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Themed backyard parties give guests something to look forward to beyond the usual fare. When planning a themed party, consider your audience, the season, and your resources. Incorporate decorations, activities, and menu items that align with your chosen theme to create an immersive experience. Here are our five favorite ideas.
Movie-Night Party
Transform your backyard into an outdoor cinema for a cozy night under the stars. To set up your backyard theater, you’ll need the following items:
- Comfortable outdoor seating
- Blankets (depending on climate)
- Projector
- Projection surface (a white screen or sheet)
For the full cinematic experience, set up a concession stand with classic movie snacks. Consider themed snacks that tie into the movie you’re showing. Adding a popcorn machine or a cotton candy maker can enhance the movie night atmosphere.
Choose a movie that appeals to your audience and fits the setting. Family-friendly classics, nostalgic favorites, or summer blockbusters are all great options. Including a trivia game or a brief discussion about the movie beforehand can add a fun educational twist to the evening.
Recreate Your Childhood Party
Relive an epic childhood party as an adult. Set up a bounce house, some large kiddie pools, a ball pit, and an ice cream station. Offer gourmet versions of classic treats, like popsicles, ice cream sandwiches, and pizza bites. Set up a candy bar with all your favorites, and serve classic refreshments with an adult twist.
Don’t forget nostalgic entertainment options. Set up gaming stations with retro video game consoles, make a playlist of hit songs from the time period you’re emulating, or organize a karaoke session featuring classic tunes. Create a photo booth with props from your chosen decade so guests will have an event keepsake.
Backyard Carnival Party
Bring the carnival to town and right into your backyard. Backyard carnival activities could include:
- Balloon darts
- Bean bag toss
- Dunk tank
- Face painting
- Petting zoo
- Pie-eating contest
- Ring toss
- Temporary tattoos
An easy-to-build carnival game can be set up using a kiddie swimming pool with rubber duckies: Put an X on the bottom of certain ducks and give prizes to those who pick the ducks with the markings. Check the dollar store for inexpensive prizes.
You can build your own ring toss using recycled bottles. A bean bag toss and a balloon dart game are also easy to create at home. For a special touch, consider renting a dunk tank if your space and budget allow.
Enhance the carnival atmosphere with colorful decorations. Use streamers, balloons, and string lights to create a festive ambiance. Set up a face painting station or offer temporary tattoos for guests who want to get into the carnival spirit. Providing small prizes for game winners can make the experience even better.
Camping Party
Bring the great outdoors to your backyard with a camping-themed party. To set the scene, try the following:
- Pitch tents in your backyard.
- Create a cozy campfire area using a fire pit or portable fire bow.
- Set up camping chairs and blankets around the fire.
You can also ask guests to bring their own tents. Organize camping-inspired activities such as stargazing, telling ghost stories, or campfire singalongs. Set up a nature scavenger hunt in your yard or a nearby park during the day.
When it comes to food, embrace classic camping cuisine. Roast hot dogs and marshmallows over the fire, prepare foil packet meals, or cook up some hearty chili in a Dutch oven. Don’t forget the s’mores.
Beach Party
If you can’t make it to the coast, bring the beach to your backyard with a tropical-themed celebration. A beach party is perfect for hot summer days and can transport your guests to a relaxing seaside paradise, even if you’re miles away from the ocean.
To transform your backyard into a beach oasis:
- Lay out a large tarp and cover it with play sand.
- Add seashells, beach balls, and colorful umbrellas to complete the look.
- Set up inflatable kiddie pools or a slip-and-slide.
- Provide beach towels and loungers.
Encourage guests to come in their favorite beach attire and provide tropical accessories like leis, sunglasses, and flower hair clips. Set up a tiki bar serving refreshing tropical cocktails and mocktails in coconut shells or colorful plastic cups. Add small details like drink umbrellas or fruit garnishes.
For entertainment, organize beach-themed games like volleyball, limbo, or a sandcastle building contest.
