How to Host a Titanic Themed Party

The Timeless Fascination with the Titanic

If you loved James Cameron’s Titanic as much as the rest of the global population, you are just the host for a Titanic themed party. But regardless of whether you love – or have even seen – that movie, this is still a great party theme if you are fascinated with the history of this notable ship and its tragic legacy.

On one hand, the popular 1997 movie makes a wonderful theme. The setting, the styles, the design, and everything the film captured from that period are all delightful party fodder. But on the other hand, it may seem odd to have a party about something that took the lives of over 1,500 people. So I encourage you to see this party as a tribute to everyone who died and their families. The reason to party during tragedy – and afterwards – is to honor the way life should be, for the sufferers and for everyone. At a Titanic themed party, you can celebrate what that magnificent ship’s voyage should have been; that is, a safe passage for all aboard that culminated at New York City. Host the party that everyone aboard should have had, and raise a glass to them as you and your friends enjoy a fun and lively celebration!

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How to Throw a Titanic Themed Party

1. Create a Nautical Scene

Find nautical-themed decorations such as nautical confetti, an anchor garland, or a nautical monkey’s fist beeswax rope candle to give your space the vibe of sailing across the Atlantic. Light taper candles in vintage style candlesticks to cast a timeless glow reminiscent of dining on a luxury ship in 1912. Anything you own that’s luxurious and antique can go center stage here!

2. Prepare Titanic-Inspired Food and Beverages

Serve first class refreshments like canapés, a fine cheese board, gin martinis, Cognac, and anything edible that’s fancy. Or offer a third class culinary experience (no less tasty!) of tea, vegetable stew, warm bread and butter, potatoes, and other such hearty fare. It’s easy to spend a lot on food. If you want to keep it thrifty, you can invite guests to BYOB and/or bring edible items to share. Most people are happy to contribute (see 5. Guest Participation). But regardless, be aware of any invited guests’ dietary restrictions and provide at least one or two decent food/drink options for them that are both tasty and filling.

3. Set the Ambience with Thematic Music and Scents

The most relevant music to play at a Titanic themed party is the iconic movie soundtrack. Or you could play the movie in the background. Careful, though: you don’t want to make people cry at your party with the tearjerker ending! It may be safer to just play the soundtrack, Titanic-inspired music, or a Titanic-themed ambiance video. Here are a few of those:

• First-class smoking room of the Titanic soundscape (classical music)
• Wandering the empty halls of the Titanic soundscape (echoey vintage oldies music)
• Titanic songbook/White Star Line music (list of original songs played on the Titanic)
• John Ryan’s polka or general Irish polka music

Burn a nautical-themed or Titanic-inspired scented candle to fully immerse your guests in the Titanic world! Here are a few to engage the evocative sense of smell:

• Salt and sea scented candle
• Bed linens on the Titanic scented candle
• Unsinkable Molly Brown/Titanic scented candle

4. Plan Titanic Games or Activities

Test your guests’ history knowledge with Titanic trivia. There are so many sources on the internet where you can find facts about the Titanic – some well known and some not so well known. Unpacking the ship’s history alone would make for fascinating (and informative) party conversation. You can also download a printable Titanic treasure hunt game , or play the Titanic movie-themed board game or this Titanic board game.

5. Establish Guest Participation

Guest participation is the extent to which you’d like guests to contribute to your party. For instance, a potluck-style party requires that guests share a dish or drink. Or maybe participation entails inviting your guests to dress up in 1912-era style, whether they wear a fancy beaded antique gown à la Rose, or a simple white collared shirt under suspenders with a nod to Jack. If you want to invite guests to participate in any way, just make sure you let them know when you initially invite them!

Checklist of Items You Need for Your Titanic Themed Party

These are the things to gather for this party:

1. Nautical decorations
2. Titanic-inspired refreshments
3. Titanic soundtrack or Titanic era-inspired music or soundscapes
4. Titanic-inspired scented candles
5. Titanic trivia and/or games
6. Titanic-inspired outfit/costume

Preparation Checklist for Your Titanic Themed Party

1. First, confirm that people can come on any chosen date:

1. Choose party date/time, and preferably alternative date(s) as well
2. Choose guest list and establish minimum number of guests you’d like (to make it worth your effort)
3. Six weeks out, confirm guests’ interest in the party and availability on chosen party date(s)
4. If your preferred minimum number of guests confirm interest and availability, have them secure calendar date for your party!

2. Then, proceed with planning:

1. Schedule time on your calendar for each step of party prep (securing and/or making food/drinks, etc.)
2. Create invitations with all the details and send them out 4 weeks before the party
3. Order any party supplies and decorations 3 weeks out (so they arrive in time to prepare and set up)
4. Shop for any party supplies/decorations you don’t order online, as well as non-perishable food/drinks
5. In your planned time slots, acquire perishable food/drinks early enough in advance to prepare in time
6. In your planned time slots, set up decorations
7. In your planned time slots, prepare food/drinks (depending on how long things keep)

3. Day of Party (in your amply planned time slot):

1. Prepare any foods/drinks that are too fresh to do any earlier
2. Set up any quick/easy last-minute supplies and decorations
3. Prepare ambience (audio/visual, candles)
4. Get dressed in your Titanic themed party outfit
5. Once everything’s ready, do any self-care to get yourself relaxed, energized, and centered. You will be happier, and guests will pick up on your contagiously good vibe and be happier as well – everybody’s best interest!

Let the Titanic live on in everyone’s memories as an incredible feat, a tragic lesson, and an unforgotten history. Celebrating with your Titanic themed party will help to do just that!