Fun Party Themes for your Summer BBQ

Choosing the perfect bbq party theme is more than just telling your guests to arrive in fancy dress. A party theme is all about the tiny details, from what you and your guests wear right through to the food, drink and music on offer.

If you’re planning a summer barbecue, make sure you’ve got your theme all worked out – and if you’re stuck, we’re here to help. Check out our bbq party theme shortlist, that’s full of inspiration.

1. Traditional BBQ party theme

If you want an easy and well-loved bbq party theme, there’s nothing better than going classic. Stick with picnic-inspired décor like checked throws, mason jars, hand tied bouquets and picnic benches aplenty.

What to wear: Casual attire or if you’re feeling particularly picnic-inspired, red white checked clothes with a straw hat!

Food: The best part of a classic bbq party theme? The food! Think juicy hot dogs, chargrilled burgers and super-cool drinks with plenty of ice.

Drink: Try some classic Pimms No.1 or Watermelon Cooler, perfect for making batches ahead of time.

Entertainment: Good old field games like tug of war, giant jenga or quoits.

Décor: Picnic-inspired décor like checked blankets, picnic baskets, flowers.

2. Texas BBQ party theme

Pay homage to the deep south with a Texas BBQ party theme. Opt for four main styles of BBQ cookery named after the Southern states of Texas, North Carolina, Tennessee and Kansas. You can get tonnes of Southern American bbq rubs, so don’t forget to plan ahead and add these to your shopping list! Click here for the ultimate summer BBQ checklist.

What to wear: Ask your guests to come kitted out in their finest cowboy and cowgirl outfits including hats and bandanas.

Food: All-American favourites like pulled pork cooked on the smoker, beef brisket, bourbon chicken wings and griddled corn on the cob.

Drink: Opt for a fresh, tequila cocktail like a Mango and Strawberry Frozen Margarita or something fruity like a Sex and The City Cosmo.

Entertainment: Decorate the garden with hay and a few rope lassos, complete with country and western music blasting from the speakers.

Décor: American flags, chalkboards with the menu on, red, white and blue napkins.

3. Camping out BBQ party theme

Release your inner Bear Grylls and get your guests into survivalist mode with a camping BBQ party theme. From cooking marshmallows over a flame, to creating fun camping-related games, you’ll definitely have a group of happy campers.

What to wear: Ask your guests to come along wearing their favourite shorts and t-shirt combo, complete with a bucket hat and camping chair to get comfortable on.

Food: Go back to BBQ basics with chargrilled burgers, sausages, veggies, and sweetcorn. For pud, toasted marshmallows or bananas with chocolate sauce are divine. Simple, yet delish!

Drink: An Espresso Martini or Strawberry Moon Colada.

Entertainment: A scavenger hunt for adults, toast your own marshmallows (maybe make S’mores?), songs and stories next to the firepit.

 Décor: Outdoor games made from things in the environment like tee-pee tents, flashlights and camping gear.

4. At the beach BBQ party theme

Hosting a BBQ during summer doesn’t mean you have to stick to meat. Embrace your seafood side with an ‘at the beach’ BBQ party theme, featuring seafood favourites like prawns, scallops and grilled fish.

What to wear: Typical beach attire! Think Hawaiian shirts, flower garlands and bikinis!

Food: Fish – lots of it! You could also put on a spread of veggie options including skewered veg with halloumi, Greek salad and more.

Drink: Opt for fruity cocktails like a Pornstar Pitcher or Summer Sangria.

Entertainment: Beach ball, beach catch, beer pong.

 Décor: Flower garlands, beach towels, sun loungers, cocktail umbrellas.

5. Black tie bbq party theme

Just because your barbecue might be in your back garden doesn’t mean it can’t be posh! Go all out superstar and roll out the red carpet for your guests…

What to wear: Cocktail dresses or ballgowns, black tie attire, top hats and tiaras!

Food: Posh nosh like expertly marinaded meat, fancy starters and a structured menu. 

Drink: Check out our Breakfast at Tiffany’s Martini or Raspberry Cosmo.

Entertainment: A murder mystery game, Trivial Pursuit, I Have Never.

Décor: Balloon arches, flower arrangements, beautiful centrepieces. 

 What’s your favourite party theme?

Now we’ve given you our top five party themes, we’d love to hear yours! Let us know on Facebook or Instagram.