Throwing a party for adults can be a blast, especially when you have a cool theme to spice things up!
From casino nights to retro disco dances, picking the right theme can turn a simple gathering into an unforgettable event.
Whether you’re planning a sophisticated evening or a fun costume party, this article will guide you through 21 exciting party themes that are sure to impress your guests and make your party a hit!
21 Adult Party Themes
1. Casino Night
Transform your space into a high-stakes casino with games like poker, blackjack, and roulette. Encourage guests to dress in glamorous attire to fit the Las Vegas-style theme. Provide fake money for gambling to keep things fun and light.
Decorations can include playing card motifs, large dice decorations, and red, black, and gold color schemes. Don’t forget to set up a mini-bar with cocktails that suit the casino theme, like martinis and highballs.
2. 1920s Speakeasy
Take a step back to the roaring twenties with a speakeasy-themed party. Ask guests to dress in flapper dresses and suits. Use dim lighting, jazz music, and password entry at the door to create an authentic vibe.
For your speakeasy decor, think plush velvet curtains, feather boas, and pearl strands. Serve classic cocktails from the era like sidecars and gin rickeys.
3. Tropical Luau
A tropical luau brings the spirit of the islands to your party. Encourage guests to wear Hawaiian shirts and grass skirts. Decorate with tiki torches, coconuts, and lots of tropical flowers.
Serve tropical drinks like mai tais and pina coladas. Don’t forget a menu featuring tropical fruits, grilled seafood, and an impressive pig roast if you’re going all out.
4. Hollywood Glamour
Host a glamorous Hollywood party where guests can dress as their favorite movie stars from various eras. Roll out the red carpet to give them a true A-list feel right from the entrance.
Decorate with Oscar statues, clapperboards, and star-studded walkways. Offer a photobooth with props related to famous movie scenes and characters for added fun.
5. Superhero Costume Party
Have guests unleash their inner superhero or villain by dressing up as their favorite comic book characters. This theme is perfect for a lively party with a touch of fantasy and adventure.
Decorate with comic strip motifs, cityscape backdrops, and plenty of bold, bright colors. Games and contests for the best costume make the party interactive and exciting.
6. Masquerade Ball
A masquerade ball is all about mystery and elegance. Masks are a must, and so are formal outfits. Set the tone with classical music, candlelight, and an air of intrigue.
Use rich colors like purple, gold, and black in your decorations. Venetian masks and elaborate centerpieces will enhance the mysterious ambiance.
7. Retro Disco Fever
Bring back the 70s with a retro disco fever party. Think disco balls, funky music, and a dance floor with colorful lights. Guests can come dressed in vintage disco fashion to dance the night away.
Decorate with records, silver metallic curtains, and anything that sparkles. Serve retro cocktails and snacks like fondue and deviled eggs to keep the theme consistent.
8. Pirate Bash
Ahoy, mateys! Create a swashbuckling good time with a pirate-themed party. Encourage costumes like eye patches, tricorn hats, and lots of faux gold jewelry.
Set up your space like a pirate ship with sails, ropes, and treasure chests. Games like a treasure hunt or walk the plank can be fun activities for guests.
9. Wine and Cheese Night
Host an elegant wine and cheese night. Ask guests to bring a bottle of wine or a type of cheese. Provide a variety of bread, crackers, and condiments to complement the flavors.
Decorate with wine barrels, grapes, and rustic elements. Include information cards about the different wines and cheeses to educate and entertain your guests.
10. Futuristic Party
Step into the future with a futuristic party theme. Think sleek, shiny, and modern. Use LED lighting and metallic colors to create a forward-thinking atmosphere.
Encourage guests to wear futuristic outfits or even space-themed costumes. Serve innovative and modern cuisine to match the avant-garde theme.
11. Murder Mystery Dinner
Organize a murder mystery dinner where guests participate in solving a crime throughout the evening. Assign characters to each guest beforehand, so they can come dressed for their roles.
Create a storyline and set up clues around your party space. This interactive party theme will keep guests engaged and entertained as they work together to solve the mystery.
12. 80’s Dance Party
Throw it back to the 80s with a vibrant dance party. Encourage bright neon colors, leg warmers, and big hair. Play a mix of 80s hits to keep the dance floor busy.
Decorations can include Rubik’s cubes, cassette tapes, and pop art posters. Consider hosting a dance-off or lip-sync battle for added fun.
13. Arabian Nights
Create an exotic Arabian Nights themed party with lush fabrics, pillows on the floor, and plenty of lanterns. Invite guests to dress in Middle Eastern inspired attire.
Offer a spread of Middle Eastern dishes like hummus, tabbouleh, and kebabs. Belly dancing or a fire dancing performance could be a mesmerizing addition to the entertainment.
14. Pajama Party
Keep things cozy with an adult pajama party. Ask guests to come in their comfiest pajamas or loungewear. Set up a slumber party-like environment with blankets, pillows, and fairy lights.
Provide classic slumber party snacks like popcorn, pizza, and ice cream. Movie marathons, board games, or a DIY spa station can make the night relaxing and fun.
15. Black and White Ball
Host a sophisticated black and white ball where guests dress in monochrome. This elegant theme allows for stunning visual cohesion and is perfect for formal gatherings.
Decorate with black and white balloons, tablecloths, and floral arrangements. Offer a refined menu to match the elegant atmosphere.
16. Beach Party
Bring the beach to your backyard with a beach-themed party. Sand, surfboards, and beach balls set the scene. Guests can wear beach attire and flip flops.
Set up a sand area for beach games like volleyball or frisbee. Serve seafood, tropical drinks, and plenty of ice cream to keep cool.
17. Mardi Gras Festival
Capture the essence of New Orleans with a Mardi Gras festival theme. Use beads, masks, and feathers in your decorations. Jazz music will set the festive mood.
Prepare a menu featuring Cajun and Creole specialties like jambalaya and beignets. Don’t forget the King Cake!
18. Oktoberfest
Celebrate like you’re in Munich with an Oktoberfest-themed party. Set up beer steins, long wooden tables, and blue and white decor.
Serve traditional German fare like bratwurst, pretzels, and schnitzel. Beer tasting can be a central activity, with a variety of local and imported brews.
19. Sci-Fi Extravaganza
For sci-fi enthusiasts, host a party where guests can come as characters from their favorite sci-fi movies, books, or shows. Use futuristic and extraterrestrial decorations to create an otherworldly feel.
Plan activities like sci-fi trivia or a viewing of a popular sci-fi series or film. Serve themed snacks and drinks that are out of this world.
20. Garden Party
Host a garden party if you have access to a nice outdoor space. Encourage floral dresses and garden hats. Decorate with strings of lights, lanterns, and lots of fresh flowers.
Offer a light menu with finger sandwiches, salads, and pastries. A selection of teas and a garden cocktail can complement the bucolic setting perfectly.
21. Sports Fanatic Party
For the sports enthusiasts, throw a party themed around favorite sports or significant sporting events like the Super Bowl or World Cup. Guests can wear jerseys of their favorite teams.
Decorate with memorabilia, pennants, and sports equipment. Serve classic game-day foods like hot dogs, nachos, and beer.
How to Plan
Planning an adult party theme involves several key steps. Start by choosing a theme that excites you and your guests. Once you have your theme, send out invitations that match the theme’s aesthetic to set the tone.
Next, focus on decorations, food, and activities that enhance your chosen theme. Make sure to arrange everything you need ahead of time to ensure the party runs smoothly. Lastly, remember to enjoy the process and have fun at your party!