Perfect Pairings: Matching Party Decor and Favors with Your Menu
Have you ever gotten stuck on how to make your party seem like one cohesive event? No more Frankenstein-ing your party there Victor, this article is for you. Get ready to impress your guests with perfectly coordinated party decor and favors that tie in seamlessly with your menu. From elegant adult soirées to Kid-friendly casual, I pulled together some inspiration so you can create a memorable and cohesive experience. I also included free pintables for each section.
Table of Contents:
- Kids Party Perfection
• Various Menu Ideas: Appetizers, Main Courses, Desserts, and Beverages
• Décor that compliments the menu
• Correlating Party favors - Budget-Friendly and Fabulous
• Various Menu Ideas: Appetizers, Main Courses, Desserts, and Beverages
• Décor that compliments the menu
• Correlating Party favors - Adult Party Pairings
• Various Menu Ideas: Appetizers, Main Courses, Desserts, and Beverages
• Décor that compliments the menu
• Correlating Party favors - Uniquely Chic
• Various Menu Ideas: Appetizers, Main Courses, Desserts, and Beverages
• Décor that compliments the menu
• Correlating Party favors
Kids’ Party Perfection:
I’ve rounded up some kid-friendly menu ideas along with perfectly paired party decor and favors to help you create an unforgettable experience. Mix and match these fun and flavorful ideas according to the theme and style of your kids’ party. Couple that with some of the games from my previous blog by clicking here, and you are going to have a great time!
Pick Some Appetizers & Snacks:
| Menu Item | Party Decor | Party Favors |
| Veggie & Dip Cups | Neutral colored decor with fun designs, think woodland theme or garden party themed décor | Mini veggie-shaped erasers, or chia pets |
| Cheese & Crackers | Cute animal-shaped cheese slices on a kid-friendly animal shaped charcuterie board | Mini animal keychains |
| Fruit Kabobs | Brightly colored skewers, napkins, plates, and cutlery – Think unicorn parties in pastel or rainbow parties in bright colors throughout | Mini scented fruit-shaped stress balls |
| PB&J Sandwich Bites | Whimsical-shaped cookie cutters, great for young kids with animal themes or forest themed parties | Mini jars of peanut butter and jelly with cookie cutters to recreate at home |
| Mini Pizzas | Pizza-themed paper plates, video game or movie themed décor | Pizza printed socks |
Choose a Main Course:
| Menu Item | Party Decor | Party Favors |
| Dino Nuggets | Dinosaur everything! Include a mashed potato lava mountain if you’re feeling adventurous | Dino toys or 3D puzzles |
| Macaroni & Cheese Bar | Fun-shaped pasta bowls, this can go with any theme or kid’s party so go crazy – match the DIY mac n cheese bar toppings to fit the theme | Mini macaroni and cheese cookbooks |
| Mini Hot Dogs | Carnival-themed party, bright colors, animal stuffies, carnival games etcetera | Mini bottles of ketchup and mustard or cotton candy |
| Grilled Cheese Bites | Retro lunchbox serving trays, roller skate party, laid back, retro yellow and reds, think flower power party or disco | Groovy 70’s flower power sunglasses or mini disco balls |
| Mini Sliders | Racecar-themed napkins, Nascar theme or sports themed parties | Mini racecar toys, mini sport related toy, or personalized water bottles |
Don’t Skimp on the Desserts:
| Menu Item | Party Decor | Party Favors |
| Cupcake Decorating | Decorative cupcake stand DIYs, colorful and creative themes, for the crafty kid, lots of crafting tables | Mini cupcake-themed coloring books with crayons |
| Ice Cream Sundaes | Vibrant ice cream bowls, this could go with any theme, pair the topping to match the theme | Mini ice cream scoops |
| Cookie Decorating | Whimsical cookie jars (have them paint their own as a keepsake/party activity), have the cookie jar match the theme. | Mini jars of sprinkles, icing and cookie mix to go inside the jars |
| Chocolate Fondue | Fun-shaped fondue pots, think “paint and dip” party, fun colorful paints, bright colored decor | Mini chocolate fondue sets or painting aprons – that they paint at the party! |
| Rice Krispie Treats | Colorful bunting banners, summer birthday’s with outdoor décor, sparklers, lots of balloons | Mini bags of marshmallows and mini boxes of rice Krispie cereal |
Always Have Beverage Options:
| Menu Item | Party Decor | Party Favors |
| Fruit Punch | Tropical-themed drink cups – like coconuts, luau parties with leis, ear flowers and grass skirts | Mini umbrellas and leis |
| Lemonade | Lemon-themed paper cups, think summer fresh, light blue and bright yellows, refreshing backyard sprinkler fun or pool party | Mini bags of lemon drops and sunhats |
| Milkshakes | Colorful paper straws, old school 1950s birthday party. Poodle skirts, greasers and sock hop dance parties | Hula-hoops or sticky faux sideburns |
| Slushies | Think pool parties, or 1990’s themes. Bright neon colors with geometric shapes | Mini snow cone keychains or fun shaped slushy cups |
| Smoothies | Either athletic aesthetic or sophisticated kid party, neutral tones, minimal décor but very specific details such as “Olympic golden metal” or “coffee shop” vibe to the smoothie bar | Personalized sweat bands or tumblers |
By mixing and matching these ideas, you can start to create a fully cohesive party. The kids will be able to take home some cute trinkets and lots of memories, hooray! For a quick ideas list of birthday party ideas by age checkout my FREE DOWNLOAD here!
Budget-Friendly and Fabulous:
Planning a party on a budget doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice style or taste. I’ve rounded up some budget-friendly menu ideas along with paired decor and fun party favors to help you host a fabulous event that won’t break the bank. Feel free to mix and match here too. And refer to my indoor/outdoor party games article by clicking here, to round out your planning.
Apps and snacks that snap:
| Menu Item | Party Decor | Party Favors |
| Veggie Platter | Colorful paper table runners, balloons, park party, or colorful spring flower party | Mini herb or flower seed packets |
| Chips and Dip | Rustic wooden serving bowls, Fiesta themes, vibrant fun colors and patterns | Personalized chip clips |
| Bruschetta | Vibrant Italian-themed napkins, red, white and green colors, or crisp whites blue and lemon yellow, heavy on the appetizers and bites, light on the main course | Mini bottles of balsamic vinegar |
| Cheese and Cracker Board | Simple cheeseboard with chalkboard labels, you can customize the colors and style per your theme, this is really a universal Appetizer | Cheese sample tray |
| Meatballs | Casual checkered tablecloths, sport themed, fun sport specific colors, lots of finger foods and little flag toothpicks or Italian theme with red and white paper bursts and pastas | Sport themed swirly straws or loaves of homemade French bread |
Main Course for any taste:
| Menu Item | Party Decor | Party Favors |
| Pasta with Marinara Sauce | Casual, red-checkered tablecloths, wooden platters, greenery plant accents | Mini bottles of infused olive oil |
| BBQ Chicken Sandwiches | Rustic burlap table runners, bunting banners, wood pallet makeshift outdoor tables, twinkle lights, sunflowers | BBQ sauce recipe book |
| Veggie Stir Fry | Colorful paper lanterns, white tablecloths, bright bowls, wooden elements | Fun fortune cookies |
| Taco Bar | Fiesta-themed decorations, piñata, brightly colored paper bursts, streamers and balloons, lots of games | Mini bottles of hot sauce |
| Pizza Party | Pizza-themed paper plates, DIY pizza topping bar, PJ party game night décor. Maybe some glow stick necklaces and sleeping bags | Pizza-shaped notebooks and pencils |
Delicious Desserts:
| Menu Item | Party Decor | Party Favors |
| Brownie Bites | Casual paper napkins, warm and cozy décor, think winter birthday, white, reds and greens, hot coco and candy cane decorations. | Brownie mix mason jar with hand written recipe |
| Candy Bar | Halloween decorations, spooky skeletons and orange pumpkins with battery powered candles | Mini bags of candy to take home |
| Assorted Cookies | Classic cookie jars, burlap table runner over white tablecloth, fresh flowers here or there and colorful balloons. I see a garden party theme | Assorted teas or handkerchief |
| Fruit Salad | Fresh fruit centerpieces, balloons, streamers, paper cutout décor, banners that fit with the theme. Fruit salad can be paired with any party or theme | Sparklers on a thank you froyo coupon card |
| Ice Cream Sundae Bar | Colorful sprinkles and toppings décor, metal troughs, bright printable labels, chalkboard signs, paper hats and aprons | Mini ice cream bowls and spoons to take home |
Budget Beverages:
| Menu Item | Party Decor | Party Favors |
| Capri-sun | Summer party, outside, water décor like cartoon splashes or bright sun characters | Personalized Caricatures |
| Iced Tea | Mason jar cups, banners, hay bail seating, or blankets on grass, southern themed décor, cowboy/cowgirl theme, or redneck theme | Personalized drink koozies |
| Hot Coco | Winter themed parties, cozy aesthetic, warm blankets, candlelit ambience, movie night marathon | Hot Coco Kits with candy canes |
| Homemade Soda | 50’s diner theme, pastel color palate, vinyl records, 50s playlist to set the mood | Glass bottle Coca-Cola or retro candy |
| Coffee Bar | Cozy coffee-themed party, chocolate and off-white colored décor, Bookworm or sophisticated party themes, dim lighting, and great discussions | Mini bags of coffee beans or coffee bean chocolate |
Hopefully these budget-friendly ideas will inspire your inner creativity so you can host a fabulous event and be a baller host on a budget. To get your menu inspiration fired up check out my post about How to Feed People at Your Party by clicking here!
Adult Party Pairings:
Hosting a party for adults doesn’t have to be awkward or stale like a crouton. In fact, it’s more often my reason to make a really good meal that I can’t justify making for just me. So here are my top picks, some with themes and some without. Because it’s just nice to eat with your friends sometimes with or without the kiddos. Pinkies out!
Sophisticated Appetizers:
| Menu Item | Party Décor | Party Favors |
| Charcutier Board | Rustic wooden boards with chalkboard labels, wine and cheese pairings, good music and din lighting, elegant center pieces | Personalized cheese knives |
| Mini Bruschetta Bites | Elegant serving trays with fresh herbs, aromatic beverage pairings, bright tablecloths | Mini herb-infused olive oil bottles |
| Stuffed Mushrooms | Cozy candlelit ambiance, lemon and eucalyptus center pieces, moody music | Mini succulent plants |
| Caprese Skewers | Vibrant Italian-themed tablecloth, white serving platters, refreshing bubbly, green and wooden elements | Customized recipe cards |
| Spinach Artichoke Dip | Chic cast iron serving bowls, artisanal décor, parchment wrapped bread in wooden baskets | Artisanal spoon rest |
Winning Main Courses:
| Menu Item | Party Decor | Party Favors |
| BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders | Rustic burlap table runners, casual and comfortable décor, think fourth of July or sports parties | Mini mason jar BBQ sauce favors |
| Grilled Vegetable Skewers | Colorful floral centerpieces, brightly colored umbrellas, colored blankets for seating, long family style table | Colored umbrella |
| Shrimp Scampi Pasta | Elegant white table linens, lively music, bright ambiance, elements of interactive décor to inspire conversation such as unique art throughout the party or DIY pasta stations or pots for guests to paint | Potted herbs in artistic pots |
| Beef Tenderloin | Rustic wood serving platters, Yellowstone party theme, brown décor, and cowhide accents | Mini steak knives |
| Mushroom Risotto | Earthy wooden serving bowls, elegant and comfortable, tones of green with accents of copper, goddess party | Mini bottles of truffle oil |
Decadent Desserts:
| Menu Item | Party Decor | Party Favors |
| Chocolate Fondue | Romantic candlelit ambiance, red and dark charcoal palate | Mini fondue sets |
| Fruit Tartlets | Pastel-colored table linens, greenery throughout the theme, fresh lemons and eucalyptus | Mini tartlet to take home |
| Red Velvet Cupcakes | Elegant, tiered cupcake stands, cherry blossom décor, brown, reds and buttercream color palate | Mini cupcake boxes |
| Lemon Bars | Citrus-themed table decorations, fun light décor, think outdoor summer party. Refreshing and bright colors, upbeat music and lots of entertainment | Customized lemon-scented candles |
| Chocolate Truffles | Luxurious gold serving trays, Moody music and lighting, coffee scents wafting through the air, book club night or special occasions like anniversaries | Mini custom boxes of gourmet chocolates |
Beverages:
| Menu Item | Party Decor | Party Favors |
| Mojitos | Tropical-themed cocktail party, bright colors, festive activities, lots of dancing music | Personalized cocktail shakers |
| Sangria | Winter parties, cozy and expressive décor such as Unique glasses or a cocktail bar for DIY concoctions | Mini bottles of homemade sangria mix |
| Lemonade | Vintage-inspired glasses, pick a decades party theme for décor and matching tunes, use the decade theme and create a custom lemonade mix to match such as “pink ladies lemonade” | Vintage glass set (each one can be different and unique) |
| Craft Beer Flight | Rustic wooden beer flight paddles, sport themes, or backyard BBQ theme, plenty of games and challenges to keep guests entertained | Engraved beer bottle openers |
| Mimosa Bar | Elegant champagne flutes, Brunch theme, lots of snacks, bright décor, fresh flowers | Mini bottles of champagne |
Pick your menu, choose your theme, and get ready to throw the party of the year! For entertainment ideas click here for my article All About Indoor and Outdoor Games for Your Next Party.
Uniquely Chic:
If you are planning a one-of-a-kind event, I have created some great cohesive ideas to help inspire you along the way, you remarkable being! All to help you create a truly unforgettable experience.
Appetizers or should I say appe-teasers:
| Menu Item | Party Decor | Party Favors |
| Avocado Toast Bites (with or without the salmon) | Stone slab serving platters. Think: friends brunchin’ & munchin’. Fresh foods, light bubbles with grapefruit-colored accents. Cheeky an endearing | Mini BFF avocado keychains |
| Bacon-Wrapped feta-stuffed Dates | Elegant gold cocktail picks, art deco style, 1920’s theme. Gatsby and speak easys’. Leather, emerald green and gold accents. | Mini bottles of gourmet hot honey or a leather-bound journal |
| Smoked stuffed Mini Peppers | Colorful serving platters, White linen for the main color and textures, accents colors of turquoise, jade, sunflower and poppy | Mini cactus in colorful pots |
| Caprese Spinach Salad | Vibrant Capri colored tablecloth, with lemon accents and a dash of fluorescent pink, bright food, flavors and coastal music | Bottles of balsamic glaze with an elegant hand-written note |
| Spicy Tuna Wontons | Asian-inspired paper lanterns, cherry blossom accents and plenty of greenery around | Chopsticks |
Thoughtful Main Courses:
| Menu Item | Party Decor | Party Favors |
| Sushi Burritos | Modern sushi platters, family style seating low to the ground with pillows, karaoke | Japanese inspired umbrella |
| Gourmet Mac and Cheese bar | Oversized serving bowls, comfort food party or potluck. Anything goes, make it weird – Mac. Dress it up or down, what’s your flavor? | Olive Garden cheese graters |
| Cauliflower Steak | Rustic wooden serving boards, colors: cranberry, white and green. Fresh herbs throughout the table | Bottles of herb-infused olive oil |
| Korean BBQ Tacos | Modern Korean meets urban décor, gold, white and gray, serving boxes with newspaper style print inside | Mini bottles of kimchi |
| Quinoa Stuffed Bell Peppers | Boho-style party, woven placemats, bright colors, family style seating, eucalyptus scent, boho playlist | Small succulent plants |
Exceptional Desserts:
| Menu Item | Party Decor | Party Favors |
| Unicorn Cake Pops | Pastel-colored table linens, fluffy pastel tool made to look like clouds or cotton candy | Paintable unicorn ceramic figurine that they could paint at the party! |
| Matcha Green Tea Tiramisu | Zen-inspired bamboo serving trays, spa like music, think meditation and renewal brunch or afternoon. Yoga mats and assortment of tranquil zones | Mini bamboo tea sets |
| Chocolate Avocado Mousse | Modern glass dessert cups, colors: cherry, white and brown | Homemade chocolate sugar scrub |
| Lavender Earl Grey Cookies | Elegant floral centerpieces, playful hanging lights, grandma-style mismatched floral dinnerware, white linen tablecloth. Think wonderland garden tea party meets strawberry shortcake | Bags of lavender buds |
| Salted Caramel Panna Cotta | Chic gold dessert spoons, coastal colors, Amalfi coast style décor | Salted caramel sauce |
Poppin’ Beverages:
| Menu Item | Party Decor | Party Favors |
| Cucumber Basil Gimlet | Fresh cucumber and basil garnishes | Herb seed packets |
| Dragon fruit Sangria | Exotic tropical-themed cocktail umbrellas | Dragon fruit syrup |
| Rosemary Grapefruit Spritzer | Rustic rosemary sprigs | Homemade bottles of rosemary-infused simple syrup |
| Coconut Lavender Lemonade | Tropical coconut cups | Fresh lavender sprigs bound with a handwritten recipe of the drink |
| Spicy Watermelon Margaritas | Vibrant fiesta-themed straws | Spicy margarita salt |
Again, mix and match any of these ideas to create a unique party experience that showcases who you are. Note: You are a magnificent being of creation and talent! If you want to learn what planning styles are best for you, check out my article about Unleashing Your Inner Productivity: Planning Methods for Your Personality Type by clicking here!
Don’t get to caught up in party perfection. Your effort will not go unnoticed by your guests. And chances are, if you forgot something, they won’t even realize it was supposed to be there. Parties are such a great opportunity to showcase your culture, style, personality, talents, and knack for helping people feel welcome and special. So go crazy kids!
If this inspired you to have some great ideas too, share them below and let’s keep the inspiration train rolling! I really appreciate you being here on Plan By Blog and can’t wait to see how you turned your inspired ideas into memories made.
Pinkies Out,
Anna
Check out my other Birthday Party Blogs to help you pull out all the stops:
Perfect Pairings: Matching Party Decor & Favors with Your Menu
How to Feed People at Your Party
All About Indoor and Outdoor Games for Your Next Party
Free Downloads:
BIRTHDAY PARTY PLANNING CHECKLIST
CHECKLIST FOR PLANNING A SURPRISE BIRTHDAY PARTY
TIMELINE FOR PLANNING A PARTY
10 UNIQUE BIRTHDAY PARTY IDEAS FOR EACH SEASON
My Free Downloads Library Hosts Tons of Printable Planning Pages, Checklists, and more. Check it Out Here:
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