Party Themes: A Guide from the Geeky to the Trendy
Posted on 17. May, 2011 by admin in Guides
Ah, summer, the time when people finally cut loose and party. It’s the season to celebrate everything from warm weather to school finally letting out. If you are looking on how to make a party stand out, it might be a great idea to have a theme for your party. Party themes make the mood more cohesive, and often keep a party from being boring. Themes for parties can be anything from the normal (luaus, Cinco de Mayo, etc.) to the wild (Star Wars, ninja versus pirates, etc.) The important thing to remember is to match your party theme to people who would appreciate it.
People who tend to run in the geeky or nerdy crowd love themes for parties. New themes for parties include LAN parties with an old-school theme, or anime themes. Many birthday parties for teenagers now include a large amount of games that deal with their favorite anime shows, their favorite books, or even favorite comic book heroes. A great comic book party theme is often accompanied by costume contests, or trading card games. Geek-themed parties can be challenging to put together, but always are rewarding. It’s not uncommon for geek-themed parties to be talked about for years after they have been thrown.
Traditional party themes are excellent for just about any crowd. Who doesn’t love attending a luau on a hot summer day? Cinco de Mayo parties are also major crowd-pleasers, and are especially popular with college crowds who enjoy Tex-Mex food and drinks. For younger crowds, princess-themed parties are almost a right of passage for young girls. Almost every girl I have known has attended tea parties or dressed up as a princess when they were younger. Going with a traditional party theme is often a safe bet, and easy to plan. Recipes are easy to find, as well as advice on how to make the theme really work well for any age group.
The trendier crowds will often have very imaginative party themes which can be hard to replicate. One trendy theme which has become de rigeur has been the “blackout” theme. Lights are shut off, leaving only UV lamps to light everything, and everyone is encouraged to wear white and neon clothing. UV reactive cups and hair accessories are also encouraged. Another recent trend has been to use a party theme called “Stitch and Bitch”. Women who are looking to improve their sewing skills, fashion design skills, and even beading skills, will throw a “Stitch and Bitch,” so that they can talk to people while they make trendy clothing.
With so many themes for parties out there, it’s hard to know where to start. The best idea on figuring out what party theme to use is to ask yourself the following questions:
- Do I enjoy this theme?
- Will my friends be able to relate to it?
- If it’s a party that is based on games, will they like the games?
- Is it age-appropriate?
- How many people do I want to invite? Is this theme good for large/small parties?
- Can I afford to do this theme on my budget?
- How casual should this party be?
When picking out themes for your parties, it’s important to know what you want to do with the party. Remember to come up with delicious snacks and drinks that match the theme for your party. Decorations are another thing to consider, as are activities. A well-coordinated party theme will create great memories.
Image by VectorLady.com
Tags: party theme, party themes, themes for parties

nunzi
17. May, 2011
I was browsing through the site, looking for a good birthday party theme for my four-year-old princess, and voila! I just found a great one! I was already considering a Disney Princess theme or a butterfly theme, which I still think are too common birthday party themes for girls, and then I saw this post. Ice cream would be perfect for the weather here, and my daughter absolutely loves ice cream. Suddenly, I am excited instead of panicking. =D
ehre veux
18. May, 2011
nostalgia..
chatt hen
18. May, 2011
Birthday party themes: TV characters
heuse brudson
18. May, 2011
Explore the mythology and lore about black cats witches and other beliefs that carry on in the 21st century especially around Halloween..Black Cats and Luck. .Black Cats and Witches.Black cats have long been associated with witches and witchcraft to the extent that during October the Month of Halloween black cats and witches are favorite icons used for costumes home decor and party themes.
frang
18. May, 2011
[...] Yesterday night marked the end of British/Irish Week with a big party at one of the chateaux. The theme was 60s and 70s (kind of Austin Powers-ish). Do grown-up MBA students really care about childish themes of parties and make a fool of themselves wearing ridiculous costumes? You bet they do! (Remember this quote?) Below is a selection of the more, well, noticeable outfits. [...]
farhatchel
18. May, 2011
“What Cramer didn’t understand, but what is now clear to him, me, and thousands of other businesspeople, is this: THEY HATE US. The left does not believe that biz folks simply ‘took another path’, or ‘had another passion’, they are convinced that all biz people are EVIL. This is their religion, and is why it’s not enough for a Jon Stewart to have a different opinion or interpretation of facts….he must destroy. Human sacrifices must be made. I don’t think we knew the depths of the left’s hatred, but now we’ll never forget. I have never complained about paying taxes, but now ALL my money is offshore, I will NEVER build another business in the U.S. Watch what the left is doing in Ireland (confiscating post-tax savings), watch what Elizabeth Warren and her co-author advocates (confiscating IRAs and pensions). Seriously folks, you can save your ‘tea party’ theme cake, there is no way out except the border. Get out while you can, and if you must stay at least get your savings out of the U.S.”
bletsere
18. May, 2011
I think that we're doing a sleepover party theme. An example of a math problem that would arise from this scenario is as follows:
If you're going to have enough food for everybody, you need to plan for __ people. If you have __ bags of chips, __ packs of soda, __ boxes of pizza, and __ bags of candy, how much food do you still need?
I think that we could solve this problem with an equation or using a chart.
tra curke
18. May, 2011
dud, chill, this is awsome XD
mccaustavs
18. May, 2011
0:40 – Bummage. LOL
rist
19. May, 2011
Protected Comments: Please enter your password to view comments.
decorstchu ston
19. May, 2011
i was holding in laughter from the beginning…then once he started talking about cocks expanding i got this picture of davey in silver and cold singing about that shit and i lost my fucking mind!!! my parents r now staring at me like i am insane
kama quian
19. May, 2011
haha!
It was a friends 30th Birthday party, the theme was film and TV and worzel and Aunt sally were the only ones we could find that no-one would have though of. Its mine in december so needless to say I'll have my thinking cap on again over the next few months, although this time it will be something less frumpy lol! Not very flattering is it??
As for the snow it was here for a good few days! Kids loved it, its the first time we've had chance to go out in it really. They even had my old sledge from years ago! I pulled them to nursery a couple of times in it. lol. Burnt more than a couple of calories off that day!!!!
prukowskin
19. May, 2011
Love this party theme – have been planning a farewell to summer bbq here in Australia but love this… thanks for making parties so easy!
mucciarren
19. May, 2011
this is shit I definitely NEVER thought I'd hear Davey saying LOL
rintar
19. May, 2011
se parece mas a su mamá
bonny
19. May, 2011
Theme Party Secrets Revealed!: EBook(R) On Throwing Killer Theme Parties. Theme Party Ideas, Tips, Resources And…
ross
19. May, 2011
Problem with which it grapples in 2011Contribution date: December 30th 16:41 of 2010| Category: Problem with which it grapples in 2011
tarnul
19. May, 2011
Sweet 16 ideas Parties post comment: If you are looking for unique sweet 16 ideas and themes then you have found…
tupman fuelott
19. May, 2011
Pink Silhouette Birthday Party…adorable!
ris ludving
19. May, 2011
I've experienced a cupcake theme epiphany for a party I'm throwing on Sat. Now, just have to find someone to execute…..
dacchion
19. May, 2011
I worried if Mac and Cheese could be considered a meal. Seriously, Why??? I also worried about throwing B-day parties. How would I entertain kids, what games would I play. Turned out just fine. Every year I manage to come up with unique party themes and cakes. I am sure I could go on. I also should say these worries were with my first daughter. My second daughter, only wants turtle b-day parties. And I giver her a banana with peanut butter drizzled lightly in chocolate syrup, and well it is a meal )
tagusatiuk
19. May, 2011
You forgot the last one!
1:29 Mars
thie col
20. May, 2011
I love the Little Princess party theme!
vasagheyda brigg
20. May, 2011
Popular themes to be seen as for your next fancy dress costumes …: Fancy-dress parties are exceedingly popular…
guez kirbircman
20. May, 2011
What time is it? Its party time. Parents have you ever thrown a lame party? I bet you have. Then, keep reading to find out the best party themes, entertainment and food.
Some ideas for themes for your teens or pre-teens are: music, movies, animals. These themes are better for there age. If they were five the barbie or dinosaur themes would work. The best thing to do is get there friends or even let the kids plan the party.
For food if you even go near the organic cookies and crap like that. Kids like real food not that organic food that tastes like crap. You might try ribs, barbaque, steaks or even pizza. Kids like sweet and sugary desserts so i suggest pie, ice cream, blizzards. The ultamate dessert would be a chocolate fountain. Just imagine the thick, sweet, lushes, chocolate liquid running down the fountain like a water fall.
For entertainment the most popular types of music are rap, rock and roll, and pop. The music is important but the games are the best part. Kids like to play video games, board games, and computer games try to let them have a little fun.
So the theme needs to be fun and age appropriate. The food and drinks need to be good and not taste like cardboard. The entertainment needs to be fun and keep them busy. If you have not got a clue on how to plan a awesome birthday party you need to read a different magazine.
phan gilarezana
20. May, 2011
I love u Teukieee <3 *-* SungMin so cuteeeeeeeee <3
reerdaphne
20. May, 2011
haha!
It was a friends 30th Birthday party, the theme was film and TV and worzel and Aunt sally were the only ones we could find that no-one would have though of. Its mine in december so needless to say I'll have my thinking cap on again over the next few months, although this time it will be something less frumpy lol! Not very flattering is it??
As for the snow it was here for a good few days! Kids loved it, its the first time we've had chance to go out in it really. They even had my old sledge from years ago! I pulled them to nursery a couple of times in it. lol. Burnt more than a couple of calories off that day!!!!
drwicz win
20. May, 2011
#np The Party Boy Theme off Jackass by Chris Pontius
ritt bence
20. May, 2011
CBW – wait – you have a “neighborhood”? Have both of you agreed on a party theme??
The only party I'm hosting isn't until Dec 21, so I have time. Tonight I brought home a small string of 50 colored twinkle lights and put 'em in Peezer's bedroom so he will GET OFF OUR BACKS ALREADY about how our outside lights are not yet up! Apparently he cares not that it's damn dangerous to hop up on the roof when it's dark and – oh yeah – rainy.
azek lohov
20. May, 2011
Problem with which it grapples in 2011Contribution date: December 30th 16:41 of 2010| Category: Problem with which it grapples in 2011
sing
20. May, 2011
RT Check out these 4 Budget-Friendly Picks For Your Memorial Day Parties!>
dello trangers
20. May, 2011
OK THATS JUST KREEPY
milham boorjati
20. May, 2011
cool!!!
swatta atulbu
20. May, 2011
i like the way michelle's mind thinks……school girl snigger entered here…….
and to tracey, yes the girl is 20 years and the boy is 18 years and I never doubled up on themes for their parties…I am very proud of that!!!
dome schulkin
20. May, 2011
Can't wait to see your halloween pics. The costume ideas sounded so good. I've been a bit ambivalent about the amount of halloween themes parties the children here have been to this year and the general commercialism but I still like to see what other people have done!
France? Oh how exciting for you. I've only been to Calais on a day trip years ago but my sister lived in Paris for a while and loved it.
jyh
20. May, 2011
Problem with which it grapples in 2011Contribution date: December 30th 16:41 of 2010| Category: Problem with which it grapples in 2011
dad kido
21. May, 2011
Faded : Mint Themes ( Band #Party WP Theme )
lehirle bee
21. May, 2011
Problem with which it grapples in 2011Contribution date: December 30th 16:41 of 2010| Category: Problem with which it grapples in 2011
cooksler
21. May, 2011
Can't wait to see your halloween pics. The costume ideas sounded so good. I've been a bit ambivalent about the amount of halloween themes parties the children here have been to this year and the general commercialism but I still like to see what other people have done!
France? Oh how exciting for you. I've only been to Calais on a day trip years ago but my sister lived in Paris for a while and loved it.
jxton tani
21. May, 2011
how did you change your network connection icon to the mac icon?
judinanden
21. May, 2011
What races would we not have won? Start with Austin Scott in GA-8. The anti-Washington rhetoric of the TEA party was enough to finally get folks in mid-GA to look at Marshall as a Democrat.
ledrechion man
21. May, 2011
imagine if you had to choose between millions of happy kids and 350 million dollars…that answers your question
hui
21. May, 2011
Problem with which it grapples in 2011Contribution date: December 30th 16:41 of 2010| Category: Problem with which it grapples in 2011
nau
21. May, 2011
Okay, I love4 IT.
But racism Camebefore slavery.
And Baclk sold other blacks into slavery. So yea.
sam
21. May, 2011
Birthday Party themes for girls and party plans
room
21. May, 2011
you are the only one who actualy told me wat to do with the system files thank you man
yoshi
21. May, 2011
I try to match my party themes to the honoree’s favorite things. My girlfriend has sent you impassioned pleas – via e-mail and USPS – to allow us to come to the Lodge to celebrate my birthday, which has passed – will you please select me as a belated birthday gift?
guiri mountharuc
21. May, 2011
Love the Converse!
Someone should start up a company that specializes in cute, stylish wide shoes for all the kids that need inserts–I swear it's not just kids with DS. They would make a fortune. OK maybe not a fortune but there has to be a market for this.
I think it's great that Sophie is so excited. Life's too short not to party as much as possible! But I guess I don't need to tell that to the Girl in the Party Hat!
I look forward to hearing more about the party plans.
I'm kind of dreading the day that Leo cares what he wears. But I would like a little direction on the party themes-I really stress out about them, to the point where it's ridiculous. I just hate character themes and I'm betting when he does have an opinion it will be character all the way, so I guess I should appreciate his indifference for as long as possible!
sidono douette
21. May, 2011
One of the best from the SM Camp. I have been a Tech fan since early 2000. Been through the Darkness of Anghellic and K.O.D., and the Angry and Party themes of Absolute Power, Everready, and the straight fire from Killer and Misery Loves Kompany/Sickology 101/The Gates Mixed Plate. I can say this is the MOST anticipated album of his by myself and many others, I just hope he delivers the rest of the album like the first few released tracks. He usually doesnt disappoint tho.
klinty cooks
21. May, 2011
I had a hawaiian theme party when I was little too!
ram
22. May, 2011
0:32 is wierd
farrasway
22. May, 2011
hmmm maybe if my song “SHADY TRIX” gets enough views and buzz….eminem may wanna prove that hes the real slim shady…I feel like if hears it, it may make him show us that funny side of him again!! please check it out and subscribe!!
sal redee
22. May, 2011
omg I love that party theme! Too awesome!I’ve seen bits and pieces of Jersey Shore, it’s not must watch tv for me but it’s entertaining enough.I’d say my favorite mindless tv show is probably Psych or The Big Bang Theory. Actually, I watch so much tv, it could probably all be considered mindless!
yach klois
22. May, 2011
Hey… i like your beard…
len lefther
22. May, 2011
1) I vote for the spider!
4) Oh please do this party theme! If I had a boy its what I would do. Actually its the boy version of what I had for A's first birthday, I love it!
5) I am still working on Alice's first year scrapbook…she is going on 4…sob!
kyriwe capple
22. May, 2011
Amazing, love this! What a great idea for a party theme. Love the shadow silhouettes.
akhshopp innama
22. May, 2011
My son is obsessed with Chinese New Year. When he was turning 3, he chose Chinese fortune cookies as his birthday party theme…I had to obviously make most of his decorations and party favors.
Since he was born, we've gone down to Chicago's Chinatown and seen their parade. It's such a great time! It's so nice to introduce your children to different cultures!
doster
22. May, 2011
You know, Kady, that might be the most honest thing ever in Canadian politics – naming the current iteration of a party after its leader. Given the leader-centric organization of campaigns, leader-dominant dynamics of party organization generally and how it is almost impossible to discern a coherent party theme from one leader/moment to the next, using meaningless terms like liberal and conservative and democratic in a party name seems pointless.
gle mcclelaase
22. May, 2011
Hey guys!First of all nice theme, but Windows 8 Aero 1.2 theme by Velix94 looks better.Link:
ise thorsen
22. May, 2011
yep:)
graefey delli
22. May, 2011
You have done a good job summarising the passage and telling us what you feel about the idea of having a wedding party in the theme park. I wonder what your group members will think about the prices of having a dream wedding in the park. To me, $7888 for a table of 12 guests is indeed a large amount of money. Do you also know that you have to pay extra to have the cartoon characters appear in the wedding? I heard that it is quite expensive too. So do you think it is worth the money to have a wedding there? Why?
bartingfor intner
22. May, 2011
I made raisin bread dough in the bread maker and baked it in the tube for my daughter's birthday party (tea party theme).We spread it with cream cheese and sprinkled colored sugar on it, and called it “fairy toast”.I also am planning to try to make salami in it, there was big sale on ground beef last week and I need to use it up! I'll let you know how that goes… but I bet a meatloaf would come out awfully pretty, too.
kleepia
22. May, 2011
Hey guys!First of all nice theme, but Windows 8 Aero 1.2 theme by Velix94 looks better.Link:
nik moorbush
22. May, 2011
RT Summer Parties party ideas and Decor for Summer Parties parties. Find drinks, party themes, party activities for adult
banussella
22. May, 2011
i've been using Neutrogena's Alcohol-Free Toner. I buy it at Wal-Mart. it is a really good toner. It doesn't burn my face and makes my face feel clean and smooth. Sometimes when I run out of it and don't have time to get a new one, I use MAC Fix+ as a spray over my face. But I like Neutrogena since its cheaper too
gustadtoon hogle
22. May, 2011
1. Interviews with people you have connections to
2. How to get that perfect beach bod
3. What not to do over the summer
4. Obama Nation; yea or nay?
5. Best paying non-college degree-requiring jobs
6. Cheap, efficient cars
7. How to kill the summer boredom
8. Why Jersey Shore revived the concepts of going to the gym, tanning, and doing laundry
9. Graduation party themes
10. iPhone 5 letdown; why it's going to lack it's promised innovation from the 4
kenna doole
23. May, 2011
Bad Girl – Usher ! My theme song, i have to hear this song before i party
deau guyrete
23. May, 2011
Can't wait to see your halloween pics. The costume ideas sounded so good. I've been a bit ambivalent about the amount of halloween themes parties the children here have been to this year and the general commercialism but I still like to see what other people have done!
France? Oh how exciting for you. I've only been to Calais on a day trip years ago but my sister lived in Paris for a while and loved it.
mani leaza
23. May, 2011
Well,
I am not Torvalds, so I don't know what he really meant. But as [Torvalds] is a kernel developer, I am guessing making his own “distro” from the bottoms up isn't that hard of a task for him. Maybe he runs his own linux flavor? Most distributions aim at desktop “general” users nowadays (why else would you use linux? as a server? well then you dont even need all the fancy bells and whistles…) and any linux distro can do that……. so whats the point of having 10,000 distros if they are just recompiled packages?)It seems Ubuntu beat Debian to the punch when it came to that Linux niche of the casual Linux (desktop) user. Which is what I [personally] believe Torvalds was talking about. If your going to talk about “freedom,” you should discuss how Debian is finally going to make itself a truly free linux distribution by removing non-free code from the kernel. Also what bloat, and mixed third party themes are you referring to? It seems you may be taking his words out of context. As all distros generally** use the same/similar software, such as desktop managers. Gnome on Ubuntu and Debian isn't funadementally different then Gnome on Fedora or Archlinux. Its still Gnome. Whats your point? Torvalds brought you linux, I don't see why your bashing him…..
dellshaira abler
23. May, 2011
Hey guys!First of all nice theme, but Windows 8 Aero 1.2 theme by Velix94 looks better.Link:
atta
23. May, 2011
Pimps and Ho's…..?
Storybook Characters….?
Superheroes….?
These are all themes of parties I have been to…….incidentally, the pimps and ho's theme was the best. So funny to see people dressed up like that!
huk schriscone
23. May, 2011
Birthday party themes: Rock stars
boninger pill
23. May, 2011
Bridal showers are always better when it’s a smaller group. The best one I ever went to was a Victorian tea party theme and everyone wore hats. I made a cool little fascinator with a little birdcage veil!
gudot
23. May, 2011
yes yes he did.
scherpall coatsis
23. May, 2011
They have a nice themes for parties call them and see what they have I'm sure that you will like it
El theme eli tbeena ysawoona tbeen disco or hwaiii, Hollywood…etc
bonfagle ferist
23. May, 2011
this looks so fun. its so nice of you all to suprise her. cute necklace.
rombe
23. May, 2011
just rename 3 file..?
not like theme.dll or other..?
penhorteng
24. May, 2011
I’m in love with this party theme and color combo! It couldn’t be more hip!Too many times when people think of a baby shower, images of pastels and pillow mints dance in their heads. This just gives the shower a whole modern spin while still keeping it cute!
clarnumbaj
24. May, 2011
I actually wrote a post touching on this topic a bit, “Rules that every theme developer should abide by”.
pridis
24. May, 2011
Because it's just that awesome. ;D
mahouty klouglion
24. May, 2011
i like the way michelle's mind thinks……school girl snigger entered here…….
and to tracey, yes the girl is 20 years and the boy is 18 years and I never doubled up on themes for their parties…I am very proud of that!!!
hermin peszczyk
24. May, 2011
I made a special trip to New York last year to see the Tony Duquette windows…the first time I'd ever seen their special holiday windows in person. I met Tony Duquette in the 70's (although I didn't know who he was at the time) when I did window displays for the antiques business in L.A. and later knew some of his antique dealer friends who were quirky and inspiring.
The talent that goes into these temporary works of art as well as the brilliant marketing scheme behind it can inspire interior design, party themes, weddings, color schemes, every kind of creative endeavor. Thanks for sharing this years windows. I am again inspired!
bielkenn
24. May, 2011
DAMN MAN YOU NEED TO BE SINGING FOR A LIVING THATS THE BEST MERLE COVER EVER!!!!!!!!
gler and
24. May, 2011
Hi There I'd love to thank you for such a terrific quality site! Since I know I have a extremely high quality site myself I thought it would be good karma to tell you all about it.Planning a party to celebrate the birthday of anyone who is 1 years old or ninety-nine years old demands a certain number of supplies[/url]. Some of the expected supplies most likely will be unique for people of different ages and tastes, although there typically some kinds of supplies[/url] that you will need despite what the person's tastes are. Many birthday parties are planned after a theme like a superhero. The supplies that are purchased will be the result of the theme of the special occasion. For younger kids, you will find quite a lot of themes based on the kids favorite television or movie character. Futhermore, you may also discover many traditional kids party themes. For adolescents, you may wish to pick a character theme or maybe just a color scheme. Many of the more most liked themes are the Luau supplies[/url], Hollywood party, Marti Gras supplies[/url], Retro party or the Disco supplies[/url]. Find decorations and food that support the theme. Lastly adults, a popular supplies are ones based on the decade of the persons birth. You will find many ideas for this kind of decorating.Thank you for reading my post, hopefully you enjoyed the summary of my website. If you are looking for a specific theme party why not check our wheels Party Supplies[/url] page.
naki avell
24. May, 2011
i like the way michelle's mind thinks……school girl snigger entered here…….
and to tracey, yes the girl is 20 years and the boy is 18 years and I never doubled up on themes for their parties…I am very proud of that!!!
dowker shulkarins
24. May, 2011
How fun for you! Depending on what time of day you pick to have the party will determine if you are serving a meal or just snacks. At our “first” birthdays, we did finger foods for all the little ones: fruit, cheese, crackers, and sliced sandwich wraps make a great summer park or party food! Treat bags…. BUBBLES are a must. Our kids are 8 and 10 and still enjoy receiving bubbles. And of course your party theme will help determine what else goes in the goodie bags. Don’t forget to celebrate with a commemorative Piggies & Paws print!
ann burhan
24. May, 2011
[...] Free Bachelorette Party Themes November 17th, 2009 Free Bachelorette Party Themes [...]
ugay camp
24. May, 2011
I feel sorry for her, she does not know the real issues and just because she likes Pain, well, I am NOT impressed.
peppinenie
24. May, 2011
Thank you for the post, it's really helpful with all the screenshots.
Can you tell me one thing, I'm a blogger user but now I want to create a blog on wordpress as well, and I'm going to use wordpress.com free blog service. My question is will I be able to install a third party theme there? This thing is not very clear to me, some people say you can install third party themes only when you use paid version that is on wordpress.org. Please help me telling the truth. I'd be thankful to eternally
~regards
Engiquenesdug
11. Dec, 2011
How do you think, who this year won the Champions League Cup?