How to Decorate a Birthday Party With a Bar Theme

A bar theme birthday party is ideal for a 21st birthday party or a birthday that falls on a drinking holiday such as St. Patrick's Day, New Year's Eve or Mardi Gras. It can also be a great option for a bar enthusiast. A bar theme party can be casual or sophisticated, depending on the type of bar you select. Although a bar theme party is a fun way to celebrate, remember it's only recommended for people who are of legal drinking age.

Things You'll Need

• Plastic barware
• Plastic or glass shot glasses
• Cocktail napkins
• Paper or cardboard coasters
• Label paper
• Sign for the door
• Ample table and chairs
• Lights

Instructions

1. Pick the type of bar you want to create before you start decorating. You can choose the type of bar the birthday person usually likes, or you can pick a universal theme like a sports bar or tavern. If you'd like guests to dress up, you can choose a martini bar or wine bar. For a birthday party with dancing, opt for a honky tonk bar. Historical-themed bars could include a speakeasy from the 1920s, a Disco bar from the 1970s or a saloon from the Wild West. Exotic parties may have a Tiki lounge theme.

2. 

   Create the bar theme ambiance with lighting. Dim any overhead lights and add string lights along the top of the walls for soft lighting. These lights are often used on patios and can include Jalapeno peppers for a Cantina bar theme or wine or margarita glasses. Add lit candles in safe places. For a neighborhood bar theme, rent a neon light.

3. Create a sign for the front door. The sign should reflect the type of bar you are using as inspiration for the party. Make up a funny bar name, or use the birthday person's name in the sign. The sign may be created with a word processing program and printed, or you can make one with paint and cardboard.

4. 

   Add coasters, liquor filled chocolate bottles wrapped in foil, nuts and other snacks in shot glasses around the room. Put cocktail napkins and coasters under all containers. Use cocktail shakers and empty wine and liquor bottles for flowers.

5. Create a bar in the main party room. The bar could be as simple as a table with a bartender behind it. Having a guest or friend play the bartender for the night will help create the illusion of a real bar. Line up some empty glasses on the table with some olives, cut lemons and limes and nuts. Put a bookshelf along the wall behind the bartender and the table, and line up the liquor. Serve all drinks and food from glasses.

6. Set up small tables around the room. Add one or two chairs to each seating area. Include piles of cocktail napkins around the room. For added effect, have playing cards and matchbooks made up with the name of the fake bar.

Tips & Warnings

• Look for bar theme party decorations that could be intended for a 21st birthday party or for New Year's Eve, which are often associated with bars and drinking. Serve the birthday cake in margarita glasses. Make your own bar labels to put on the beer bottles.

• Do not encourage guests to drink to excess if they will be driving.

Resources

• How to Throw a Themed Stock the Bar Party
• How to Decorate an Adult's Birthday Party