“Cowgirl Summer,” “East Coast Fisherman,” “Girly 2000s Sleepover,” and more!
You may have already heard these terms and can bring to mind the aesthetic that comes with them. These niche parties are the latest go-to for a theme, perfect for bachelorette weekends, dinner parties, family brunches, birthdays, friend getaways, wedding receptions, and babymoons. The following themes have made their way from online to in-house!
“Cowgirl Summer / Spaghetti Western”
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.
For attire, the aesthetic calls for worn denim jeans and a matching jacket, overalls, loose flowy white cotton, a button-down, or maybe a handkerchief for your neck or back pocket. Happy trails!
“Gone Fishin’ / East Coast Fisherman”
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.
You could decorate with fishing nets, dark wicker baskets, and some tall tales about a fish you once caught. As for attire, think warm knit sweaters, cream or charcoal pants, a tan or dark blue waterproof jacket to add to it, and finally, maybe an ascot, beanie, or fisherman hat to accessorize. Now set sail!
“Cafe at Home”
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.
Details to not overlook: plants, vases of flowers, patterned plates, coffee containers, fresh fruit in baskets or bowls, and signs describing each item. It’s less about attire with this one and more about the visual presentation of the foods. Source some takeaway cups and draw your special logo on the front for added detail, or for a sustainable option, opt for regular glass cups and mugs. Bon appetit!
“Girly 2000s Slumber Party”
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.
Things to serve include macaroons, cherries, a fancy mocktail, clementine cake, chocolate-covered strawberries, cucumber sandwiches, pancakes, pretzels, and pink candy, of course! As for attire, think of how you wanted to dress as a kid and embrace the sequins, pink stripes, orange tank tops, shiny pants, matching pajama sets if you please, and kitten heels. Let your little kid self live that girliness again!
“Tomato / Dolce Vita”
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.
Things to serve include olive tapenade, pinwheels, pasta of any kind, fresh tomato slices with sea salt, brie, and a cannoli with espresso. As for attire, dresses in vibrant colors with spaghetti straps and off-the-shoulder necklines paired with a hair scarf and sunglasses capture the look. Button-downs and khaki or white linen trousers are an excellent complement as well. So raise your aperol spritz and cheers to all for a “la dolce vita!”
“Nancy Meyers / Coastal Grandmother”
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.
What you serve is entirely up to you and the guests you’ll be having, but a recipe from an Ina Garten cookbook is a great thing to have in your pocket. As for attire, sway on the more classical side with loose white button-downs, blue pinstripe pants, navy sweaters, green linen, and even a shawl if you prefer. Now enjoy the fruits of your labor with an oyster or a slice of blackberry cobbler.
“Summer Camp”
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.
Details to not overlook: flashlights, coffee mugs, bandanas, s’mores, signs for bunk assignments, and maybe even a Polaroid camera to capture it all. As far as attire, think muted yellow tops, green shorts, denim overalls, light grey tee shirts, and blue athletic shorts with tennis shoes or sneakers. Bring your board games, sunblock, felt flags, and ghost stories!
“Garden / Off the Market”
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.
For an added touch, serve the fruit in little cardboard containers like the ones you’d see in a farmers market. Things to serve include finger foods, quiche, cinnamon rolls, pies, mocktails, pasta salad, fruit tarts, and a cake with edible flowers. As for attire, pastels match the occasion perfectly. A lovely dress with some movement, a linen suit, a flowy white blouse, white or tan trousers, and sandals. Make a flower arrangement or charm bracelets, gather for a meal, and share in celebration in the garden!
Bidding Adieu
Any party can be as simple or complex as you would like it to be. It all depends on the styling of decorations, table settings, environment, music, and location, but once there’s a theme, the details just fall into place. Enjoy each birthday, bachelorette weekend, baby shower, or “just because” celebration with one of these special themes.
All images included are from Pinterest. Spaghetti Western: lilithlinaria, ashlee searle anderson, haileykbritt, Shelbie Boor Lopez, and vaneyocaranza. Gone Fishin‘: Buds_278, hhbeaa, Carmen Hernandez, and reelamar. Cafe at Home: Emmaramm, Jaden Edwards, peyhowell, and bellevie255. 2000s Girly Slumber Party: Unknown creator, ˚｡⋆୨୧˚ mika ˚୨୧⋆｡˚, Brooke Palacio, and amelia.edmonson via instagram. Tomato / Dolce Vita: Rebekah Freeman, Isabelle Ambler, Nour, Jocelyn and Berganza. Nancy Meyers / Coastal Grandmother: CarMar, layyvishbrinve_, Angela Ustenko, and Jillian @ JST Design. Summer Camp: Jemah :), Suriyahlanay, ⋒ Brittany Gordon ⋒, and Teresa Clark. Garden / Off the Market: Nikita Latimer, Nicole D’Ambrosio, Art by Sister, and belogradoff.
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