Best Tropical Theme Party Ideas for Adults

When to use this theme

I’ve listed all the details to show you just how easy it is to pull together a tropical theme for an occasion. Here’s a list to start.

• Backyard summer party “just because.”
• A ladies night in.
• Adult birthday party.
• College graduation idea.
• Engagement party, especially if the couple is heading to the tropics for the honeymoon.

Grab your sunscreen and lets head to the islands! 

Food menu

I think food plays a major role in any good themed party. Serve a menu with an island vibe. Fresh tropical fruits are great for making salsas, and mini shrimp cocktails bring the ocean to you. Other popular flavors include coconut and light sauces.

• Make a trio of tropical salsas. Here I made Mango, Pineapple, and Papaya with Avocado. I didn’t really follow a recipe, I just blended different combinations using green & red bell peppers, jalapeno peppers, red onion, black beans (drained and rinsed), cilantro, diced tomato, lime juice and salt. Serve these with rice chips or tortilla chips.
• Seems like islanders are always cooking pork on a spit so use that as inspiration for mini tacos. Combine pulled pork with Sriracha and bbq sauce. Then layer it onto soft shells with jalapeno slaw. They’re tasty and have great texture! HOSTESS TIP: Used a biscuit cutter to make smaller party size rounds in the soft taco shells.
• What’s a tropical party without seafood? Individual servings of shrimp cocktail are served in glass votive holders.
• Chicken satay is one of my favorite foods. Just thread thinly sliced chicken breast onto skewers and brush with a jarred satay sauce when grilling. They’re so convenient to pick up and eat, and they make great party food for all occasions. HOSTESS TIP: Make these Jerk Seasoned chicken skewers for more island flavor.
• Put tropical flavored bottled drinks in a tub of ice so guests can help themselves. You can also use these drinks to mix into cocktails. Just add rum! My go-to mix-in is Coconut Rum. I added it to the Kiwi Strawberry flavor and it was soooo good.

Party drinks

Aside from offering easy-to-grab bottled beverages, choose a signature cocktail for the occasion. Any of these would add delicious tropical flavor.

• Mix up this easy pitcher party drink that’s got 2 kinds of rum and a fruity coconut flavor.
• This Hula Breeze Pomegranate cocktail will have you swaying with the palms.
• Don’t be fooled by the name, this blackberry moonshine cocktail is smooth and full of pineapple goodness.
• Go all in with this delicious blue cocktail that looks like the ocean and has coconut rum in it!
• If you like mojitos you’re gonna LOVE my sparkling mojito cocktail!

Tropical Themed Desserts

It doesn’t take too much effort to make some sweet treats with an island feel.

• Use my fluffy white pineapple cake recipe to make cupcakes instead. Ice them with the frosting included in the recipe, or classic buttercream. Then top them with sliced fresh strawberries and glaze. HOSTESS TIP: Make an easy glaze by warming up strawberry jelly until it’s like a syrup and easy to drizzle.
• Make mini coconut cream parfaits using packaged pudding mix. When you present them like we did here, your guests won’t know they’re not homemade! Layer the pudding with graham cracker crumbs and then top with a chocolate shell.
• These lemon & lime tartlets would also be a nice addition to the dessert table.
• You can add these delicious banana pudding mini desserts, too.

More tips & ideas

• Send out invitations at least two weeks beforehand {or more if you know people are busy}.  Download these FREE printable invitations here, and the tent cards here.
• Graham cracker crumbs or brown sugar give a beach sand effect. Use it on the table for a food-safe base. Add a fun and whimsical touch by “writing in the sand” the word “FUN.”
• Be a thoughtful hostess and provide paper fans for guests to stay cool. I found these HERE. They fold up so they’re easy to corral in a small bucket and guests can pick one up as needed.
• Simple party favors are easy to make. You can make them ahead or put out the supplies and lets guests make their own. Fill small paper sacks with tropical blend trail mix. Secure them with decorative tape.
• Want to know what to wear to a tropical theme party? Check out these outfits for inspiration.

Add a festive playlist

Here’s a party play list with tropical vibes that will get you in the right mood!

• Bob Marley – Legend album
• Jimmy Buffet – Songs You Know By Heart album
• Carlos Santana – Supernatural album
• Girl From Ipanema by Astrud Gilberto
• Hey Mambo by Dean Martin
• La Bamba by Ritchie Valens
• Let’s Get Loud by Jennifer Lopez
• Cha Cha Slide by DJ Casper
• I Like it Like That by Pete Rodriguez
• Havana by Camila Cabello
• Senorita by Camila Cabello