Great Party Theme Ideas

An Inspiring List of Theme Party Ideas

Nov 20, 2009 Sarah Mathiesen

Theme parties never go out of fashion. From 'When I Grow Up' to 'Adults Only', this list offers a theme party idea to suit everyone.

The benefits of a theme party are endless - they build excitement in the lead-up to the event, they're a great way to break the ice between guests and they ensure the party won't be forgotten easily. Whether the party is a simple dress-up or an extravagant can't-possibly-escape-the-theme night, this list of party theme ideas offers something for everyone:

Party Themes Based on Movies and Books

Go through the DVD collection and sift through the bookcase to find inspiration for some fantastic party themes for your next get together. Remember to think about how you can bring the theme to life - try asking a local cinema, video store or book shop whether there is any left over merchandise for give-away or purchase. Some top film and movie ideas include:

Lord of the Rings
Harry Potter
Twilight
Disney
Rocky Horror Picture Show
Fairytale
Moulin Rouge
James Bond
Indiana Jones
Stepford Wives
Toy Story
Wind in the Willows
Superheroes
Alice in Wonderland
Batman
Xmen
Godfather
Priscilla, Queen of the Desert

Party Themes Drawn From Colors, Letters and Numbers

Colours, letters and numbers make for easy theme ideas. Just pick a favourite colour and spalsh it about the venue from the decorations, the food, the dress code and - for a bit of a challenge - the music. Dress-up parties that instruct guests to dress as something starting with a particular letter are rather popular, For example guests invited to a 'P' Party could arrive dressed as a prirate, a priest, Peter Parker, Prince Charles, a potato, etc. Parties based on a particular decade, for example the one the host was born in, can also make for an outrageous occasion.

Black and White
Red
Pink
Alphabet Soup
Dress as something strating with the letter "_"
1920s
1930s
1940s
1950s
1960s
1970s
1980s
The future

'A Special Place' Themed Parties

Pick a place, any place, and take guests on a magical trip through space and time. Be sure to incorporate 'Place' themes into the decor, food and music to ensure that guests really feel as though they're there.

Under the Sea
Space
Outback
Beach
Hollywood
Haunted House
At the Circus
Lolly Shop
Casino
Prison
On the Farm
Wild West
Around the World
Americana
Cool Britannia
Down Under
The Orient
Out of Africa
Arabian Nights
European Escape
Mexican Fiesta
Hawaiian Luau
Vegas Baby!
Jungle

Themed Parties for Two

Spark controversy and competition by inviting guests to attend a party as opposing forces or perfect matches. Parties with a two-sided theme are fantastic for Valentine's Day, Grand Final Day or matchmaking.

Heroes and Villians
Cowboys and Indians
Tarts and Vicars
Cute Couples
Princes and Princesses
Kings and Queens
For Richer or Poorer
Pirates and Wenches
Heaven and Hell

More Fun Ideas for Themed Parties

More great ideas for party themes include:

When I grow up
Murder Mystery
Board Game night
Girls' Night In
Pyjama party
Rock and Roll
Army
Winter Wonderland
Christmas
Sports
Comic Books
Cartoons
Toga
Adults Only
Masquerade

The most important thing to remember when organising a theme party is how well guests will relate to the chosen theme and how the theme can be incorporated into every aspect of the night. Be clever and creative with themeing efforts and it will be a party to remember.

The copyright of the article Great Party Theme Ideas in Entertaining is owned by Sarah Mathiesen. Permission to republish Great Party Theme Ideas in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.