Tips for Throwing a Themed Work Event That’s Actually FUN

Let’s Get This (Business) Party Started!

Okay, so let’s be real—most “work parties” come with the best of intentions, but they can sometimes be a little… meh. Cue the awkward icebreakers and those mini quiches that no one asked for. BUT—it doesn’t have to be that way. We’re here to tell you that business parties can be totally fab, absolutely themed, and—wait for it—actually fun.

We recently threw a party for one of our clients with a full-on Shagedelic Peace, Love & Happiness theme (yes, think groovy vibes, flower power, disco balls…full Austin Powers). And the year before? We screamed Yeehaw with a Western-themed extravaganza. And let us tell you…it was legendary.

So how do you throw a work party that brings the good vibes AND still feels a little profesh? We’ve got you. Here are our go-to tips:

1. Pick a Theme—and Go ALL In

We're talkin’ head-to-toe commitment. Once you land on a theme (think: Studio 54, Coastal Grandma, Après Ski, or Tropical Tiki), let that inspo guide everything: the invites, the decor, the dress code, the food, the music, and yes, even the drinks. A cohesive theme instantly sets the tone and helps everyone feel like they're part of something special.

Pro Tip: For our Shagedelic party, we had lava lamps, VW bug branded cookies, and a live band that was 100% flower child-approved and a VW Bus provided by a local dealereship. For our western themed party we brought in lots of hay bales, live horses and a line dancing instructor!

2. Encourage Themed Outfits (Gently)

Nobody wants to feel forced into costume territory, but giving people a few fun ideas makes it way more likely they’ll participate. Try including a mini style guide in the invite (think: “Bell bottoms, bold colors & groovy prints encouraged!”). You’ll be surprised how many people get into it—and suddenly your party has turned into an Instagrammable moment.

Western tip: Bandanas, boots, and denim make it easy for anyone to cowboy-up without spending a dime.

3. Make it Interactive

People love activities that spark convo and laughs. A DIY dessert bar, themed photo booth, or even a quick “best dressed” vote adds a layer of fun.

4. Let the Music Set the Mood

The playlist (or song list if you have a live band) matters more than you think. The right tunes can turn a stiff room into a dance floor. Curate a playlist ahead of time and make it long enough to run through the whole party—no one wants to hear the same 12 songs on loop.

5. Feed Them Well (and Feed the Theme)

Skip the sad cheese cubes. Keep it cute, keep it on-theme. Western = BBQ sliders and s’mores. Shagedelic = rainbow cupcakes and anything with edible flowers. Presentation is everything—use trays, tiered stands, and cute labels. Oh, and if you can swing it, have one “wow” moment, like a cake shaped like a cowboy hat or a donut wall. People will not stop talking about it.

6. Don’t Forget the Vibe Check

Lighting. Scent. Ambiance. Those little things matter. Try warm fairy lights, fun props, or incense (if you’re in a space where that won’t cause fire alarms, LOL). Think: cozy + cool. For our recent Shagedelic party we provided a tent lounge with bean bags, twister, and a glow bar! You want your guests to feel like they just stepped into a vibe they didn’t know they needed.

7. Give a Little Something

Swag = love. It doesn’t have to be expensive—a sticker, custom button, or Polaroid from the party can be the perfect keepsake. People appreciate those extra touches, and it makes the event feel thoughtfully curated. (Go an extra step to add your company logo!)

So next time you’re on party-planning duty, remember this: just because it’s business doesn’t mean it has to be boring. With a little creativity (and a LOT of theme dedication), your office party can be one they’ll talk about for months.

XOXO- STYLE Nation