21 Outdoor Event Themes That Will Make Guests Go Wild

Many venues come with some fantastic outdoor space, but not all themes work comfortably indoors and outdoors. Having a theme for your event is supposed to make designing and planner easier: thinking of ways to make your casino theme work in a garden is doing the opposite. We’ve made a list of 21 outdoor themes, that are sure to work both indoors or outdoors. This may be because the furniture is portable or because the open sky makes a natural backdrop for them. Additionally, you change things up and have an outdoor theme completely contained indoors to really transform a venue. At Table Art, we’ve styled both indoor and outdoor events and for extra inspiration, you can check out some of our recent creations and also take a look at our blog post on 150 event themes.
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By The Seaside

The seaside is a light and fun theme for an event and it can be used to make the most of summer or to put a new twist on winter events. When styling the event you might want to take inspiration from traditional British seaside destinations such as Blackpool or Brighton. Make the most of pastel colour schemes, candy stripes, beach umbrellas, and sunny lighting.

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Pool Party

Pool parties are the ultimate summer event and it’s a theme you can use both indoor and outdoor. When planning a pool-themed party, think of inflatable objects, water features, tile decorations, and a fully stocked cocktail bar.

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A Night In The Woods

A woodland theme will fit well with many different types of events and it’s an excellent theme for when you want to transform a venue and tell your guests a story. Fairy lights, lanterns, ivy, flower arrangements, and a variety of woodland critters will make for a magical evening.

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A Day At The Zoo

Animal themes are a designer’s dreams because there is a wide range of animal prints and textures that you can incorporate into an event. It might be a zoo, a safari, a jungle, or just an animal theme – all of them are sure to give you some brilliant inspiration.

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The Himalayas

If you are looking to bring a sense of adventure or wonder at your event, then a Himalayas or mountain climbing theme can be an excellent approach. You can use a range of charcoal and stone colours that contrast with bright streamers and Tibetan prayer flags; for decoration, you can turn to vintage climbing and camping gear for a ring of authenticity.

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The Great Outdoors

A general outdoors theme can be very strong – especially if it is an event celebrating an outdoor company or nature-focused event. You’ll want to focus in on a specific biome such as the woods or the mountains and consider incorporating tents, campfires, and rustic looking decorations.

County Show

Across the UK every year, there are large events celebrating the countryside and local agriculture. If you are putting on an outdoor event, then you can use these shows for inspiration as you create a style that brings to mind wax jackets, fresh mud, quaint baking competitions, and farm animals.

Golfing Tournament

Golf clubhouses have a style all of their own and using golf as a theme gives you an opportunity for a playful but polished event. Your basic style can be modelled after elegant clubhouses and you can decorate the venue with golf clubs and putting greens to complete the effect.
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Welcome To The Jungle

A jungle theme gives you lots of opportunities to transform a space and to encourage guests to explore a venue in new ways. You can use a range of tree, plant, and animal decorations to create your jungle world and use a dappled lighting effect to create a rainforest atmosphere.

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Copacabana Beach Party

The Copacabana in Rio de Janeiro is known for its nearly year-round beach parties and a Brazil-inspired event can make for a festive but relaxed event. You can use the green and yellow colours of Brazil’s flag and a range of paper lanterns, palm trees, and Mardis Gras inspired decorations.

Teddy Bear Picnic

A teddy bear picnic theme makes for an adorable event and it is the perfect way to make a simple outdoor celebration. To create the full teddy bear picnic atmosphere you will want to use gingham-print picnic rugs, large hampers, and of course plenty of teddies.
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The Halls Of Valhalla

Many parts of the UK have strong Viking heritage and it’s a fun theme to use when you want guests to get involved. You can use banquet tables laden with goblets, dragon-headed longboats, and the vibrant colours that Vikings wore on their shields and outfits.

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Dinosaurs

If you are gearing your event for families or your venue has a rugged outdoor space, then a dinosaur theme will fit well. As well as the eponymous dinosaurs, you can create a volcanic or jungle backdrop that will help to transform your venue into the Jurassic period.

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Olympics

It doesn’t need to be an Olympic year in order to host an Olympics themed event. It will go down well if your venue already has a sporty element or when you’re celebrating an achievement of Olympic proportions. You can decorate with elements from the different events as well as plinths, torches, and gold medals.

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Back To School Theme Event

A back to school theme makes for a playful event which will really get guests involved as they take a trip down memory lane. You can choose to do it in the style of a school disco or go for a total transformation into a classroom with chalkboards, wooden desks, and decorations from your school years.

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Mad Hatter’s Tea Party Theme Event

Based on Lewis Carroll’s classic novel ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’, a Mad Hatter’s Tea Party theme allows you to have wacky and wonderful designs in order to create a fun but relaxed event. Designs and decorations will be inspired by classic Victorian tea parties with a mad twist. Teapots, playing cards, mushrooms, and top hats should be a familiar sight.

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Ancient Egypt Theme Event

An Ancient Egyptian theme gives you true license to transform a venue into a pharaoh’s palace. Expect to use a lot of gold decorations, as well as sphinxes, columns, palm leaves, and hieroglyphics. This is a good theme if you are going to be hosting an event with indoor and outdoor space.

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Alien Encounters Theme Event

If you are hosting an event in an industrial or modern-looking venue, then an alien theme is well suited to parties or product launches. It’s a great opportunity to use lasers, neon lights, and lots of glow-in-the-dark decorations. You can draw from the wide history of alien pop culture including E.T., Area 51, or Futurama.

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Under The Sea Theme Event

There are two main approaches you can have with an under the sea theme. You can go for a more family-friendly aquatic adventure party filled with ocean creatures and seafloor scenery. Or you can capture the tranquil atmosphere of the ocean with a floating and light design that makes good use of deep blues and gentle lighting.

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James Bond Theme Event

James Bond is a common theme for events as it’s a great way to get guests involved and it gives you a refined atmosphere without being too high-minded. Generally, a James Bond event will be similar to a black tie event but with some spy props and a fondness for martinis. To throw a phenomenal James Bond party you can take a look at our 11 secrets for the perfect James Bond themed night.

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Hollywood Theme Event

A Hollywood party theme allows you to celebrate the greatest films of all time and there is a huge range of props and decorations to choose from. These include classic actors, film reels, director’s chairs, and clapperboards. For classic timeless events, you can’t beat a Hollywood theme.

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Toga Party Theme Event

Toga parties are a staple of the American college experience. This doesn’t mean you can’t put your own twist on a Roman or Ancient Greek theme party. Opt for busts of Roman emperors, large crumbling columns, and ivy twisting around door frames and centrepieces.

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St. Patrick’s Day Theme Event

Even if it’s not near St. Patrick’s Day, an Ireland-inspired theme will always make for a lively event. You can choose to use emerald greens and shamrocks. Alternatively, you can opt for a more subdued design modelled on traditional Irish pubs.

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Best Of British Theme Event

If your event is going to be celebrating Britain, then a best of British theme can be a good starting point. You can use the Union Jack colours as your main colour theme and make use of British icons such as double-decker buses, beach huts, and red post boxes.

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Casino Theme Event

Casino nights are a common theme for events. They are especially well liked as you can set-up a selection of your own casino games for guests to play risk-free. Dice, blackjack, roulette tables, and fruit machines should be your main well of inspiration.

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Cluedo Theme Event

Cluedo or murder mystery themed parties are an excellent choice for timeless events being hosted in manors or a similar historical building. Typically they will be held in a 1920s setting and will include chalk outlines, obvious clues, and plenty of pipes and feather boas for decorations.
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A Classic Evening: Timeless Events That Are Unforgettable

When done well, you can take a classic event theme and turn it into a memorable occasion. A well-known party theme doesn’t have to be boring and there is always room for your own twist or further experimentation. Don’t feel that there are any rules about what a classic theme needs to have. Instead try and look for interesting ways to tie the theme to your specific event. If you want help creating timeless events that are sure to impress, then contact Table Art today for a consultation.

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