Party Theme Ideas
You've decided to throw a Halloween parties. Now what? For some "Halloween" is a theme for those ghouls that go the extra mile, below is a list of themes to consider or mix and match them for a truly unique experience. Gauge your guests and consider how elaborate to go but remember that broader themes will ensure greater participation.
Ahoy Matey, It’s Pirates!
AUDIENCE
Gents and ladies who like seafaring or Carribean garb
COSTUMES
classic pirates, damsels, parrots, period fops with long curly wigs
FOOD
Rough looking meat on sticks, potatoes, mangoes, rum cocktails
SETTING
pirate music, muslin sails draped from ceilings, rope accents, octopus
Monster Mash
AUDIENCE
friends who love horror movies or classic monsters
COSTUMES
monster masks, Bride of Frankenstein, mad scientist, vampire contacts
FOOD
meatballs, sausage, cocktails in beakers, jello slime shots, garlic dip
SETTING
all the classic Halloween music, spooky effects, fog, howls
Dia de los Muertos
AUDIENCE
friends interested in Mexican culture or skeletons
COSTUMES
colorful faceprinting or masks, bandido wear, colorful dresses
FOOD
Mexican food, taquitos, guacamole, churros, horchata, tequila cocktails
SETTING
bright colorful lights, flag banners, skeletons, tombstones
The Witching Hour
AUDIENCE
who doesn't want to be wicked and have all kinds of powers
COSTUMES
warlocks, scraggly gray hair, black, broomsticks, crystal balls, pointy hats
FOOD
witch finger cookies, green cocktails, treats with spiders and bugs
SETTING
fog, apothecary displays, critters like ravens, snakes, spiders, green lights
Welcome to the Freakshow
AUDIENCE
for the outsiders living on the fringe or circus lovers
COSTUMES
snake charmer, bearded lady, tattoo man, psychic, Twisty the clown
FOOD
carnival favorites, popcorn balls, cotton candy cocktails, funnel cake donuts
SETTING
Draped fabric, tents, red lights, carnival music, dramatic lighting
Midnight Masquerade
AUDIENCE
for those who won't participate in a traditional costume party
COSTUMES
face masks required, ball gowns, suits to leather gear, period clothes
FOOD
opulent spread with roasts, fruit & cheese plates, little cakes, wine
SETTING
gold and red colors, baroque music, dance floor, candles everywhere
We Love the 80s
AUDIENCE
for friends born in the 70s who love new wave, goth, glam rock, excess
COSTUMES
early Madonna, pastels, workout gear, track suits, Top Gun, rock mullets
FOOD
Tab, Orange Julius cocktails, Cool Ranch Doritos, CheezWiz, casseroles
SETTING
all 80s music, fog machines, colorful lasers, 80s movies in the background
Zombie Apocalypse
AUDIENCE
it's the end of the world and we feel fine and/or want brains
COSTUMES
thrift store finds, torn and streaked with blood and dirt, mall walkers
FOOD
brain mold jello shots, meat carcass, green slime cocktails
SETTING
hazmat tape, toppled furniture, green light, strobe lights
Hollywood Glamour
AUDIENCE
those who love dressing up in formal clothes or designer wear
COSTUMES
dressy attire, ball gowns, tuxedos, boas, giant jewelry, arm length gloves
FOOD
Cheese plates, bubbly wine cocktails, shrimp with tails, white cake
SETTING
gold balloons, swanky dinner music, red carpet, spotlights, films
Heroes vs. Villains
AUDIENCE
popular theme that is widely open to interpretation and creativity
COSTUMES
Superheroes, politicians, movie characters, emotions, food
FOOD
Red, white and blue cake, black heart punch, subway sandwiches
SETTING
triumphant music, splashes of red, white and blue, faux furniture to smash
Greek meets Roman
AUDIENCE
Minimal fuss idea for last minute get-together with minimal prep
COSTUMES
bed sheet togas, swords and sandals, helmets, scantily clad maidens
FOOD
Lavish spreads with whole hams, giants bowls of fruit, wine cocktails
SETTING
minstrel music, columns, head busts, tigers, and duels and/or orgy
Era Flashbacks/Bad Trips
AUDIENCE
for hosts to relive a certain time period (50s, 60s, 70s) with like-minded friends
COSTUMES
poodle skirts, paisley, tied-dye, hippies, greasers, disco wear
FOOD
Casseroles, jello molds, deviled eggs, pigs-n-blankets, fondue
SETTING
early rock-n-roll (50s), psychedelic (60s), disco (70s), lava lamps, UV lights
Black & White Ball
AUDIENCE
Those who don’t necessarily love costumes but have full closets
COSTUMES
wedding or prom dresses, penguins, dice, Dalmatians
FOOD
black & white cookies, coconut cocktails, white chocolate cake, chocolate fondue
SETTING
black and white balloons, streamers, classical music then metal
Fallen/Angels
AUDIENCE
for those who are naughty or nice and can wear “sexy” costumes
COSTUMES
Angels, wings, horned masks, red capes, political figures, hot clergyman
FOOD
Can likely skip the food but have plenty of liquor and lite beer
SETTING
Very bright blue spaces vs. very red, dark spaces, strictly top 40 music
Comic-Can
AUDIENCE
ode to the cosplayers and costume oriented crowds
COSTUMES
comic book & video game icons, movie characters, steampunk, girl power
FOOD
Hot dogs, nachos, mocktails, pretzel bites, sliders & fries
SETTING
Loud music, pulsing lights, movie trailers playing in the background, cameras