Hosting a party with a theme is one way to help keep the party ideas organized and cohesive. Most themes can accommodate any age group or season. When you find a theme that works for your family, make it an annual or biennial event, adding or adjusting the activities to match the ages of the guests. Reuse items from one theme, (red plates and decorations, for example) and incorporate them into another party theme later.
Luau
The luau party is ideal for a poolside party or any summer gathering. A wintertime luau birthday party can warm up a cold winter. Greet guests at the door with leis. Provide inexpensive grass skirts for guests. Serve roasted meats along with grilled tropical fruits including bananas and pineapples. Serve drinks in tiki or pineapple-shaped cups with tiny umbrellas. Turn on the summer beach songs and have a limbo competition.
Patriotic
Patriotic parties may be held to celebrate various holidays including Memorial Day, Patriot’s Day, the 4th of July or Labor Day. The theme is also applicable to a party for Election Day, homecoming for a soldier, a military retirement party or a birthday for a current or former member of the military. Decorate with red, white and blue streamers, balloons and tableware. Add flags and cut out stars from foil. Serve desserts with blueberries and strawberries and whipped cream. Play patriotic music. For an elaborate party, request people to dress as the Statue of Liberty, Betsy Ross, Uncle Sam or a soldier.
Moulin Rouge
Ask guests to dress up in red and black dresses and men in suits with top hats. Serve green beverages to guests. Set up a dance floor and play popular music suitable to the age group. The Moulin Rouge theme may be used for a Sweet 16 birthday party, a graduation party or for an adult gathering. Serve crepes that can be rolled up with a hot meat dish or eaten as dessert with ice cream and chocolate sauce.
Pirates
Draw a treasure map that leads to your house. Invite guests to dress up like pirates. Decorate the party with gold, silver, black, white and red. Hoist a flag and decorate with large gold coins and boats. Draw a wooden plank on your front sidewalk, using chalk. Host a treasure hunt in the backyard with age-appropriate trivia and clues to help the pirates along the way. Make your own skull and crossbones labels for water bottles. Fill a small pool or sandbox with sand, then hide small treasures and cover with blue balloons to look like an ocean.
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