Why You Should Give Your Gathering A Theme
For some, having a theme for your gathering is incredibly fun, easy and usually the reason why you want to throw a party in the first place. For others, coming up with a theme is completely overwhelming and can even be intimidating.But I’m here to tell you, themes can open up a world of gathering possibilities.
A theme can be as broad and simple as you want, like just a regular ole potluck or a taco night! Or they can be elaborate and detailed like an Around The World in 80 Dishes Dinner Party or a fancy 5 course meal but everyone has to wear clothes from a thrift store.
A theme can apply to just one area of your gathering, like having everyone bring a floral themed dish or drink. Or it can apply to the whole gathering, like having everyone bring a floral themed dish or drink, make flower crowns, wear floral patterns, eat on floral plates, and sit in a flower field. It can be an old favorite, like make your own pizza night. Or a twist on an old favorite, like make your own pizza with anything but cheese and tomato sauce night.
A theme doesn’t have to mean food or attire either! The theme of the night could be in conversation, like everyone talks about their future goals or everyone has to talk in puns all night. The theme could be a “rule” like guests have to bring that one person they’ve been meaning to grab dinner with or everyone has to eat only using large serving utensils. A theme could also be what you do at the gathering like making art, learning about mental health, sharing embarrassing date stories, or exchanging books, recipes or even the name/contact info of their favorite babysitter.
That’s the beauty of a themed gathering, there really is no limit. But the best reason (in my opinion) to have a theme associated with your gathering, is to give the gathering an anchor. It automatically creates a clear purpose and distinct identity for your gathering, separating it from any previous gathering. And having this identity makes all the difference for both the host and the guests.
As a host, giving the gathering a theme really helps keep things in check, both in the planning stage and with the all important budget. Maybe you really want to get those gorgeous champagne glasses you’ve had your eye on, but they won’t make sense with your seafood themed dinner party. So instead you opt for normal glasses and save the pretty champagne glasses for a gathering where it makes sense to have them. Alternatively, you could plan an entire gathering around those champagne glasses and use them as a reason to inspire your theme (maybe a brunch/mimosa bar or a fancy “toast to the new year” type of gathering).
For your guests, a theme helps them know what kind of environment they are walking into and what they can expect from the gathering. Maybe it is something that is clearly communicated from the first invite, in the design or language of the gathering details. Like if you use puns or an informal description, your guests will automatically get a sense of the casual atmosphere. Or maybe you have jazz music playing throughout the house so guests feel like they are stepping into a New Orleans restaurant and have a clear understanding of the ambiance as soon as they enter. A theme can be presented in the conversation questions or the decor, in they type of food/drink that is served or the attire guests are asked to wear. All of this makes your guests feel comfortable and brings an overall ease to your gathering.
And if that’s not reason(s) enough, here’s ultimately why you should have a themed gathering: IT’S FUN.