Space: The Edge of Existence As We Know It
The universe is unbelievably vast and fascinating. And scientists continue to discover more mind-blowing information (like a picture of a black hole). Yet, when it comes to party themes, most people think about space parties for kids. While space is a terrific kids’ party theme, that doesn’t mean it isn’t also an awesome adult party theme! An adult space party is all about creating a cosmic environment that brings the night alive. You turn the lights down low and cast a starry glow with party lights. You hang planets, stars, and perhaps even space trash if you want. Then you play fun space party music of your choice and have a good time with friends. So before you take the reins on the details (like dancing vs. games, etc.), let’s cover the universal basics for hosting a stellar space party!
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Making a Space Party
1. Turn Your Home Into Outer Space with Galactic Décor
Stars, moon, sun, planets, comets, galaxies, black holes (there’s a decorating dare), astronauts. It’s easy to decorate for a space party! You’ll know you did it right when someone walks in and gets lost…in space! While decorating can get pricy depending on how elaborate you get, you can usually find inexpensive party supplies if you know where to look. And it isn’t hard to find a plethora of space party decorations! Here are some fun finds to get you started:
- Hanging paper lantern planets (4) and sun or hanging paper Solar System planets (all 8)
- Solar system banner and more space themed decorations
- Star string lights
- Sparkly space confetti
- Gold star banner
- Blue and silver circle garland
- Hanging iridescent star
- Space themed door covers
- Space themed cups and more space decorations and party supplies
- Galaxy plates, galaxy cups, and galaxy napkins
2. Prepare Space-Inspired Food and Beverages
Time to get crafty with your menu! Whether you provide all refreshments or whether you request that guests bring a space-themed dish or drink to share, food is a great way to engage your guests in this theme. While you could always serve up a thematic spread of astronaut food for a fun twist, I recommend a menu comprised primarily of actual fresh food. Serve any tasty party fare that you can easily share (i.e. cheese board, veggie platter, rice and beans, taco casserole, or whatever you normally serve as a go-to party dish) and then treat your guests to these galactic treats:
- ‘Out of this world’ space snack tray
- Moon pies
- Easy galaxy cupcakes
- Galaxy donuts and vegan galaxy donuts
- Magic galaxy squash hydrator
- Galaxy lemonade and galaxy lemonade cocktails
- Galaxy magic mule (colour-changing Moscow mule)
3. Set a Cosmic Ambience with a Stellar Playlist
There are endless songs about space, at least in title. And then there are music genres that people tend to associate with space, which lean toward electronic (given that space travel is associated with the future and advanced technology). But all that really matters is that you play fun party music that you and your friends enjoy. Or maybe you like relaxing mood music accompanied by space imagery. Either way, there are a lot of options! Here are some space-themed songs or playlists for inspiration:
- Incubus’s Stellar
- Ladyhawke’s Black White & Blue
- Space-inspired lofi music and more space-inspired lofi music
- David Bowie’s Space Oddity or Starman
- Daft Punk’s Interstella 5555
- Spacefolk banjo chillwave music and more from Space Banjo
4. Add Evocative Scents
While space as we know it doesn’t have an actual scent (there are no molecules comprising the ‘air’, after all!), it’s still refreshing to smell delightful aromas created by burning space-inspired candles such as these:
- Interstellar candle (raspberry, butter, rum, sea salt, musk, vanilla)
- Astronomy candle (nag champa and palo santo)
- More space themed candles
Checklist of Items You Need
Now that we’ve covered what you’ll need to do for a space party, here are the tangible items to acquire for it:
- Space party decorations
- Space party treats and other basic refreshments
- Space party music
- Space-inspired scented candles
Preparation Checklist for Your Space Party
Most of these steps for party preparation apply to any type of party you host. So while we covered all the galactic ideas above, below are basic party planning guidelines to neatly order each step of the process (you can find more thorough details in the Best Party Practices posts):
1. First, confirm that people can come on any chosen date
- Choose party date/time, and preferably alternative date(s) as well
- Choose guest list and establish minimum number of guests you’d like (to make it worth your effort)
- Six weeks out, confirm guests’ interest in the party and availability on chosen party date(s). The only details you’ll need to share at this time include what type of party it will be (space-themed); any requested participation (i.e. bring food to share, or BYOB); party date and general time of day; and your address (or other location if elsewhere)
- This first step is just to get people to confirm that, barring unforeseen circumstances, they are able and willing to attend and will save the date to do so. If your preferred minimum number of guests confirm interest and availability, have them secure the calendar date for your awesome space party!
2. Then, proceed with the fun planning
Once your party date’s established, get out your calendar and map out when you plan to do every step of preparation leading up to the party:
- First, sit down and schedule time on your calendar for each step of party prep as listed below
- Create invitations with all the details and send them out 4 weeks before the party
- Order any party supplies and decorations 3 weeks out (so they arrive in time to set up)
- Shop for any party supplies/decorations you don’t order online, as well as non-perishable food/drinks
- Acquire perishable food/drinks early enough in advance to prepare in time
- Set up decorations
- Prepare food/drinks (depending on how long things keep)
3. Day of Party
It’s important to get as much party prep done far enough in advance that you have some time to yourself to relax come party day, especially if you’ve been busy. So be sure to plan your day-of-party preparations early enough to have that time and space to yourself as well. Within those amply planned/set-aside time slots, you can expect to do these preparations during the day of your party:
- Complete any last-minute food/drink prep that are too fresh to do any earlier
- Set up any quick/easy last-minute supplies and decorations (if not up already)
- Prepare ambience (audio/visual, candles)
- Get dressed in your favourite space party outfit
- Once everything’s ready, take some time for any preferred self-care activities that get you in a good headspace so you can be a grounded, energized, and happy host!
All Set to Host a Super Space Party
And that’s all there is to it! As long as you put thought and care into party preparation and keep a flexible mindset, your space party will be a terrific time everyone will remember. So have fun with it, and see you somewhere in the universe!
