5 fun theme party ideas and creative menus to match
Mother’s Day tea
When it comes to party planning, it’s good to decide on a creative concept to start and then select your menu, décor, dress code and playlist accordingly. "Think about your theme first, and then try and tie it all together," recommends Savoury City Catering founder Donna Wadsworth. Choosing a fun and imaginative theme will guide your decisions around the event style, setting, and guest-count, as well as what type of cuisine you’ll serve.
And don’t forget the drinks when planning a theme party menu; you’ll want to stock your bar with wine, beers, spirits, and booze-free beverages to match the occasion. “Hydration stations are key, especially if you’re hosting an event over a hot summer,” says Donna. “Get creative with thematic cocktails and set up a cool table with a few non-alcoholic beverages in decorative dispensers."
If you want your next event to be a memorable one, here are five creative theme party ideas and complementary menus that are sure to impress everyone on your guestlist.
Island Luau
Escape to the tropics by planning an island-style gathering reminiscent of Hawaii’s colourful luaus. These traditional celebrations are typically hosted outdoors in lush garden settings and feature a buffet spread of slow-roasted meats, seafood, summer vegetables and fresh fruits. Pork shoulder with crackling, sweet and sour grilled prawns, rainbow veggie kabobs and macaroni salad are just a few of the items you’ll find on Savoury City’s signature Hawaiian Cookout menu. You can recreate an island feel at home with large palm leaves and fragrant floral centrepieces, a breezy soundtrack, and tropical cocktail options like piña coladas and mai tais.
Hollywood Gala
Who doesn’t love an excuse to dress up? Bring a little glitz and glamour to your next special event by hosting a shindig inspired by Hollywood’s golden era. Roll out the red carpet for your guests and start off with a champagne toast before tucking into a dazzling menu designed to impress. Depending on your event space and budget, you might choose to plan a sophisticated multi-course plated dinner featuring farm-to-table dishes and complementary wine pairings. For something less formal, try hot and cold canapés and platters topped with artisanal meats, cheeses, vegetables, and dips. Create a swanky ambiance with black and gold decorations, elegant glassware, and a black-tie dress code.
Fanciful Afternoon Tea
Whether you’re more inspired by the whimsy of Alice in Wonderland or the timeless traditions of the British royals, an Afternoon Tea service is a playful party theme that’s perfect for a mid-afternoon gathering. Dress your space in floral, gingham, white lace and pastel accents then charm your guests by serving tiered towers of gourmet finger sandwiches, savoury tartlets, scones with jam and clotted cream, and dainty desserts. To drink, offer a selection of premium loose-leaf teas in china cups or serve a refreshing Pimm’s Cup cocktail, a classic summer libation served in the U.K.
Latin Dinner Party
Add a little spice to your next get-together by hosting a South American-inspired dinner party with authentic Latin flavours. Set up a build-your-own taco bar action station featuring soft corn or flour tortillas and savoury fillings like pork carnitas, flank steak, achiote chicken and BBQ jack fruit. You can also offer guests an array of south-of-the-border sauces to completement their tacos, such as tomatillo salsa verde, fresh guacamole, crema, and chili oil. To drink, prepare a batch of citrusy margaritas or agua fresca (water sweetened with fresh fruit, sugar and lime).
Southern Seafood boil
A beloved tradition in Louisiana, South Carolina and other southern states, a classic seafood boil (or low country boil) is an interactive, hand’s-on party idea for shellfish-lovers who don’t mind getting a little messy. Perfect for a backyard crowd, this one-pot meal includes a delicious melange of fresh shrimp, lobster, clams, crab, potatoes, and corn all dressed in a spicy Cajun-style seasoning. The spread is poured directly on a tabletop lined with protective paper and diners roll up their sleeves and dig in to eat with their hands – and perhaps with some shelling tools if needed. Easy-drinking craft beers and boozy iced tea make great pairings for this fun and informal outdoor theme party idea.
Note: Provincial health restrictions on indoor and outdoor gatherings remain in place across British Columbia to help stop the spread of COVID-19. As always, we recommend verifying capacity restrictions and health and safety protocols in your region before planning an event.