Do you love parties but feel stressed about the planning? With the right theme and ideas, you don’t have to be!
There’s no need for hours of prep or elaborate decor. You just need to know the tricks of an experienced–yet minimalist– party planner. Here are 30 easy party ideas and themes for your next big bash!
Easy Party Themes For Kids And Adults
1. Backyard Barbecue
This classic party idea is fairly self-explanatory. All you need is a barbecue, propane or charcoal, and food. However, I have some tips to make it even easier!
Say you’ll supply the meat, but ask guests to bring a side dish. You can buy readymade hamburgers, sausages, and buns the day before. Make sure to have plenty of garnishes on the side and a bucket or ice chest full of sodas and water.
Backyard barbecues are a great excuse to play some games. Tag, three-legged races, and egg-and-spoon races are easy ways to keep the kids entertained.
2. Taco Bar
Everyone loves tacos! Plus, A DIY taco bar can feed a lot of partygoers with minimal effort.
Have veggie options and ground meat to accommodate different dietary needs. Most things can be bought premade, like salsa, guacamole, and lettuce. But you may need to sautee some ground meat with taco seasonings ahead of time.
Simply lay out all the ingredients with serving spoons and let people get to work. It’s a fiesta with all the flavor but a lot less work!
3. Pirate Party
You might think creating an entire theme party would be challenging. However, pirates are the scavengers of the sea, and their aesthetic reflects that. You might be able to piece things together from materials lying around.
Think of a red, white, and black color scheme with stripes. Decorate the tables with coins, gold ornaments, chains, and any leftover Halloween skeletons. Most party supply stores will have some ready-to-go pirate paraphernalia if you don’t have enough materials at home.
Pirates are sure to get hungry so make sure to have sea snacks like Goldfish crackers, Pirate’s Booty, or Swedish fish. For those sweet-toothed pirates, fill a treasure chest with candies and chocolates in gold wrappers.
4. Potluck
Potlucks are a low-maintenance way to gather friends. When everyone shares in the preparation, it makes it easier for all. Make sure to give people enough notice to prepare, and assign a food category to each guest, so they don’t all bring a pasta salad!
Table and house decor can reflect the season. Have your kids collect pretty leaves and mini pumpkins to adorn the table if it’s fall. For spring, have them pick wildflowers to sprinkle and arrange around the home.
When done right, potlucks are a stress-free, easy, and inexpensive way to celebrate.
5. Tea Party
While tea time sounds fancy, it can actually come together quite quickly.
You’ll need to shop the morning of for fresh supplies. Buy a selection of teas, premade sandwich bites, and pretty cookies– colorful macaroons add a nice touch. Bust out the fancy china, and voila! You have yourselves a tea party!
While it all sounds refined and adult-like, kids love bite-sized snacks. Games such as a tea tray memory game or tea bag toss can get them in the spirit.
6. Boardgame Party
If you’re a fan of board games, why not have a game party? Bust out all your favorite party games and ask guests to bring theirs too. Easy snacks like chips and dip work well for an afternoon game party.
Set up stations around your home for each game. Jenga can be on the coffee table, while Monopoly is more of a dining table game. To bring everyone together, play Fish Bowl. All you need is a bowl, paper & pens, and creativity.
Overall, this theme is a low-budget option that can bring hours of fun!
7. Craft Your Own Costume
This party has the theme and main event all wrapped up into one! Plus, you can recycle craft supplies at home or visit the dollar store for materials on a budget. It’s a great option for those who like to upcycle and get creative.
You’ll need to set out the essentials like glue, tape, and random craft supplies. Think gift wrapping scraps, paper bags, ribbons, and crepe paper. Some glitter and fancy feathers wouldn’t hurt, either.
Once everyone has crafted their costume, have a fashion show. Whoever receives the loudest applause is obviously the winner.
8. Party Animals
Go wild with a party animals theme! Party animals aren’t only a cute play on words. It’s also a surprisingly versatile idea. So gather those animal prints, stuffed animals, and actual pets!
Decorate the room with green and gold balloons, and place some large leaves around the food to give it that jungle vibe. While costumes should be encouraged, set up a mask-making table with paper plates and markers just in case.
Animals love food, so be prepared with some simple snacks. Party mice might like to munch on cheese– and animal crackers are a must for this bunch. If you want to get cute, halve some bananas for any monkey that might swing by.
9. Pajama Party
A pajama party makes the perfect go-to for early morning or evening events. The concept is simple– everyone wears pajamas! With half the fun already accomplished, you are only responsible for some light snacks and activities.
Creating a cozy atmosphere is crucial, so don’t be shy with those pillows, throw blankets, and teddy bears. Snacks and sweets are ideal and pair well with hot cocoa or tea. Watch a family-friendly movie, set out some board games, or let the kids build a fort for activities.
While definitely not required, goodie bags are an extra touch. Add warm socks, eye masks, lip balms, or miniature cereal boxes.
10. White Party
White parties are classic– and make for an easy yet elegant theme. Think white flowers, balloons, and tablecloths. If you have some extra time, drape extra white tablecloths or fabric from the ceiling.
Keep snacks on the no-stain side. Instead of red wine or grape juice, go for white wine and apple. Everyone also loves cheese, hummus, and crackers.
Finally, make sure you tell your guests to wear white! This theme works well for those summer linens and cozy winter-white sweaters.
11. Pizza Party
Pizza parties never get old and are incredibly easy to organize and host. Whether there’s a big game, award show, or good movie, pizzas can save the day.
Ordering delivery can save lots of time and focus on the main event. To be on the safe side, order 1 pizza for every 2-3 people, but you can always save leftovers for another day. Remember that the larger the crowd, the more money you’ll have to shell out to feed them.
For a more hands-on activity, make your own personal-sized pizzas. Buy premade dough and all the goodies with classic veggie and meat options. Depending on the headcount, you may need two baking shifts– so have some salad and light appetizers to tide them over.
12. Backyard Beach Party
Sometimes a little makebelieve is fun. Set up your backyard like a beach and let people lounge about, picnic, and play games in the sun!
The great thing about the beach is how low-key it is. Grab those beach towels and picnic blankets, and head to your yard. Some sandwiches, chips, and sodas should hit the spot and won’t break the bank.
For the adults, a do-it-yourself margarita or mojito stand will make you feel like you’re on vacation. Use sand buckets and shovels for a cute touch. Hawaiian shirts and swimsuits are encouraged but not required.
13. Seasonal Hunt
Easter egg hunts are an obvious choice, but you can recreate this activity any time of year. Just take something representative of the current season or holiday and hide it around your home or yard.
Hide oranges for summer, mini pumpkins for fall, or even small Christmas gifts to surprise your guests. Make sure to rope off any forbidden areas you wouldn’t want people to rummage through.
Depending on the items you use, this activity can be inexpensive or pricey, but you may want some bonus prizes. Those competitive spirits shine when the top three hunters get rewards.
14. Spa Party
Spas are expensive, but an at-home spa party can do the trick for a fraction of the cost. If you want to go all-out and money is not an issue, you can hire a private masseuse.
Upon entering, greet your guests with goodie bags with cozy slippers, headbands, and individually-wrapped face masks. You’ll be relaxing on the couch with cucumbers on your eyes and gabbing away in no time.
Tea and cookies are an excellent accompaniment to the spa theme, and possibly a glass of bubbly for the parents. This theme works best in small, intimate groups– and while men can definitely enjoy a good spa day, the ladies prefer this pampering party theme.
15. Rubiks Cube Party
Rubik’s cube parties are a silly and surprisingly easy theme that gets the crowd mingling quickly.
Guests need to come wearing multiple colors represented on a Rubik’s cube. Once all the guests arrive, they exchange clothing items and try to get all items of one color. Go for outer layers like jackets, hats, and accessories to keep it PG.
The decor should reflect the cube’s colors and include real Rubik’s cubes for party-goers to play with.
16. Ice Cream Bar
You scream, I scream, we all scream for ice cream! Who doesn’t love ice cream? It’s a fan favorite amongst kids and adults and an excellent theme for a party.
Creating an ice cream bar is an easy way to please people and bring them together. Start with basic ice cream flavors, and provide several toppings for everyone to go crazy. One guest might make a banana split, another might go wild with the sprinkles– it’s up to them!
Napkins are a must for ice cream parties, and providing cones can help cut down on dishes afterward. The cost will depend on the number of guests and how much food you buy– but ice cream parties are more affordable than a full meal.
17. Campout
Whether you’re at home in winter or summer, there’s always a way to have a campout. Light the fireplace, or finally, put that outdoor firepit to use. Because of the fire and cozy vibes, campfire parties are best done after dark.
Smores are an absolute must, along with hot cocoa and maybe some hot toddies for adults. But don’t forget the trail mix! Overall, this is a low-cost, easy, and wholesome party option.
Bust out the guitar or sing nostalgic songs acapella, or exercise those storytelling skills with the Finish the Story Game.
18. Thrift Store Party
This is the perfect party on a budget. Set a $20 max and have everyone dress in their finest thrift store garb.
The decor should reflect the theme, meaning cheap and unique. Hit up a thrift store for random ornaments and tableware. However, I wouldn’t worry too much about decor for this one since most people will check out each other’s outrageous outfits.
Don’t forget to play Macklemore’s famed Thrift Store song at least twice during the party to really hit this theme home.
19. Paint the Town Red
Is your favorite color red? If so, you’re in luck because that’s what this party theme is all about. Everything must be red– from the food to the decor to the costumes. Without red, guests might not be allowed through the door.
Grab red Solo cups for fun party games like flip-cup or beer pong. No need to actually fill them with beer. You can put water or even candy inside instead. Kids love these games as it gets them moving and brings out their competitive side.
This theme works well for Lunar New Year, Valentine’s, or Christmas.
20. Pool Party
A pool party is an excellent theme for those hot summer days. Even if you don’t have a pool, use a miniature kid one or get the sprinklers going.
Water guns and balloons can turn this party into a full-blown water fight. But be careful what you commit to, as there’s no turning back once it begins!
Barbecues burgers, hot dogs, and veggies go well with this theme– but no-prep snacks like chips and nuts will work too! Freezing OJ in ice-cube trays makes an easy addition to kids’ drinks or adults’ cocktails.
21. Woodstock
Channel your inner hippie for this historical theme. Woodstock was all about peace, love, and music— elements that are easy to create at a party.
A yard is an ideal location, but it can be recreated inside if need be. Imagine pillows and blankets on the grass with 60s music blasting from the stereo. Dance the day away, get a temporary tattoo, or help your kids make some flower crowns.
Your guests will feel groovy with the right attitude, music, and decor.
22. House-Cooling
A house-cooling is the exact opposite of a housewarming. You obviously should be in the process of moving to have this theme. But if you are, it’s an excellent excuse for a party.
Offload any unwanted items to your guests– either by choice or through silly care packages they MUST take home. The rule is nobody can leave anything, but may take off with some unexpected treasures.
It’s a great way to clean out those cupboards too! Any extra candy, crackers, and soda should be consumed. The more your guests eat, the less you have to pack. It’s a win-win.
23. Karaoke
Gather your favorite friends and family for a night of karaoke! YouTube karaoke versions of most songs are easy to find. Just make sure you can cast YouTube or use a smart TV app.
A microphone would elevate the party but might be a bit expensive. If you’re on a budget, a hairbrush works as a cheesy, fun stand-in.
Alternatively, you can have party-goers make their own mics. Blow up a black balloon for the mic, roll a piece of black paper lengthwise for the handle, and tape them together. It can be as big or small as desired– and you can even bling it out!
24. Fyre Festival
Your guests should come dressed to impress and bring those selfie sticks. But surprise! They will get cheap sandwiches and snacks– maybe a slice of cheese if they’re lucky.
The decor should be very minimal. Think of a few white cushions or some camping tents if you have them.
The whole point of this party is to be an unprepared host and have a good laugh (talk about easy!). So invite those friends who know what the Fyre Festival is or play the documentary as you mingle.
25. Favorite Things
Favorite Things is a great game to get to know each other. Everybody brings one of their favorite things (that they’re willing to part with). It can be anything, including homemade cupcakes, a Jenga set, or a favorite book.
Each guest tells a story, explaining why they like it. Then, they pick someone’s name out of a hat, gifting their favorite thing to them.
Favorite Things is an excellent way to bond with people and get sentimental.
26. DIY Photo Booth
A DIY Photo Booth is simple to construct yet goes a long way. Guests can have fun playing with different poses, getting silly, or maybe too serious about their photo.
The easiest way to make the backdrop is to use an open, well-lit wall. Hang streamers, balloons, and cutouts related to the party’s theme or color scheme, and feel free to provide hats, fake mustaches, or the like as props. Set up a camera stand at the right angle a few feet in front.
A photo booth will get your guests in the party mood as soon as they enter and leave them with a beautiful memento to take with them.
27. Around the World
Here is an easy theme for travelers and culture buffs. Around the World parties embrace diversity in food, fashion, and decor.
Bust out that map and globe that have been collecting dust, and decorate with international flags (these can be found at most party supplies stores). Each guest could bring one dish from another country.
Try a pin-the-plane on-a-destination game to test your geography– and coordination– skills. You can also play a flag guessing game or 21 Questions about a country.
28. Fast-Food Feast
Although a little unconventional, guests love this theme. Choose your favorite fast food chain, or get the best menu items from several. A great benefit to this theme is a lot of these chains also deliver straight to your home.
Red and yellow are the colors of the fast-food world, and also that of ketchup and mustard. So decorate your table on brand with napkins, a tablecloth, and condiments.
Print out kid-friendly placements with pictures and games to keep the little ones engaged. This will make you feel like you’re genuinely eating at a diner.
29. Guess Who?
Guess Who? is a classic and easy game that gets people chatting without worrying about small talk. A low-pressure ice-breaker will get the party started with minimal effort.
The name of a famous person is taped to the back of each guest as they enter. They can be historical figures, pop icons, or the president.
Everyone else can see who they are, but they must guess. They can ask others questions about their assigned person– but be careful not to give away too much when answering!
30. Art Party
Art is fun for everyone! Whether you are a professional artist or just learning to finger paint, an art get-together is an enjoyable and peaceful event.
You can choose to provide the art supplies or have guests bring their own. It’s nice to include different mediums: watercolors, paint pens, crayons, pencils, and some craft supplies. Someone may even bring beads and make necklaces.
Your party may start as a blank canvas, but it is sure to get colorful by the end!
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