Aesthetics Over Everything: Niche Party Themes

A cowgirl hat made of leather, straw, or felt paired with a little bit of denim, and you’ll be wrangling your own spaghetti western party. While small southern and midwestern towns have come to know this theme by heart, cowboy boot spurs have begun to cling in some big cities lately. The aesthetic is a laid-back “on the ranch” style with prominent shades of dark red, blue, white, brown, black, and tan.

Details to not overlook: a centerpiece of wildflowers, red bandanas, a used deck of cards, rugged boots, faded gingham, and real wax candles. As for actually serving spaghetti, while that’s the part that gives it the punny name, it’s up to you what you serve at the shindig.

While the “eclectic grandpa” aesthetic didn’t gain its sea legs, this East Coast fisherman trend sure has. For the more coastal party planners, a “Gone Fishin’” theme adds a cute nod to a more casual but enjoyable time. The aesthetic is a mix of Pacific Northwest cozy and effortless East Coast sailing chic. Swedish-style sweaters, rain boots, and an old ball cap stuffed inside a boat tote really seal the image. Things to serve would be classic shellfish like lobster and crab, fish and chips, and maybe for dessert some cherry pie with whipped cream and a black coffee.

Details to not overlook: a fishing pole, some old-style coffee mugs, some printed photos of the coast, lobster memorabilia, maybe a can of sardines if you’re a fan, and a lantern.

Do you have a cute kitchen, or maybe prefer to make your own little coffee and bagel every once in a while? This latest “cafe at home” party is perfect for you. Invite over some friends or family and put on that barista apron. Mismatched coffee mugs, small pastry plates, and a menu written on butcher paper really add to the homey feel. The perfect way to display baked items is on a tiered platter or even wax and butcher paper on a table. The more pastry types, the better if you’re trying to one-up a French bistro. Not into croissants or danishes? Swap it from a coffee shop to a cocktail hour with appetizers, or a brunch with finger foods. The aesthetic lends itself easily to whatever you would like to serve.

For all the Fancy Nancy, Amelia Badelia, Hannah Montana, and all-over 2000s girlhood lovers, this girly slumber party theme is perfection. Like stepping into a bubblicious dream, the pinks, oranges, and teal greens create such a youthful feel you can’t help but want to throw on a feather boa and play
MASH. Maybe you won’t be gathering in sleeping bags on the floor, but this theme is fun for tea parties, brunches, cocktail hours, bachelorette weekends, and birthdays.

Details to not overlook: pink and orange flower centerpieces, a big cake, paper chains or pom poms hanging from the ceiling, candles, and stripes or polka dots.

Don’t grab your passport, but make sure to grab lots of lemons and limes. Whether you’ve experienced a summer on the Italian coast or not, a little pasta and red-striped umbrellas will take you there! The weather is sunny, the food is flavorful, and the colors are rich. Tables set with unique platters and candle holders, citrus slices decorating everyone’s plates, oysters on ice, tall wine glasses, and bright flower arrangements add endless charm.

Details to not overlook: fish and lobster emblems on any and everything, fabulous hand-drawn menus, twinkling lights overhead, and a red and white tablecloth. You can also shake it up with white butcher paper on the table to draw personalized place settings.

If culinary is your quest, you must be familiar with the latest Ina Garten, Martha Stewart, and Nancy Meyers aesthetic. Indulging in rich pastel color, the focus is primarily on food and a clever table setting. The more natural the feel, the better. Use linen tablecloths, patterned napkins, and always have a flower centerpiece on the ready. Be as clever as Martha and incorporate a basket of fruit, a chandelier of ribbons, candles poured into shells, or a grouping of bud vases along the table.

Details to not overlook: matching or mismatched dish sets, serving utensils, bowls of salt and a fresh pepper grinder, seat markers, slices of fruit in a water pitcher, and a casualness that doesn’t feel posh, but effortlessly chic.

Rise and Shine campers, a new theme has taken over the mess hall. For the more outdoorsy type, this niche party theme is one to cross the river in a canoe for. Popular with bachelorette weekends, summer birthdays, and even the occasional wedding, “summer camp” is all about enjoying nature and a good card game here and there. While you can be as elaborate as renting a cabin or tent, having games, and screening an outdoor movie night, you can be as simple as setting up a lantern and green gingham, and grilling some hamburgers and hot dogs. Things to serve include banana pancakes, PB&Js, baked potatoes, corn on the cob, and chocolate chip cookies.

Light the candles and make a wish! A classic garden party brings about an enchanting, whimsical, and charming aesthetic full of pastel hues and sparkling details. Gather some mismatched vases or tablecloths and head outside! Set up some outdoor curtains, grab your chairs of various shapes and sizes, sweep off the patio, and put a table on the grass. It doesn’t necessarily have to be a brunch or bridal shower, invite some friends to bring bunches of flowers and each person can make a unique bouquet.

Details to not overlook: ribbons, loaves of bread, dried flowers, yard games like croquet and badminton, and baskets.