Top 50 party theme ideas

Looking for a little inspiration for a themed party? We’ve got everything you need to give your celebration that special touch

50s rock around the clock

The idea: A celebration of the fifties, it’s party time!

Decoration: Send out invitations shaped like old 45s. Women should dress in poodle skirts and bobby socks, men in tight cuffed jeans and white T-shirts. Use Grease for a little inspiration! If you’re splashing out, rent a jukebox and play your favourite 50s tunes. Have a rock 'n' roll dance competition, a hula hoop contest or a bubble blowing competition.

Food & drink: Serve cheeseburgers, fries and milkshakes (with added alcohol) or Manhattans, Grasshoppers and Martinis.

Grande casino

The idea: It’s time for a little harmless gambling -Vegas style.

Decoration: Call in the services of a fun casino company who will set up blackjack tables and roulette wheels. Many will also supply fake money and croupiers. This is all about glamour, so set a dress code for your guests.

Food & drink: Elegant cocktails and canapés. You could even name cocktails after casino games…’The Blackjack’, ‘The Baccarat’ etc.

Luau

The idea: It’s Hawaii time. Think grass skirts, leis, silk flowers and dancing.

Decoration: If you can find an outdoor pool, there’s no better place than poolside. Failing that, stay outside and decorate with shells, sand, and palm trees, with Hawaiian music playing in the background.

Food & drink: If you’re being traditional, you should serve kalua pig (cooked in an underground oven), lomi salmon and poke (a fish salad). But fish, sweet potatoes, pineapples, rice etc. will do perfectly, along with beer and tropical drinks.

Masked ball

The idea: A glamorous, black-tie ball with the extra twist in that everyone arrives wearing a mask.

Decoration: Keep it simple and chic – letting the ornate masks speak for themselves!

Food & drink: Skip the food, this is all about elegant dancing and cocktails.

New York New York

The idea: Take a little inspiration from the big apple.

Decoration: Black and silver make a perfect Manhattan colour scheme. Watch ‘Breakfast at Tiffany’s’ for plenty of ideas!

Food & drink: Hot dogs, pretzels and Lindy's cheesecake give a perfect New York feast. You could even make a cake from a tower of Krispy Kreme donuts.

Pamper party

The idea: One for the girls, this is an excuse to watch soppy films and gossip the night away.

Decoration: None necessary – although you will need to employ the services of a manicurist and masseuse.

Food & drink: Chocolate, chocolate and more chocolate… and perhaps some popcorn and Champagne.

Race night

The idea: Record plenty of horse-racing and make up race meeting cards. Appoint a bookmaker and bet on each race using Monopoly money.

Decoration: Add a little amusement by asking your guests to dress for Ladies Day at Ascot.

Food & drink: Go glam with Champagne and strawberries, or keep it simple with fish’n’chips!

70s flashback

The idea: Born in the era of Saturday Night Fever and the Bee Gees? This is your chance to celebrate.

Decoration: Think disco balls and John Travolta and you can’t go far wrong. Plenty of lava lamps, flares and psychedelic clothing.

Food & drink: It’s got to be a fondue - the perfect seventies party food.

Just been shipwrecked

The idea: What were you wearing when the ship sank?

Decoration: If you’re outside, attempt the look of a desert island. A large bonfire can make a great focus. Guests come dressed in rags or anything they managed to salvage.

Food & drink: A barbecue, coconuts and pineapples make great refreshments.