Imagine a sandy beach, a sky full of starlight, and your closest friends sharing a meal under a canopy of palms. While it’s not always possible to fly to a tropical destination, we can still bring the tropics to our milestone events — even if they’re inside or in our backyard. Whether you’re hosting a Bar Mitzvah celebration in Chicago or an intimate dinner party in New York City, the right tropical décor and cuisine can instantly transport your guests to a land of deep-blue seas and verdant greenery. These 10 tropical-theme party ideas prove that location is a state of mind — and that celebrations always take place in paradise.
1. Tropical-Theme Rehearsal Dinners
Go with the Flow
We love a dining area with spectacular views — especially when those views change every few seconds. This river cruise, complete with funky pillow décor and lush foliage, gave guests a chance to marvel at the majestic Chicago skyline.
Pool-Side Soirée
Everything about this poolside rehearsal dinner — in picturesque Key Largo — is magical. We especially love how a charming wheelbarrow cart displays fresh fruit and lush tropical greenery. Suspended-globed lighting adds a glimmer of romance to a sky already studded with stars.
Pops of Pink with Pineapple Perks
Beach driftwood, monstera leaves, and golden pineapples make for spectacular tabletop décor. The addition of tropical-leaf linen — not to mention pops of pink blooms and verdant votives — keep our eyes on the table. Although with such breathtaking views, we understand the temptation to look at the horizon.
No Such Thing as Trouble in Paradise
Bright yellow-striped chairs (with matching umbrellas) pair with planters full of green hydrangeas and bright birds of paradise at this dreamy seaside rehearsal dinner. We also adore the orange and white-print cocktail tables with floral centerpieces that are designed to look like pineapples.
Intimate Island Vibes
Punta Mita, Nayarit Mexico
This destination wedding rehearsal dinner dazzled with its elegant simplicity. We love the monstera-printed menus and clear-blue vases. Custom-printed throw pillows and fringed linen kept the vibe relaxed but fun.
2. Tropical-Theme Birthdays
Baby, You’re a Firework
Vibrant projection mapping transformed this party tent into a kaleidoscope of color. Illuminated lanterns and funky lamp-stands crowned with giant tropical leaves added additional brightness to the evening glow. Guests also enjoyed an ice cream station with refreshing flavors like coconut and strawberry, as well as a birthday cake topped with real fireworks (yes, that’s right).
Boundless Blue Skies
Turning 30 has never looked so good. We love the colorful décor at this intimate birthday bash. Fan Palms and orchids bring a touch of the tropics to the Los Angeles climate. A blue-balloon installation — complete with ethereal ribbons — evokes the endless blue skies of a tropical island somewhere in paradise.
A Taste of the Tropics
There is much to love at this outdoor 50th-birthday party — from palm-frond table runners to floating monstera-leaf votives. Besides fabulous décor, guests also enjoyed delectable catering. Tropical peach popsicles, oysters served on iridescent seashells, and a birthday cake adorned with starfish and conch shells were just a few of the mouth-watering treats at this elegant affair.
Celebrate Seashell-Style
This Sweet Sixteen party was as sweet as can be with its fun, tropical theme. We love how this loft space served as the perfect blank canvas for the imaginative décor. A lofty scallop-seashell throne, along with tropical-leaf centerpieces and an imaginative sandcastle cake, dazzled the eyes (along with the Instagram accounts).
Golden & Glorious
Lush tropical foliage found its perfect complement with gold-plated fruit décor. Instead of a linen tablecloth, loose monstera leaves made for a unique table covering. We also love how hand-painted cakes with banana-leaf details and funky table legs made for a one-of-a-kind photo op at this chic kid’s birthday party.
Surf’s Up
Every element of this outdoor birthday-party has captured our hearts. We love the unique birds-of-paradise centerpieces, along with coconut-beverage holders, and bright blue linen. Other on-theme details included seashell-frosted cupcakes and water bottles with custom-designed surfboard labels. As the welcoming signage says, “Life is a WAVE” and “Your Attitude is Your SURFBOARD.”
Moonlight Goes Full Color
This tropical-themed birthday party found the perfect venue in a chic city restaurant with Latin-fusion cuisine. We especially adore the welcome signage: a crescent moon of colorful balloons was perfectly positioned against a painted backdrop of birds-of-paradise leaves. Talk about being in the right spot at the right time.
Tropical Tempo
Imagine a tropical-themed dance floor surrounded by lush palms, black tabletops, and glittering candlelight. Other unforgettable details from this 40th-birthday party included “I Regret Nothing” hangover kits and palm-tree projection mapping. We also love the mod lounge area with gold-brushed pineapple centerpieces.
A Serene Celebration
This milestone birthday wows with its simple and refreshing décor. Tropical-leaf wall panels and baby-blue vases add pops of color to the mostly-white setting. Glass tables (with glass legs) and gauzy curtains create a zen-like vibe — even with all the birthday excitement.
In the Cool of the Shade
This kid’s pool party was pure perfection. Flamingo floating devices and an inflatable-tropical water slide made for an afternoon of non-stop fun. Adults had just as much revelry with a tented lounge area. We are swooning over the umbrella ceiling installation, as well as the flamingo-pink balloon installation.
Catching the Perfect Wave
Can’t go to the beach? No problem. This 1st-birthday party brought the beach to their guests. We are wowed by the surfboard seating, along with simple centerpieces of bottled sand. Other fun details included a palm-tree balloon installation, a surfboard-framed cake stand, and brown-sugar dessert crumbles carrying the sandy theme.
Mouth-Watering Magic
A Mediterranean catering display at this milestone-birthday party feels even more tantalizing with lush tropical décor. Other delicious catering options included a Tartare & Raw Bar, along with delicious passed bites. With food this beautiful, catering becomes an art form — or in this case, a bit of paradise.
3. Tropical-Theme Bar and Bat Mitzvah Celebrations
Welcome to Paradise
As the marquee signage says, “Welcome To Paradise.” This tropical-themed Bat Mitzvah sparkles with up-lit banquette seating and colorful candle holders. We also adore the elegant simplicity of glass vases (filled with fairy lighting) and lush palm-tree fronds. Adults had just as much fun as the kids — while enjoying ice-blue cocktails.
Bring the Tropics Indoors
The industrial vibe of this spacious venue transformed into a tropical wonderland with the addition of palm-tree décor and celestial-blue uplighting. Plenty of candlelight added a touch of glamour — all while evoking the starlit skies of a tropical evening. Best of all, tropical-inspired cuisine included bim bim bops and mahi tacos.
A Swell of a Good Time
A signed keepsake allows the Bat Mitzvah girl to cherish the memories from her special day. We love how guests signed a surfboard at this tropical-inspired Bat Mitzvah — which she could later hang up on her bedroom wall. Other on-theme details from this festive party included palm-frond centerpieces with hot-pink roses, a pineapple-decorated dance floor, and fire-dancer entertainment.
Tropical Tango
This tropical music-inspired Bar Mitzvah kept guests on the dance floor with riveting entertainment and a fun, palm frond-framed stage. Blue starfish projection mapping turned the dance floor into an oceanic delight. We also love the rings of driftwood gracing the reception tables.
A Gleam of Green & Hint of Pink
This Bat-Mitzvah bash rose to new heights with these lofty tropical centerpieces. We also love the areca palm-patterned linen and monstera-patterned throw pillows. Other on-theme details include palm-tree cocktail umbrellas and hot-pink shades that accompany each guest’s seating card.
With a Twist of Lime
This tropical-themed Bat Mitzvah dazzles from start to finish. The bright and illuminated bar setup offers beautiful photo ops, as well as tasty beverages. We also adore how towering centerpiece vases are filled with various tropical fruits and crowned with tropical leaves. Other unforgettable details include a colorful dance floor and chandeliers crafted from real bananas.
Orange & Green Supreme
A Bar Mitzvah brunch felt fresh and tropical with geometric-orange linen and stalks of greenery wound with copper. We love the marquee lighting and tropical cocktails and kid-friendly mocktails at the hip bar setup, as well.
4. Tropical-Theme Baby Showers
Tutti Frutti
We are swooning over this fruity and tropical-themed baby shower. Instead of traditional greenery or linen table runners, table-lengths of tropical fruits and hot pink bromeliads create a picture-perfect dining experience. And speaking of pictures, we love how the backdrop of fresh fruit provides a fun and unique photo op.
Treetop Tranquility
Giant tropical leaves and clusters of white hydrangeas are a match made in heaven. We also adore the tropical leaf-patterned tables and cushioned lucite seating. Best of all, monstera-leaf projection mapping graces the white-tented ceiling, allowing guests to feel like they are dining under a forest canopy.
Flamingo Flight of Fancy
Striped-pink linen, monstera-leaf table coverings, and a flamingo-balloon installation were just a few of the chic details at this tropical-themed baby shower. We are also wowed by the flamingo-topped cake — with pink-and gold marbling, as well as delicately-painted pineapple icing, it is truly a work of art.
Monstera Magnitude
Monstera leaves add texture and a pop of color to cascades of white balloons. We also adore how potted tropical plants frame this boxwood backdrop. Other on-theme details from this baby shower included heart-shaped monstera-topped cupcakes and a stairwell railing decked in green and gold leaves.
Hide & Seek
Unique baby-shower centerpieces feature cuddly lions and giraffes peeking out of lush tropical foliage. We love how monstera leaves added a pop of color to the all blue linen. Other adorable details include place cards attached to animal figurines and a onesie decorating station.
5. Tropical-Theme Bridal Showers
Pining for Pineapple
As soon as guests arrived at this colorful wedding shower, they knew they were in for a treat — literally. Grilled pineapple skewers, pineapple-shaped cookies, and a refreshing hydration station kept everyone satiated. We also love how a paper pineapple cutout popped against an all-white wall — creating a delicious photo op for friends and family of the bride.
Ring Those Wedding Bells
It’s all in the details. This tropical-themed wedding shower welcomed each guest with napkins artfully wrapped in personalized banana-leaves. Ginger and orchids mix with golden pineapples and vibrant-green monstera leaves for stunning tabletop décor. We also love how a giant ring of greenery makes for a unique photo op.
The Perfect Storm
Tropical linen, wooden silverware, and pink orchid and protea blooms brought everyone to the table at this chic wedding shower. Custom napkins and glasses made for an extra photo-worthy “Dark and Stormy” beverage station, while fresh fruit kept everyone satiated.
6. Tropical-Theme Corporate Parties
A Zeal for Teal
Orchids and flamingo flowers — along with teal glass vases — added gorgeous pops of color to this clear-tented space. We also love the unique wooden seating and orange dishware. For guests looking to relax, velvet green chairs and comfy white sofa cushions offer a stylish respite.
Rainforest Revelry
Choosing a favorite element from this tropical-themed corporate soirée proves impossible, although we especially adore the laser-cut panels on the bar that feels straight out of a tropical rainforest. We’re also swooning over the ceiling installation of green billowing fabric and wire-candle lamps.
A Whimsical Welcome
This private residence was transformed into a tropical paradise for a fun-filled corporate event. Guests were greeted with a unique tropical balloon installation. We also appreciate how the spacious backyard provides plenty of room for each banquet table to feel like its own private party.
Worth the Fanfare
Vibrant green goblets bring out the beauty of these lush fan palms. We also adore how blushing roses complement the soft-pink linen at this corporate event. Grapefruit-infused water and pink radishes with whipped deviled eggs make for a meal that might as well be in paradise.
Fresh & Festive
This corporate event wowed with giant paper lanterns, tropical-floral centerpieces, and palm-patterned seating — not to mention scrumptious cuisine. Aerialists and marching drummers kept guests entertained all day long.
Bombshell Beauties
Victoria’s Secret Bombshell Paradise Collection launch party captured the stunning colors of their new line with lush, tropical floral installations. We love how the gorgeous color combinations evoke the grandeur of the sunset on a tropical island — as well as the chic party favors.
Let the Good Times Roll
The launch of Pillsbury’s Sweet Hawaiian Crescent Rolls were accompanied by all the fanfare — and palm fans. The floral-heavy backdrop (rich with flamingo flowers, birds of paradise, and other tropical blooms) smelled almost as heavenly as the fresh baked rolls. The on-theme branding also made for a gorgeous photo op.
Some Like It Hot
Chicago may be known for its frigid winters and gusty winds, but this corporate event at one the city’s renowned museums was a little slice of paradise. Colorful throw pillows and towering palms popped against all-white and lucite seating. Fun centerpieces included metallic ombre votives and yellow-and-green swirled leaves in marled vases.
Projected Paradise
YouTube and Google sure know how to party. This holiday celebration, set in an Art Deco building with dramatic hangar-style ceilings, dazzled the eyes with palm-leaf projection mapping and vibrant uplighting. Twinkling string lights and a tango performance added a hint of drama to this majestic bash.
The Sweetest View
Guests enjoyed poolside perfection at this corporate event for Sugarfina candy. In addition to dramatic views of Los Angeles, this rooftop party boasted flamingo floats, hot pink blow-up furniture, and sugary sweets in vibrant, tropical colors. We also love the custom-cocktail station.
The More the Merrier
Why settle for one type of leaf when a variety adds depth and texture to any tropical centerpiece? We love how a ring of colorful florals surrounded these towering greens. Glittering linen and metallic seating added a touch of glam to this tropical look.
7. Tropical-Theme Brunch & Dinner Parties
Mai Tai in the Midwest
We love taking the party home with us, so of course we love a good souvenir station like this one. Other on-theme elements from this tropical-themed dinner party include leis flown-in directly from Hawaii, a poi fire show, and delicious Hawaiian barbecue. Illinois has never looked so much like paradise.
Sun, Sea, & Sand
Dinner took place on a stretch of pristine sand surrounded by lush palm trees at this chic hotel. Teal votives, blue linen and dishware, and sea-green balloons mirrored the relaxing ocean vibes. We also love how white orchids and coral added a hint of the ethereal to this beautiful tablescape.
Garden Calm
Lush foliage enclosed this dining area and gave guests the feeling of dining in their own secret (and tropical) garden. Lamplight and white centerpieces provided a feeling of extra tranquility to this already serene setting.
As Sweet as Can Be
This tropical-themed brunch delights with palm-leaf dishware, birds of paradise centerpieces, and glass orange menus. Sunglass and tropical-inspired toucan cookies make dessert extra sweet — not to mention on-theme.
Without a Shadow of a Doubt
While dinner was delicious, guests had plenty of good reasons to get up to wander toward the bar area. We love how palm-fan mobiles, adorned with birds of paradise, cast shadowy projection mapping onto the white walls. Tropical Fresno margaritas boasted pansies and tropical leaves for a picture-perfect (and on-theme) effect.
Very Berry Tones
This chic dinner party captured our imaginations with its suspended tropical floral installation. We also love how beet-cured smoked salmon was artfully served on a bed of lime slices, and boozy wild berry smoothies received a tropical touch with the addition of ginger.
Go Bold with Pink & Gold
Hot-pink candles, goblets, and orchids (along with golden pineapples) look good enough to eat at this stylish brunch. Of course, with miniature strawberry smoothies and delicious potstickers, we’re content to simply admire the décor.
You Name It
Giant, personalized tropical leaves add a warm welcome to any tropical-themed luncheon party. Protea flowers pop against the all-white linen, while chopsticks tucked into each napkin add a stylish touch.
As Heavenly as Hawaii
This sunset luau set in Lahaina, Hawaii was bound to be tropical. We love how bright pink linen matched the real-life flamingos basking at the water’s edge. White hearts, proteas, and orchids represent the gorgeous florals native to Hawaii. We also adore how vibrant uplighting transformed the surrounding palms with pink and purple hues as the evening progressed.
8. Tropical-Theme Cocktail Parties
A Chic Concoction
Smoking cocktails, colorful straws, and coconut-shaped glassware turned this tropical-themed cocktail party into one photo op after another. We also love how the talented bartenders fit right in with their festive Hawaiian shirts.
Where the Sidewalk Ends
We could happily stay at this table at the edge of paradise for the rest of time. Elevated palm leaves and foliage-rich linen (along with mirrored seating) bring a hip vibe to this picturesque seaside setting.
The Peak of Perfection
This “ultimate summer party” reached its zenith with lush palm trees, bright purple votives, and mint-green hydrangea clusters. We also adore the boxwood backdrop adorned with flamingo cutouts and a crown of tropical blooms.
9. Tropical-Theme Galas
Light Up the Night
Vibrant and colorful uplighting, in addition to LED centerpieces, made this gala a sight to behold. Palm leaves and flamingo lights glimmered in the ever-changing illumination. We are also wowed by the delicious cuisine served on fresh, tropical leaves.
Cast a Gold Shadow
We love every detail of Alpine Creative Group’s Non-Profits Night Out — especially this hot-pink bar setup. Giant tropical leaves found new ways to shine with floor-to-ceiling projection mapping. We also adore the artistic catering displays.
Tropical Is Where the Heart Is
Tuxedo Park, NY
Who needs an island for a tropical setting? We love how the architecture of this elegant library contrasts with the palm-leaf centerpieces. The giant floor-bound balloons studding the surrounding countryside also have us smiling.
10. Tropical-Theme New Year’s Eve Parties
Birds of Paradise
Guests rang in the New Year with a tropical soirée at an elegant Miami hotel. We love how colorful toucan and parrot figurines perch on glittering chandeliers — and golden pineapples shine from suspended greenery.
featured caterer
M CULINARY CONCEPTS
This team earns rave reviews for being flexible, attentive, and communicative. We love how their visually-stunning (as well as delicious) cuisine adds instant style to any celebration. photographer: Harley Bonham Photography