Perfect Pairings: Matching Party Decor and Favors with Your Menu

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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:

1. Kids Party Perfection
   • Various Menu Ideas: Appetizers, Main Courses, Desserts, and Beverages
   • Décor that compliments the menu
   • Correlating Party favors
2. Budget-Friendly and Fabulous
   • Various Menu Ideas: Appetizers, Main Courses, Desserts, and Beverages
   • Décor that compliments the menu
   • Correlating Party favors
3. Adult Party Pairings
   • Various Menu Ideas: Appetizers, Main Courses, Desserts, and Beverages
   • Décor that compliments the menu
   • Correlating Party favors
4. 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

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Check out my other Birthday Party Blogs to help you pull out all the stops:

The Ultimate Birthday Party Blueprint: A Complete Planning Guide with Timelines, Checklists, and More

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