8 Ways to Play Up Your Party Theme
Want to create a fun, unique experience for your dinner party guests? The secret is simple… it’s all about the theme! Check out these tips for 8 clever ways to turn your favorite theme into the life of the party!
If you’re planning a dinner or cocktail party and not sure where to start, here’s a little tip that’s guaranteed to make your life easier: start with a theme!
Your party theme can be as simple as a favorite color palette or as specific as a “Modern Moroccan” or “Safari”. Either way, just having a theme in mind will help you stay focused amidst the overwhelming amount of options available these days. It will also make decisions regarding everything from your color palette, to the menu to the décor so much easier. Make sure to choose a theme that inspires you so that you can get excited about the planning process and really have fun with it!
Not sure where to get started? Here are 8 tips to get you on your way!
1. Dinnerware
Can’t afford to purchase a whole new collection of dinnerware? No problem! Dress up your neutral, everyday dinnerware with salad plates, side plates, or charger plates in a style that coordinates with your theme.
2. Table Linens & Napkin Rings
Tablecloths and napkins offer another great opportunity to add a pop of color to the table and really get creative with the details! Display each napkin with a band of themed ribbon or a unique napkin ring featuring a great pattern, shape, or material – such as strung beads or painted wood.
3. Glassware
Decorate wine glasses and stemware with theme “drink charms” that double as drink markers for guests! Use readymade charms or make them yourself using decorative paper, jewelry rings, and other crafty materials.
4. Table Centerpieces
When it comes to centerpieces, the sky is the limit! You can go for creative floral arrangements or opt for a great home accessory – like a wooden elephant sculpture or colorful accent vase that you already own. Use small details to help coordinate your centerpiece with the rest of the party. For example, embellish vases with a band of patterned ribbon or display a small, framed card or sign (with a design that matches the theme) next to the centerpiece.
5. Let There Be Light
Candlelight is one of the easiest ways to bring your tabletop to life! Place small tea lights in the center of the table or set one at the top of each individual setting. Use pillar candles, glass hurricanes, and other decorative candleholders to create a pretty, glowing centerpiece!
6. Serveware
Fabulous serving trays & serving utensils are easy to find these days, so just remember to keep the overall style and color palette of your choices cohesive so that the buffet doesn’t start looking too busy. Pair just one or two unique, patterned serving trays with several coordinating solids, or choose one specific style – such as bamboo or all-white – for all of your serveware, from the bowls to the platters and trays.
7. Food Presentation
In addition to the type of food and serveware featured at the party, you can really play up your theme in the manner that you present it! Using the safari party as an example, create a great themed appetizer display by mixing in some animal figurines and foliage arrangements between the food trays, covering the table surface with oversize leaves, and even propping some of the dishes up on themed vases or pedestal servers.
8. Signature Drink
Create a fun cocktail or mocktail to act as the “signature drink” of the party. Choose a flavor or color that matches your party, and give it a fun name that also plays on the theme, such as a “Tanzan-tini” or “Kenyan Cooler”. Print out the name & recipe of the signature drink and display it in the bar area.
Working with a party theme is all about creating a special, out-of-the-ordinary atmosphere for your guests. They’ll appreciate and enjoy all the creative details, and chances are good that you’ll have fun dreaming them up!
