The post-holiday blues are the worst. After warm family get-togethers, festive parties, gift exchanges, and more treats than you could hope for, January tends to be a bit . . . gloomy. While the start of the new year is a time to focus on goals and resolutions, we always find ourselves missing the togetherness of December. But who said you can’t carry over that holiday spirit into January? Keep the party going (literally) by throwing another bash just because you can. And if you’re stuck for a theme, keep reading for 11 party themes for January that’ll make the doom and gloom of Winter a bit more bearable. Post-holiday blues have nothing on you this year!
Have Another Holiday Party, Because Why Not?!
Yes, the holidays are technically over, but there’s no rule saying you have to stop wearing your ugly Christmas sweater or a specific date declaring that your decorations have to come down. Take advantage of your house already being in a festive mood and throw another holiday-themed party! Christmas isn’t over until you say it is.
A Masquerade Party
Is there anything more fun or intriguing than a masquerade party? Show off your creative side by crafting your own masks and coming up with a few fun games to play. A masquerade is also always more fun with a larger group, so invite your friends, coworkers, workout buddies, and more!
A Kardashian-Themed Party
If you follow any of the Kardashians on Instagram, you know how elaborate their parties are. While we would never suggest dropping a small fortune on a casual get-together, definitely use the famous family as inspiration for your own! If you and your besties are fans of Kris Jenner, try baking her famous lemon cake, whipping up a few martinis, and quoting some of her most iconic lines from the show, including, “Kim, would you stop taking pictures of yourself? Your sister’s going to jail.”
Or if Kim is more your speed, take a page out of her book and throw a Candyland-themed party (like for North’s birthday), but instead of lavish and expensive decorations, just get a bunch of candy for a fun movie night!
An Afternoon Tea Party
English breakfast tea, mini cucumber sandwiches, scones with clotted cream and jam, macarons, tea cake . . . the options are endless, and your stomach will be so happy! Whether you want to dress up fancy or keep it casual, channeling your inner Marie Antionette or Queen Elizabeth could be really fun. At the very least, make sure to keep your pinky up!
A Summer-Themed Party
Winter may be here, but you can definitely still channel Summer with a party! You’ll need colorful decorations like balloons, photo props (sunglasses, sunblock, lifeguard whistle), and maybe even a kiddie pool (fill it with ice and use it as a drink cooler!). Serve Summer cocktails like piña coladas or sangria and Summer food like ice cream or hamburgers. To top it all off, use beach towels and chairs instead of the couch for relaxing, and pass out leis as guests arrive. Of course, Summer attire is a must so make sure to have space set aside for Winter coats for those throwing parties in colder climates.
A Basic Things Party
This one might be the easiest party to plan, but you’ll probably end up having the most fun. You’ll need all the basic b*tch essentials: a photo wall decorated with flowers, confetti, pizza, wine, avocado toast, etc. Everyone should embrace wearing leggings and an oversized sweater. Also, everyone should post a “Cheers!” boomerang to their Instagram story. Honestly, “basic” things are the best.
A '90s-Themed Party
Break out those ’90s accessories (hair scrunchies, chokers, butterfly clips, body glitter, etc.), put on the Space Jam soundtrack, and munch on your favorite childhood snacks. We might be venturing into a new decade, but that doesn’t mean we can’t still reminisce!
A Baking-Themed Party
The best part about having a baking day is that you can stay in your pajamas and eat the results! Ask your friends to bring over their favorite recipes and host a bake-off. And if you end up baking too much, share some with your neighbors, coworkers, or your local community shelter. Happy baking!
An Around-the-World-Themed Party
To get the ball rolling on this idea, first write down the names of several countries on strips of paper and throw them into a hat. Have each partygoer pull a country out of the hat (ahead of time), and what you do from there is totally up to you! Each person could bring a traditional dish from their respective country, share fun facts with the group, or decorate different rooms so it feels like you’re traveling around the world – the options are limitless!
A TV-Themed Party
If you feel like you’re the Rachel Green or Jim Halpert of your friend group, then having a sitcom character-themed party is the perfect excuse to act like them for the day! Have guests dress up as their favorite sitcom character and speak like them for the duration of the party.
A Color-Themed Party
All you have to do for this theme is pick a color (or do rainbow!) and run with it in terms of decorations and food. Everyone must dress in that color and all food has to be the selected color. It’s so easy, it might even become a monthly tradition! For your first party, try out Pantone’s Color of the Year for 2020: Classic Blue.