paper, lined along the inside with Christmas lights so when we plugged them in they lit up from inside! We also used fabric to cover the entire ceiling and walls in my dining room and completely changed the look and feel of the place.

What do you think are the most important secrets to throwing a great Alice in Wonderland party? I think the most important thing for throwing any theme party is pay attention to details. Decorations, theme foods and drink, costume suggestions, as well as a matching invitation (whether digital or on paper) all come together to create a party that stands out from the norm. Give your guests plenty of time to come up with a costume, and don't be afraid to give suggestions to people who aren't quite sure what to do.

What are you looking forward to about the Tim Burton movie? Seeing Tim Burton's take on the Alice world. I love Tim Burton and I know I'll adore the movie! And I'm super excited that it's being released in 3-D. I'll definitely be seeing this for the first time at an IMAX theater.