When it comes to planning your staff Christmas party, summer party, school reunion, birthday party, or annual charity gala dinner, choosing a theme is an excellent way to make it memorable, unique, and a blast to both plan and attend!
However, choosing a party theme that suits your event and your guests does need some thought. What theme is most likely to resonate with your crowd and suit the type of event you’re hosting?
To help you choose the best theme for your party or event, we’ve compiled a huge list of ideas to get the creative juices flowing.
Once you’ve chosen a theme we suggest you get a notebook and start brainstorming all the iconic images you can think of (maybe start a Pinterest board). This will help you decide on the décor, invitation design, costume suggestions, and the food and beverage.
Once you have the vision, then you’re well on your way to creating an amazing party!
Be creative, be bold, and be inspired by The Greatest List of Party Themes Ever….
Classic party themes (16)
- Halloween Party
- Pirate Party/ Treasure Island
- Hollywood
- Fancy Dress (anything goes)
- Wild West
- Under the Sea/ Nautical
- Famous Dead People
- Heroes vs Villains
- Superheros
- Zombie Party
- 15 Minutes of Fame
- Toga Party
- Animal Kingdom
- Gangsters and Flappers
- Angels and Devils
- Ghosts and Ghouls
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Party themes inspired by TV shows (17)
- Favorite TV Detective
- Favorite Kids Show
- Favorite Murder Mystery
- Friends
- Game of Thrones
- Favorite Comedy Show Character
- Star Trek
- The News
- Doctor Who
- The Mandalorian
- The Kardashians
- Reality TV Stars
- X Factor (or any other “talent” show)
- Jane Fonda Fitness Videos
- Downton Abbey
- Mad Men
- Neighbours vs Home and Away
Party themes inspired by Movies (22)
- Avengers
- Black & White Movies
- Academy Award Winners/ Oscars Party
- Disney Classics
- Australian Films
- Horror Film Classics
- Star Wars
- Characters from one Director’s movies (e.g. Alfred Hitchco*ck, Quentin Tarantino, Steven Spielberg, etc.)
- Alice in Wonderland
- The Great Gatsby
- Grease
- Mad Max
- Rocky Horror
- Studio 54
- 007 James Bond
- Wizard of Oz
- Saturday Night Fever
- Priscilla Queen of the Dessert
- Classic 80’s (think Ferris Buller, Pretty in Pink)
- Mission Impossible
- Charlie and the Chocolate Factory
- Titanic
Party themes inspired by geography, nations and cultures (23)
- Around the World
- Mexican Fiesta
- Beach Party
- Paris Nights
- Multicultural Party
- British Punk
- Australia vs. New Zealand
- True Blue Australian
- I think I’m Turning Japanese
- Bollywood
- All American
- Miami Nights
- The British Royal Family
- Winter Wonderland
- Hawaiian Luau
- Tartan & Scotch
- Havana Nights
- Great Wall of China
- I love Italy
- Brazilian Carnival
- Oktoberfest
- Arabian Nights
- Walk Like An Egyptian
Party themes inspired by the alphabet (2)
- Choose a letter and come as something that starts with it (there are 26 great themes to choose from!)
- Come as something that starts with the first initial of your name
Party themes perfect for gala events (5)
- Masquerade Ball
- Casino Royal
- Red Carpet Glam
- The Oscars
- Black & White Ball
Party themes inspired by time (18)
- Ancient Rome
- Medieval
- Toga Party
- Time Travelers
- Hot Tub Time Machine
- Historical Figures
- Notorious Figures from History
- Great Leaders from History
- The Future
- War Time
- 50’s party
- 60’s Party
- 70’s Party
- 80’s Party
- 90’s Party
- Back to Prom
- Retro
- Back to school
Party themes inspired by books (9)
- Harry Potter
- Characters from your favorite children’s book
- Lord of the Rings
- Chronicles of Narnia
- Literature Greats
- Dr. Seuss
- Alice in Wonderland/ Mad Hatter’s Tea Party
- Jane Austen novels
- Choose a significant author and pick one of their characters
Party themes inspired by color (10)
- Choose a color and make that the theme
- Rainbow Party
- Pantone Color of the Year
- Primary Colors Only
- Neon Party
- Pastel Party
- Pink Party
- Glow in the Dark
- Anything but Black
- Black & White
Party themes inspired by significant dates (5)
- Halloween Party
- Christmas in July
- Ugly Christmas Sweater Party
- Santa Claus Party
- Chinese New Year
Party themes inspired by music (9)
- Rock n Roll
- Popstars
- Hip Hop
- Country Music
- Woodstock
- MTV Awards
- Favorite Musician of all time
- Characters from Musicals (stage or film)
- Video Killed the Radio Star
Party themes inspired by fashion (4)
- Pajama Party
- People In Uniform
- Thrift Shop Finds (set a budget)
- Tux and Tiaras
Party themes to suit kids' parties (17)
- Bluey
- Lego
- Paw Patrol
- Pirate Party
- Disney Characters
- Looney Tunes
- Book Week Characters
- Things That Fly
- Zoo Party (come as your favorite animals)
- Favorite TV Show Characters
- Favorite Movie Character
- Superheros
- Transformers
- Marvel Characters
- A favorite movie (Frozen, Moana… popular ones currently)
- A Bug’s Life
- Toy Story
Final note…
Whatever theme you choose, make sure it’s not too vague and is something your guests will have an interest in — or at least be familiar with!
Once you’ve picked a great theme for your bash, start your party planning and choose invitations that make the theme clear to your guests. Be sure to include the expected dress code — even add suggestions on costumes. (Poodle skirt and leather jacket for a Grease party, perhaps? Coconut bikini for a luau, anyone?) Having your guests come dressed the part will help them set the vibe for the event before they even turn up!
Remember to incorporate your theme in your menu too, whether it‘s DIY appetizers or a luxury catered affair. The cuisine can make or break your next party! Whether it’s cupcakes and ice cream for a birthday party, a traditional luau pig roast, or a full spread for a posh pink brunch, your guests will appreciate the attention to detail (and the good eats).
And don’t forget to scope out party games and activities that fit your unique party, plus crowd pleasers that fit all the best party themes. Karaoke, a photo booth, a scavenger hunt, and a killer playlist can help make any event the perfect party.
For more advice on planning themed parties check this out:
How to Host the Best Themed Party Ever!
