Berliners love to eat, drink and generally be merry, and dressing up as a 70s rock star, funky punk or colourful clown just adds that extra oomph to the occasion. Karneval is one of the many festivals celebrated with characteristic flair here, so finding fancy dress is easy.

Galeria Kaufhof now has an excellent supply of affordable costumes – indulge in the chance to be a ladybug or giant strawberry, or let your kids play fireman or cowboy for the day. Maskworld is more expensive but has a larger range that caters for theatres (period costumes) as well as parties (fat suits, slip-on tattoo ‘skin’, and costumes for dogs). It is also the best address in town for wigs and fake beards.

If you’re not much of a cook, there are plenty of caterers to call upon. Many are delicatessens that offer a ‘party service’ as well. Among the best are Seerose, who cater specifically for vegetarians; Cato, which does vegetarian as well as Italian, French and Caribbean catering; Gianni Gillone Ital.Feinkost for fresh pasta and home-made pesto, and Le Flo, which has an enormous range of gourmet salamis and cheese in store. Butterstulle offers fully organic catering on request, from finger-food to soups and salads. It will also bring all the necessary gear, such as tables, chairs, crockery and cutlery.
KaDeWe has a luxury party service with a deluxe price tag (calculate at least €700 for 25 people) and table decorations, cutlery and china can be hired, too.

If you need decorations for a costume party, Deko-Behrendt has the lot: fairy wings and Santa outfits for Christmas, pumpkin lanterns and ghostly outfits for Halloween and a year-round supply of birthday party room and table decorations. Most supermarkets also have the basics: plastic plates, spoons, paper tablecloths and party poppers.

If you’re planning a cool summer party, call in at Eisvogel for dry ice, ice cubes, ready crushed ice, or gob-smacking ice sculptures – which you will need to pre-order.

Partyfee Berlin is the lazy way to organise a kids’ party – it brings the decorations, snacks and games (strictly one hour long only) to your door from €165.