Everything party is better with a theme — just ask Anna Wintour, host of the annual Met Ball. Though we struggled to grasp this year’s “Camp” theme, we appreciated the creative pink carpet appearances and clever costuming of the A-list attendees. In the end, we love a theme — even if it’s hard to explain.
As the go-to source of all event inspiration, PartySlate features endless themed parties of all sorts: birthdays, corporate gatherings, galas, even weddings. From the return of Lisa Frank to the rise of Kylie Jenner, party hosts are getting creative with their event theming, tying every minute detail together. We’ve narrowed down a list of our 19 favorite party themes from 2019 that were either never-before-seen or traditional with a twist.
Trendy Party Themes Everyone Can Enjoy
This “A Star is Born” Baby Shower Theme is Far From the Shallow
This star-studded baby shower for Andy Cohen’s son-to-be was a celestial celebration playing off of one of the most popular movies of the year. The sky was quite literally the limit for the team at Eddie Zaratsian Lifestyle and Design, who transformed the event space into a cloud-filled wonderland with a dramatic ceiling installation and star-covered cake.
There’s a New Favorite Superhero in Town — Wonder Woman
LV Event Designs planned our new favorite superhero party with this epic Wonder Woman-themed Bat Mitzvah, complete with recognizable cartoon pop art designs on the custom dance floor by Publisigns and furniture by Imperial Party Rentals.
Go Mad Over This Pink Science-Themed Birthday Party
There was no venue more perfect for a science-themed party than at the Museum of Science and Industry, Chicago. Lili Marie Parties planned this first birthday party that was all things science — chemistry lab equipment and all! We love the pink feminine twist on this potion-making theme, as we strongly support women in STEM.
Everything Ancient is New Again
Leave it to larger-than-life event planner Russell Harris Event Group to transform the Long Beach Convention and Entertainment Center into Jurassic Park. Towering trees and leafy installations by InBlume made guests feel as though they were wandering through the depths of a lush forest. Scenic and art director Daryl Latter Designs also used dramatic and colorful lighting to add playfulness to the theme, as well as life-size dinosaur statues.
Lip Kits for All at a Kylie Jenner-Inspired Sweet Sixteen
Kylie Jenner’s influence continues to grow — she’s even tapping into party themes. This Instagram-famous-turned-beauty-mogul-themed party was pastel, chic, and loved by the teenage attendees. The Clayton on the Park’s all-white event space allowed colorful décor and details by Parties On Purpose to pop. And the lip-shaped cake and desserts by A Bake Shop? Tasty, and totally on theme.
Grande or Venti — No Matter the Size, We Love a Starbucks Party Theme
Strong coffee and creative party theme? We’ll take two. Twenty Three Layers planned the cutest coffee-themed Bat Mitzvah playing off of the guest of honor’s favorite bean brand. The recognizable logo covered all of the party’s giveaways by Canary Marketing, while Bombshell Graphics wrapped the Current venue with on-theme pink printing and signage.
This Corporate Event Took a Page Out of Your Favorite Childhood Book
Ever reminisce over your childhood favorites? Paulette Wolf Events took this company’s employees’ fondest of memories and brought them to life with a whimsical children’s book-themed event. Kehoe Designs incorporated different character-inspired décor — like a “Where the Wild Things Are” jungle — making the space feel like a library come to life. We especially love the veggie station by J&L Catering for all of the “Very Hungry Caterpillars” in attendance.
Social Justice is a Theme Everyone Can Get Behind
We’re raising our fists in celebration of this forward-thinking Bat Mitzvah — and applaud the 13-year-old for her activism. Alexandra Partow Events brought important missions — such as feminism and LGBTQ+ pride — to light using strongly-messaged pins as place cards, with matching designs used for projection mapping around the all-white space.
A Playful Party Take on the “Happy Place” Museum
With the rise of Instagrammable museums and immersive art installations comes a new party theme. This “Happy Place” Bat Mitzvah, planned by AA Events at The Warehouse Event Venue was a carnival of smiley faces, crazy patterns, bold colors, and of course, photo ops by Rockpaper Events Inc.
Forever Young Party Themes
An Old MacDonald-Approved Party Theme
This kids party theme was all that and a bale of hay — but really, we love the rice krispie treat desserts shaped to look like hay barrels. This well-executed farm-themed birthday planned by Evoke Design & Creative featured a red farm door as the party’s backdrop and sunflower florals by Sidra Forman, Flowers. Adorable animal details were brought in with cake pops, cupcakes, and party hats for the guests. BD3 Design used cow-patterned designs and red gingham for a true home-on-the-range feel.
Babies Brunch Better Than Anyone
Babies are taking back brunch, and we’re extremely jealous of their weekend plans. This colorful, tassel-filled birthday party planned by A Charming Fête is all of our event dreams come true: cereal catering, vibrant florals by Lush & Lovely Floristry, and creative branding all over the space at The Madison.
Dream “Big” With an FAO Schwarz-Theme
We love the piano dancing scene from the movie Big, but we love this toy store-themed party more. This Miami kids birthday party planned by One Inspired Party brought the legacy of the legendary FAO Schwarz store back to life with a primary-colored palette and endless toy-inspired décor by Bambini Soiree.
The Party Theme That Will Get Stuck in Your Head
Not every party needs a theme, but when it comes to kids birthdays, we think it’s better when they DoDoDoDo. That’s right: Baby Shark got its own party theme, and the toddlers in attendance went wild for it. Design Plan Play impressed us — yet again — with their attention to underwater details, like the bubble-inspired balloon installation at the party’s entrance by Bambini Soiree, iridescent linens, and the creative catering stations.
Party Themes Made Mature
Dreaming of Downton Abbey? How to Make it Your Own
Break out your finest china, lace gloves, and dainty dessert cakes for a Downton Abbey-themed party. Acquolina Catering & Event Management catered only the finest foods for this high-society soirée at the Harold Pratt House and Peterson Hall. Lovers of the classical television show will appreciate the elevated feel of this party theme, including florals by Aramat Events. Witty banter and fascinators were encouraged.
We’ll Always Have Paris Themes — Just Not Quite Like This
You can almost smell the freshly-baked Ladurée macarons from this extravagant Parisian anniversary party, planned by Untouchable Events. An incredible iron tent structure housing the event calls to mind the intricate design of the Eiffel Tower, while thousands of red roses added to the “City of Love” atmosphere. Designers at Anthony Taccetta Event Design spared no details — black and white French newspapers served as the linen design, which contrasted against the ornate black and gold lacquer dance floor.
The Corporate Vacation Employees Dream Of
This corporate event may inspire your next vacation, if not your party theme. Kraft Events used rich color, textures, and enchanting lighting to transport guests to Bali. Tropical florals sparkled beneath glittering garland installations by Ed Libby & Company, while dramatic orange draping drew guests’ eyes around the space. From the Buddha ice sculptures to the fruit arrangements, this night out really felt like a vacation.
90s Babies Will Love a Lisa Frank-Themed Party
Take a trip down memory lane with this creative party theme. Nothing calls to mind the 90s quite like a Lisa Frank-inspired party. This party’s palette had no limits, and can incorporate any of your favorite colors and patterns. We love how Color Pop Events took advantage of this all-glitter-everything theme for a holiday party — tinsel trees and all — at Flatiron Penthouse. Arabesque Design Studio took the theme to the next level with on-brand stationery using the brand’s iconic fonts and patterns, as well as sequin linens by Nuage Designs.
A Masterpiece “Museum” Party Theme
Multi-room events and installations are taking the industry by storm, and that’s why we were immediately drawn to this “Museum of Party” themed event at the Ice Palace Film Studio in Miami. Joy Wallace Catering thought out of the box for every installation this event included — including a laundry machine-inspired bar. From vending machine catering to a Pac-Man dance floor, this party was a museum guests could never get bored of.
This Corporate Party Theme Makes Us Want to Never Grow Up
This party theme is perfect for the Peter Pan in us all. 24 Carrots Catering and Events served up childhood-favorite cuisine, but with a twist at AV Irvine. We’re talking foie gras Uncrustables, elevated Cup o’Noodles, even Fruity Pebble-topped cocktails. Guests burned off all this edible energy on the full-sized merry-go-round, in the balloon ball pit, and while playing an over-sized version of the board game “Guess Who?”. We love how Shawna Yamamoto brought in childlike color with the floral design.