Everything You Need To Know To Host A Tropical Themed Party

Tropical themed party ideas with a retro vibe for the modern host. You’ll love these decorations, food, and tips for an Island party whether you’re hosting a Luau or Caribbean theme. Plus you can grab free printables including name cards and invitations. This is the perfect theme for summer parties at home. 

Tropical theme party ideas 

Today we’re going to the Tropics for some fun in the sun and delicious food and drinks! This party has a definite tropical vibe, but it’s not kitschy.

I opted to forgo the grass skirt trim and flowery leis, but I did include mini drink umbrellas, shells and coral. You can also grab some inspiration from this Havana theme party full of tropical ideas with a Cuban influence.

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! 

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How to Decorate a Tropical Theme Party

Sure you could go to the party store and purchase a complete themed party set. But why not add more personality to your tropical party instead? Plus, the items you use here can be used for other occasions too.

Start with fabric that has a pattern with the right balance. Blue to emulate the sea, bright colors to reflect the beautiful flowers, and neutral/brown tones to give that rustic island feel. I found it all in this fabric pattern that feels very retro. Just lay it on the table as your base and build up from there.

Place brightly colored flowers in a tall vase and wrap it with a bamboo place mat cut to size. Total Island vibe!

Add lanterns, coconuts, and pineapples to the table for decoration. Other items include decorative corral, sea shells, starfish, and sand dollars.

Create a DIY party banner with these retro style postcards. String jute twine between two garden stakes and place them above the buffet table. Use mini clothes pins to attach the cards to the twine. The post cards are so festive and add more of the retro look we love for this party.

If you want to host a sit down meal check out this green dinner party with a tropical inspired tablescape, and then see how to decorate your deck or patio with greenery for a relaxing retreat.

Use wooden serving pieces to present the food. Top them with real or faux tropical leaves and palm fronds for an INSTANT island touch!

Insert mini umbrellas into salsa bowls, drinks, or cupcakes.

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 Impanema 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

What do you think?  Are you ready to host a tropical themed party?  I hope you’ll incorporate some of these party ideas!

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