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 starting 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.
Sarah Mathiesen - Sarah Mathiesen is the director of Harshmellow Media + Design, a public relations and marketing agency based in Townsville, ...
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