Other than budget, coming up with a good party theme is one of the biggest challenges for people. How do I come up with something different than the normal party ideas? I’m going to give you four techniques to help you decide on a unique party theme. These are by no means the only way to come up with a party theme, but my go-to ways to start the creative flow. Of course, you could always scour the internet for ideas too, there’s no shame in that. But just in case you want to come up with something personal and unique for your party theme, try the following:
Walk around a craft store
This is the number one way I get inspired for party themes. I usually frequent Michael’s Craft Store. There used to be a local one I would frequent as well (before it closed). I literally start at the front and walk aisle by aisle through the entire store. Usually, at some point, I’ll see something that inspires a theme. It could be from the decorations, it could just be a unique color combination, or even just a style. For example, if you see a retro Christmas sign, it could inspire a whole retro themed Christmas party!
I will say, be open to inspiration anywhere. Maybe you don’t normally go to craft stores and that’s ok. I came up with a unique animal theme based on some pencil pouches I saw at Staples. I would say that a best practice for this technique is to have a small pad of paper with you when you go shopping, but we have cell phones! So, what I do now is take pictures. I have a separate folder in my photos for party photos. That way it’s all in one place to go back to and I don’t have to sift through 500 dog pictures. Lol.
Pinterest, Pinterest, Pinterest. I love Pinterest. If you need inspiration for just about anything, go to Pinterest. It’s basically a search engine. It is my creative Google. You can try searches like “Party Themes” or just search for things you like. You never know what a search for “puppies” might give you for inspiration.
I also suggest making a Party Ideas board. This way you can pin and manage your ideas in one spot. If you want, you can check out EventOTB’s Party Theme board for ideas too. I focus mainly on adult parties, but some themes can be adapted for kids as well.
In case you haven’t done it before, you can edit pin descriptions as well. This will help you organize by topic. You can, for example, pin a picture of something and change the description to “Lauren’s 35th birthday” or whatever party you’re planning for. Or even adding something like “make these with cheese instead” (I’m always thinking about cheese). That way, when you look back later, you remember what you were thinking.
Here’s how you do that:
- Pin a pin to a board of yours
- Click on the pin to see details
- Click on the pencil in the top right corner
- Type what you want under notes!
- Save
Go through your stash
Craft stash, that is! If you are in any way crafty, you have a craft stash. This is the box/cabinet/basket/closet that you stuff all your ribbon, stickers, paper and glue in. Go through that puppy! (Also, a great opportunity to organize and clean your supplies). More often that not, I go through my supplies and find a gem. A perfect idea for the party I’m trying to plan.
Make a stack of things that you could potentially use. Everyone organizes their stuff differently, which is ok. But, I like to put all the things that inspire me together and then I can start to brainstorm, make unique combinations, and have a go to inspiration bin until the next time I clean out the closet.
Brain dump
Ok, for this technique, I will tell you to grab an actual piece or pad of paper. Turn on something that will distract your brain (movie, music, The Office) and start to jot things down on paper. I don’t know why but having background noise really helps me think. Try it.
When you’re writing your ideas down, or brainstorming, just write anything anywhere. Don’t worry about structure, or what goes with what, just write it down. You can go back through your brainstorm later to make sense of it. For now, just get it on paper.
Another good idea is to have paper by your bedside. I don’t know why, but falling asleep time seems to be the biggest creative juices time as well. That way you can write it down before you forget. (Because you will by morning, believe me).
Take a Walk
You don’t actually have to just take a walk. You could hit the treadmill, take your dog to the park, do some yoga. Whatever physical activity you like will work. Here’s where I remind you to bring a scrap of paper or your phone. Something about physical movement that clears your brain. Then, suddenly, you can think clearly! The juices will start to flow.
Pick one question to think about while you walk (or workout). Here are some ideas:
- What feeling to I want to evoke with this party?
- What does the person we’re celebrating love?
- Are there two things do they love that I could put together?
- What is super popular right now that I could find party supplies for?
You’ll start thinking about your one question and your mind will wander from there! All of the sudden you will have burned calories and started all the planning of your party theme. Win, win!
Wrap Up
What do you think? Any other ways you start the planning process? Comment below and share with the EventOTB community! If you want some inspiration from me, check out the party theme page. I’ve got some posts with creative (and traditional) party themes. I also update frequently with new content. Want to be the first to know? Sign up for email updates below. You’ll also get a free download of a Playlist eBook! It has 76 themed playlists for just about any occasion!
Happy Planning!
Other posts you may like:
5 Steps to an Awesome Party Playlist
