Summer is a great time for throwing parties, shindigs, and get-togethers. Unfortunately, summer holidays are few and far in between. Typically this isn’t a problem, since you can always throw a barbeque or pool party, and enjoy the amazing weather. However, if you’re anything like me, you’ve also attend about a hundred of these every summer. And while that doesn’t mean they aren’t all still great, when I host a party I really like it to stand out in people’s minds. I love throwing unusual parties that keep people excited and have everyone talking. So, without further ado, here are a few great party themes that are sure to stand out in people’s minds and get everyone talking.

July-o-ween

One theme that is near and dear to my heart is July-o-ween. I’m a huge fan of Halloween, and if I could celebrate it five times a year I probably would. That being said, I’ve found July to be a great time to host a Halloween themed party. Summer has been going on long enough that everyone’s already been to plenty of summer parties, and are generally ready for a little variety. And people love to dress up and go a little crazy.

July-o-ween gives everybody the opportunity to dress up in unusual costumes and go a little wild. It really adds a carefree atmosphere, and gives everyone the opportunity to get as into it as they want. Not too into dressing up? Throw on a funny hat and call it good. You can even take the hat off after your initial appearance. Want to be the life of the party? Make an outrageous costume and see how many comments you can get! Even if most people don’t go all out they’ll still enjoy seeing those who do.

Half-Christmas

Another fan favorite is the half-Christmas party. Everyone appreciates Christmas, and no doubt more than a few would like celebrate it twice a year. Have everyone bring a wrapped up party favor and do a gift exchange. It doesn’t have to be anything expensive, just something fun and small to bring about the Christmas-in-summer spirit. Don’t forget to pull out all the winter decorations to get the mood right. Get some fake snow (if you can find it), dress up a backyard pine tree, and enjoy the spirit of giving. It’s amazing how great an atmosphere this can create for a party (even in the summer!).

Favorite Decade Party

This hilarious theme can go several different ways. These can be 60’s, 70’s, 80’s, etc. themed parties, depending on the average age of your attending guests (I’ve found the older the crowd, the earlier the decade should be), or it can be dress as your favorite decade. Both are great.

Everyone dressing as a different decade can be a lot of fun because it leaves a lot of room for interpretation. People love trying to guess what decade everyone is dressed as, and it is a real conversation driver/starter. The disparity of outfits also tends to add a lot of character to the party.

On the other hand, when everyone dresses for the same decade, it allows a lot of comparison. These are especially fun if you do these party with a similarly aged group. That way, you can target the decade everyone went to high school/college, which is just wonderful for parties. It truly seems to get the best out of everyone, and it’s amazing how many people go all out for these. These are some of the most fun parties I’ve been involved with.

Shared Interest Parties

This party theme depends upon the host and their guests. It should be something unusual that everyone would enjoy. For example, if you and all your friends are into movies, do a particular movie themed party (James Bond is great for this!). Or maybe you really enjoy travelling. Have everyone come as a different country! The idea here is to get creative, and do something out of the ordinary. Size up your guest list and determine what would have the greatest results.

As with any party, don’t forget the golden rules. Make sure you decorate and encourage guest participation. Don’t expect the guests to do any work however (any they do is a bonus), and your number one priority is your guests’ comfort and enjoyment. Make sure you give everyone lots of warning about the party (I usually aim somewhere between 2-3 weeks), and that you give reminders regarding time and place. Having an unusual theme will help your party be the talk of the town and the hit of the season. Enjoy your summer party and don’t be afraid to get creative!

Author Bio: Emma Rae Curtis researches and writes about everything Halloween, Halloween costumes, party ideas, parenting, baby costumes, and makeup.