The Best Party Themes For Every Occasion

Details: blog; Updated: 13th October 2023

Planning the ultimate bash? Look no further. Whether you're celebrating a milestone birthday, a hen do, or just fancy a fun-filled get-together, we've got you covered. From glitzy galas to backyard barbecues, the right party theme can take your shindig from drab to fab in no time at all.

So, if you're getting ready to throw the event of the year, this list of party theme ideas is your one-stop inspiration shop. Ready to get the party started? Let's dive in!

Iconic Film Figures

Be the star of your own blockbuster. Channel James Bond or Wonder Woman and unleash your inner superstar.

Decor: Red carpets, golden statuettes, film reels, and director's chairs.
Entertainment: Movie trivia, Oscar-worthy performances, and a photo booth with props from iconic films.

Alice in Wonderland

Down the rabbit hole we go! Transform your venue into a whimsical wonderland. From Cheshire Cats to Mad Hatters, it's a tea party Alice would envy.

Decor: Oversized flowers, "drink me" bottles, tea sets, and a card suit motif.
Food: Tea sandwiches, "eat me" cakes, and pastel macarons.
Entertainment: A live-action Alice character, croquet set, and riddles.

70s Disco Fever

Boogie nights are back! Pull out those bell bottoms and platform shoes.

Violet 54 Profile

Decor: Disco balls, colourful dance floors, neon signs, and lava lamps.
Food: Retro canapés, cocktails, and fondue.
Entertainment: Funky cover band playing classic disco hits and a dance-off competition.

Mexican Fiesta

Let the fiesta begin! A nacho table stretching as far as the eye can see promises a cheesy, crunchy good time for all.

Decor: Sombreros, cacti, piñatas, and vibrant table runners.
Food: A nacho bar with all the toppings, guacamole, and margaritas.
Entertainment: Mariachi band, a salsa dance-off, and a piñata-breaking session.

Murder Mystery

Who dunnit? Don your detective hat and solve the mystery in this interactive party.

Decor: Vintage or thematic pieces that evoke the setting of your mystery, faux cobwebs, and "crime scene" tape.
Entertainment: A live-action whodunit game with guests as characters, and a trophy for the best detective.

Glam Rock Extravaganza

Step into a world where glam meets rock. Think Bowie, think Queen—this is a night for the flamboyant and fabulous.

Decor: Sequin tablecloths, glittery curtains, and inflatable guitars.
Food: Glamorous canapés and colourful cocktails.
Entertainment: A glam rock cover band or a playlist filled with classics.

Choose a Letter Party

Choose a letter of the alphabet and ask people to dress as something beginning with that letter. For example, if you choose "P", you might dress as a pig, a puss-in-boots, a pirate, or even a plant. As a hint, avoid "X" because there are only nine X-beginning English words.

Decor: Alphabet blocks, banners featuring the chosen letter, and matching colour schemes.
Food: Foods that start with the chosen letter.
Entertainment: A spelling bee or word games.

Arabian Nights Theme

Experience the magic and allure of a night in Arabia. This is your ticket to an evening of opulence and mystique.

Decor: Persian rugs, intricate lanterns, and oasis-like foliage.
Food: Mezze platters, shawarma, and baklava.
Entertainment: Belly dancers and a hookah lounge.

Festival Themed Party

Your garden becomes the new Glastonbury. From flower crowns to live music, capture the free spirit of a festival.

Riptides Profile

Decor: Tents, fairy lights, and tie-dye banners.
Food: Food trucks or stations with festival favourites like burgers and churros.
Entertainment: A line-up of festival style folk bands or a curated playlist to keep the festival vibes going.

Budget Bash

Big fun doesn't have to mean big spending. Host a bash that's budget-friendly but big on excitement.

Decor: DIY centrepieces, homemade banners, and thrifted tableware.
Food: Potluck-style dining or inexpensive finger foods.
Entertainment: DIY games like bingo, and a homemade photo booth.

Party Like You're an InstaGran

If you haven't heard of BaddieWinkle on Instagram, where have you been? With over 3.5 million followers, she is one of the many influential #instragrans taking over. And people love it. So get your friends to dress up as 80 or 90-year-old versions of themselves.

Decor: Vintage photo frames, knitting paraphernalia, and "InstaGran" photo props.
Food: Classic British dishes with a modern flair, like gourmet sausage rolls.
Entertainment: A slideshow of "Then and Now" photos and a knitting corner for the crafty.

Black and White Ball

Elegance reigns supreme at this monochrome soirée. Dress in black and white for an event that's as chic as it is timeless.

Decor: Black tablecloths, white flowers, and monochrome balloons.
Food: Black and white hors d'oeuvres like sushi or caprese skewers.
Entertainment: A jazz trio and a black-and-white movie corner.

Minute to Win It Mini Games

Beat the clock and win the party! A series of quick challenges keeps everyone on their toes.

Decor: Clocks, stopwatches, and colourful game stations.
Food: Quick bites like sliders and mini pizzas.
Entertainment: A host to lead a series of one-minute challenges with prizes for winners.

Bond 007

For your eyes only—an evening of espionage and elegance awaits. Dress to kill for this spy-themed extravaganza.

Storm Profile

Decor: Casino tables, silhouettes of Bond characters, and martini bars.
Food: Canapés served by 'secret agents' and shaken, not stirred, martinis.
Entertainment: A faux casino with card games and an electric string quartet for the Bond Theme entrance.

Takoyaki Party

Transport your guests to the streets of Osaka with this Japanese culinary experience.

Decor: Japanese lanterns, bamboo mats, and anime or manga posters.
Food: A DIY takoyaki station with all the fillings.
Entertainment: A takoyaki-making contest and J-pop music.

Dress as Another Guest

Seeing double has never been this fun. Challenge your mates to dress as each other for a night of uncanny resemblances.

Decor: Mirrors, doppelgänger photo boards, and name tags for guessing games.
Food: 'Twin' dishes like sliders and mini burgers.
Entertainment: A 'Who Wore It Better' contest and identity-guessing games.

Rock 'n' Roll Vintage

The classics never go out of style. From Elvis to The Beatles, this night is a tribute to the legends.

The Rock 'n' Roll Kings Profile

Decor: Vintage concert posters, vinyl records, and jukeboxes.
Food: Classic American diner fare like milkshakes and hot dogs.
Entertainment: A live rock 'n' roll band or a playlist of golden oldies.

Watermelon Waterpark

Make a splash with this summery, fruity theme. Perfect for backyard parties and poolside fun.

Decor: Inflatable watermelons, fruit-themed towels, and water slides.
Food: Watermelon slices, fruit skewers, and tropical cocktails.
Entertainment: Water games and a DIY watermelon keg.

80s Theme

Neon, synth, and hair spray—welcome to the '80s. Get ready for a night of nostalgic decadence.

The Drive Through Profile

Decor: Neon lights, Rubik's cubes, and arcade machines.
Food: '80s favourites like cheese balls and cocktail sausages.
Entertainment: An '80s music dance-off and screenings of classic '80s movies.

Fire & Ice

A party of contrasts. One half of the venue is a winter wonderland, complete with faux snow and icicles, while the other is a blazing inferno with warm colours and flickering flames.

Decor: Ice sculptures, faux flames, and colour-coded areas.
Food: Spicy and cool dishes, like hot wings and ice cream.
Entertainment: A 'hot or cold' quiz game and themed photo zones.

Coffee and Cake

A brew-tiful gathering for caffeine lovers and sweet tooths alike. The perfect setting for laid-back afternoon catch-ups.

Decor: Coffee bean centrepieces, chalkboard menus, and café-style seating.
Food: A variety of coffee brews and a cake buffet featuring classics like Victoria sponge.
Entertainment: A DIY latte art station and coffee bean guessing game.

Burlesque at the Moulin Rouge

Parisian flair meets high-kicking excitement. A night of cabaret and burlesque set in the heart of Montmartre.

Decor: Red velvet drapes, feather boas, and Eiffel Tower miniatures.
Food: French canapés like crostinis and éclairs.
Entertainment: A burlesque show or DIY fan dance lessons.

New-Age Neon

Light up the night with this neon extravaganza. Ideal for late-night dance parties and futuristic vibes.

Decor: Neon signs, black lights, and glow-in-the-dark paint splatters.
Food: Neon-coloured cocktails and glowing jelly shots.
Entertainment: A neon body paint station and contemporary event DJ.

Bollywood Night

Bust out your best dance moves for a night of Bollywood glamour. Vibrant, colourful, and filled with rhythm.

Bollywood Affair Profile

Decor: Rich fabrics, colourful lanterns, and Indian motifs.
Food: An array of Indian snacks like samosas and bhel puri.
Entertainment: An authentic Indian function band with Bollywood dance workshop to involve guests.

Pompadours and (Pop/Punk) Princesses

Take a musical journey from Elvis to Avril Lavigne. Whether you're rockabilly or pop-punk, this theme has something for everyone.

Decor: Vintage radios, punk posters, and inflatable microphones.
Food: Classic diner fare and modern fast food.
Entertainment: A bandeoke band and a lip-sync battle.

Mardi Gras Madness

Beads, masks, and jazz—experience the excitement of Mardi Gras without leaving your home.

The Roaming Empire Profile

Decor: Feathered masks, colourful beads, and vibrant banners.
Food: Cajun bites like jambalaya and beignets.
Entertainment: A live brass band covering hits from the decades.

Cruising at the Casino

Roll the dice for a night of high-stakes fun. Get that Las Vegas feel with casino games and extravagant décor.

Decor: Poker tables, velvet ropes, and oversized dice.
Food: Luxury canapés and champagne.
Entertainment: Blackjack, poker, and roulette tables with play money.

Giant Games Party

Life-sized fun awaits with giant versions of classic games. Think giant Jenga, Connect Four, and more.

Decor: Game boards, oversized pieces, and colourful game zones.
Food: Snack-sized bites that are easy to eat while playing.
Entertainment: A tournament-style setup for various giant games.

Rainbow Raid Party

A celebration bursting with colour. Perfect for Pride events or simply to brighten up your day.

Decor: Rainbow flags, multicoloured balloons, and colourful table settings.
Food: Rainbow-layered cakes and multicoloured cocktails.
Entertainment: A DIY tie-dye station and a rainbow runway.

Great Gatsby Theme

Step back into the Roaring Twenties with this glamorous theme. Jazz, flappers, and illicit speakeasies set the tone.

Big Blue Moon Profile

Decor: Gold and black accents, feathered centrepieces, and vintage gramophones.
Food: Classic cocktails like martinis and 1920s appetisers like devilled eggs.
Entertainment: A jazz/pop crossover band and Charleston dance lessons.

Dubai-style Bottomless Brunch

Indulge in a luxurious mid-day feast that captures the opulence of Dubai's brunch scene.

Decor: Gold accents, plush seating, and towering centrepieces.
Food: A lavish buffet featuring sushi, oysters, and champagne.
Entertainment: A live saxophonist and a raffle with extravagant prizes.

Masquerade Ball

Unveil a night of mystery and elegance with this timeless theme. Guests arrive in masks, adding an air of intrigue.

Decor: Chandeliers, candelabras, and ornate masks as table settings.
Food: Gourmet hors d'oeuvres and a chocolate fountain.
Entertainment: A mask-design contest and a waltzing dance floor.

Medieval Castle

Forsooth! Turn your venue into a medieval fortress for a night of gallant knights and courtly love.

Decor: Stone walls, torches, and coats of arms.
Food: Mead, roast meats, and hearty stews.
Entertainment: A jousting tournament and a jesters' comedy show.

Pirates Shipwreck

Ahoy, mateys! Set sail for a night of swashbuckling fun and buried treasure.

Decor: Skull and crossbones, ship wheels, and treasure chests.
Food: Seafood platters and "grog" (rum cocktails).
Entertainment: A treasure hunt and a pirate-themed karaoke.

Musical World Tour

Take your guests on a global journey without leaving the comfort of your home. From Nashville to Ibiza, music is the passport.

Rumberito Profile

Decor: World landmarks, country flags, and travel memorabilia.
Food: An international buffet featuring dishes from around the world.
Entertainment: World music musicians from across the globe.

Hot Summer Nights

Capture the essence of balmy evenings and holiday romance with this sultry summer party theme.

Decor: Tiki torches, fairy lights, and tropical plants.
Food: Barbecue favourites and fruity cocktails.
Entertainment: A beach ball volleyball game and a playlist of summer hits.

Roman Toga

Unleash your inner Caesar or Cleopatra in this classical Roman bash.

Decor: Columns, laurel wreaths, and faux marble statues.
Food: Roman-inspired dishes like stuffed dates and wine-soaked fruits.
Entertainment: A toga fashion show and Latin dance lessons.

Tea Party Theme

Bring out the bone china for a sophisticated afternoon of scones, sandwiches, and tea.

Decor: Floral tablecloths, tiered cake stands, and antique teapots.
Food: A variety of teas, finger sandwiches, and scones with clotted cream.
Entertainment: An elegant string quartet for background music. A tea-tasting session and hat contest for the best fascinator.

K-pop Party

From BTS to BLACKPINK, this is the ultimate gathering for K-pop aficionados.

Decor: K-pop posters, LED sticks, and South Korean flags.
Food: Korean snacks like kimchi and spicy rice cakes.
Entertainment: A K-pop dance-off and fan art station.

Wild West Theme

Giddy up for a hoedown in the wild, wild west. Cowboys and saloons set the stage for this rootin', tootin' good time.

Southlands Profile

Decor: Hay bales, horseshoes, and wanted posters.
Food: Barbecue ribs, cornbread, and sarsaparilla.
Entertainment: Country party band and square dance lessons.

Swap Shop Soiree

One person's trash is another's treasure. Bring items to swap and leave with newfound gems.

Decor: Vintage market stalls, chalkboard signs, and upcycled decorations.
Food: Street food-style bites like tacos and falafel.
Entertainment: Live auction for premium swap items and a DIY crafting corner.

Onyx Party

Channel the sophistication of the black gemstone for a night that's as mysterious as it is luxurious.

Decor: Black velvet, dark crystals, and chrome accents.
Food: Black foods like caviar, truffles, and squid ink pasta.
Entertainment: Noir film projection screen and a dark cocktail mixing class.

Disneyland Theme

Bring the magic of Disneyland to your own home. Perfect for both kids and adults who are young at heart.

Decor: Disney princess castles, pirate ships, and character cutouts.
Food: Mickey Mouse-shaped sandwiches and 'Dole Whip' smoothies.
Entertainment: Character meet-and-greets and a Disney trivia game.

Stylish Shangri-la

Step into a paradise of elegance and comfort. A sophisticated gathering with a touch of the exotic.

Thumri - Sitarist Profile

Decor: Silk drapes, lotus flowers, and tranquil water features.
Food: Exquisite Asian fusion dishes and lychee cocktails.
Entertainment: A sitar player and guided meditation sessions.

Escape Room Party

Solve the puzzles and beat the clock. Transform your home into a live-action escape room challenge.

Decor: Thematic clues, lockboxes, and puzzle stations.
Food: Mystery boxes with bite-sized snacks.
Entertainment: Multiple escape room scenarios and a leader board for fastest times.

Arts N' Crafts Party

Unleash your creativity with a hands-on celebration. Paint, glue, and glitter are the stars of the show.

Decor: Craft tables, colourful fabric swatches, and DIY decorations.
Food: Artistic treats like paintbrush pretzels and palette cookies.
Entertainment: Crafting stations for various art projects and a communal mural.

University Regress

Revisit your student days without the exams and lectures. A night of nostalgia and youthful energy.

Decor: Dorm room furniture, beer pong tables, and retro posters.
Food: Student favourites like instant noodles and pizza rolls.
Entertainment: Classic college games like beer pong and flip cup.

Hollywood Theme

Roll out the red carpet for a cinematic soirée. From Hollywood classics to indie gems, all films are welcome.

Decor: Clapperboards, film reels, and vintage cinema tickets.
Food: Popcorn, nachos, and slushies.
Entertainment: A movie marathon or film trivia games.

Dog or Cat Café

Turn your home into a pet-friendly café where four-legged friends are the guests of honour.

Decor: Pet beds, paw print balloons, and animal-themed tableware.
Food: Pet-friendly treats and human snacks.
Entertainment: A pet photo booth and agility course.

Boho Event Theme

Embrace peace, love, and flower power with this bohemian bash. A trip back to the '60s and '70s.

Decor: Tie-dye fabrics, peace signs, and lava lamps.
Food: Vegetarian bites and flower-shaped cookies.
Entertainment: A folky acoustic duo and DIY tie-dye station.

Winter Log Cabin

Warm up with a cosy winter gathering. Think flannel, fireplaces, and hot cocoa.

The Festive Jazz Band Profile

Decor: Faux fur rugs, wooden accents, and a fireplace backdrop.
Food: Hearty stews, hot cocoa, and s'mores.
Entertainment: Snowball fights with faux snow and a Christmas-themed jazz band.

Passport to Party

Travel the world in one night. Each room or area represents a different country or city.

Decor: Landmarks, flags, and travel memorabilia.
Food: International cuisine from sushi to tacos.
Entertainment: A trivia game based on world facts and a photo booth with global backdrops.

Margaritas and Masquerade

A fusion of Mexican fiesta and Venetian ball. Don your masks and sip on margaritas.

Decor: Intricate masks, sombreros, and colourful table settings.
Food: Tapas-style bites and a margarita bar.
Entertainment: Flamenco dancing and a flamenco guitarist.

Waste Fashion

Sustainability meets style in this eco-conscious gathering. Create outfits from recycled materials.

Decor: Upcycled decorations, solar-powered lights, and biodegradable tableware.
Food: Organic snacks and farm-to-table dishes.
Entertainment: A recycled fashion show and a DIY upcycling station.

The Turning of the Seasons

Celebrate the beauty of change with a party dedicated to the four seasons.

Decor: Cherry blossoms for spring, beach balls for summer, leaves for autumn, and snowflakes for winter.
Food: Seasonal dishes like pumpkin pie and summer salads.
Entertainment: A photo booth with seasonal backdrops and a seasonal cocktail-making class.

Living Room Life Drawing

Transform your living space into an art studio for a night of life drawing and creative expression.

Decor: Easels, sketch pads, and soft lighting.
Food: Finger foods like cheese platters and wine.
Entertainment: A live model for sketching and an art critique session.

Beach Party Ideas

Bring the beach to your backyard. Sun, sand, and surf without leaving your home.

Decor: Sandcastles, seashells, and surfboards.
Food: Seafood BBQ and tropical fruit platters.
Entertainment: A limbo contest and beach volleyball.

Not Boring Board Games

Unplug and unwind with a selection of classic and modern board games.

Decor: Oversized game pieces, scoreboards, and game-themed centrepieces.
Food: Snackable finger foods like sliders and pretzel bites.
Entertainment: A board game tournament with prizes for winners.

Retirement Fund Theme

Celebrate the joys of growing older and wiser with this tongue-in-cheek party theme.

Decor: Piggy banks, golden balloons, and mock stock certificates.
Food: Comfort foods like meatloaf and mashed potatoes.
Entertainment: Bingo with a twist and a 'Guess the Price' game.

Under the Stars

Gaze up at the celestial skies during this dreamy night-time gathering.

Decor: Twinkle lights, star-shaped balloons, and telescopes.
Food: Cosmic treats like galaxy macarons and moon pies.
Entertainment: Stargazing and a DIY planetarium.

Heaven and Angels

Ascend to a heavenly realm where halos and harps set the ethereal mood.

Soria Profile

Decor: White drapes, feathered wings, and golden accents.
Food: Angelic bites like cloud-shaped marshmallows and divine cocktails.
Entertainment: A harpist and an "Angel or Devil?" personality quiz.

Enchanted Forest

Step into a fairytale world filled with magical creatures and mystical landscapes.

Decor: Twinkling lights, faux trees, and fairy figurines.
Food: Enchanting treats like pixie dust cupcakes and woodland berries.
Entertainment: A fairy tale trivia game and a DIY wand-making station.

Tasteless Theme Party

An irreverent night where bad taste is the order of the day. Think kitsch, gaudy, and over-the-top.

Decor: Clashing colours, plastic flowers, and inflatable furniture.
Food: Tacky treats like canned cheese and cocktail weenies.
Entertainment: A 'worst-dressed' contest and karaoke featuring one-hit wonders.

Asian / Japanese Theme

Experience the serenity and beauty of Asian culture, with a focus on Japanese aesthetics.

Decor: Bamboo mats, cherry blossoms, and Japanese lanterns.
Food: Sushi, ramen, and matcha desserts.
Entertainment: A tea ceremony and origami-making stations.

Crystal Maze Party

Tackle challenges and solve puzzles in this adventure-themed gathering inspired by the iconic TV show.

Decor: Different zones like Aztec, Futuristic, and Medieval.
Food: Snack stations themed to each zone.
Entertainment: A series of physical and mental challenges with crystal rewards.

Pink Ball Theme

Think pink for this monochromatic soirée that's as vibrant as it is cheerful.

Decor: Pink balloons, tableware, and streamers.
Food: Pink treats like strawberry milkshakes and cotton candy.
Entertainment: A 'Shades of Pink' fashion show and pink-themed trivia.

Studio 54 Theme

Travel back to the heyday of disco for a night of boogieing and glamour.

Decor: Disco balls, velvet ropes, and neon signs.
Food: '70s favourites like devilled eggs and prawn cocktails.
Entertainment: A disco dance floor and a '70s hits playlist.

Haunted House

A spooky soirée where ghosts and ghouls are the life of the party.

Decor: Cobwebs, skeletons, and eerie lighting.
Food: 'Witch finger' sausages and 'blood' punch.
Entertainment: A haunted house walkthrough and a scary movie marathon.

Carnival in Rio

Samba your way through a colourful, energetic Brazilian celebration.

Salsamba Profile

Decor: Bright feathers, elaborate masks, and parade floats.
Food: Brazilian BBQ and tropical fruits.
Entertainment: Samba dance lessons and a mini float parade.

Greek Gods and Goddesses

Party on Mount Olympus with this divine theme.

Decor: White columns, laurel wreaths, and golden goblets.
Food: Greek mezze and ambrosia fruit salad.
Entertainment: Toga-wearing contests and mythology trivia.

Pajama Party

Comfort is key in this laid-back gathering. Perfect for friends who love a relaxed vibe.

Decor: Pillows, blankets, and cozy lighting.
Food: Breakfast foods and hot chocolate.
Entertainment: A pillow fight and classic sleepover games.

Nautical Event Theme

Set sail on a sea of fun with this ocean-themed party.

Decor: Anchors, lifebuoys, and nautical flags.
Food: Seafood platter and ‘sailor’ cocktails.
Entertainment: A pirate treasure hunt and sea shanty sing-along.

Chocolate Factory

Indulge your sweet tooth in a world of cocoa delights.

Decor: Golden tickets, oversized candy, and chocolate fountains.
Food: Various types of chocolate, fondue, and candy bars.
Entertainment: A DIY chocolate-making station and a playlist featuring hits from the classic movie.