Your Big Apple Guide to a New York Themed Party
Lauren Miolene
Editor
Doesn’t it just make sense to throw a party inspired by the city that never sleeps? The Big Apple is home to some of the best food, entertainment, and sports in the world, so it’s guaranteed to make your special event extra memorable. Plus, there are countless shows and movies take place in this iconic city like Friends, Sex and the City, and Gossip Girl. Bring the excitement of the culture, landmarks, and other New York City staples to your next themed celebration.
New York City is bright and bold, making it an ideal backdrop for an upcoming birthday party, bar or bat mitzvah, or even wedding reception. Whether you tap into the details of iconic tourist locations or choose a more historic Manhattan aesthetic, this city offers it all. Celebrate your next milestone Big Apple style with our tips and tricks for a New York City themed party.
Check out our Pinterest board for more New York themed party ideas!
1. Live Music
If you’ve ever been to the city, you know there is music on almost every corner. Bring the excitement of a live performance to your New York themed party with talented musicians featured on The Bash. Browse different categories including steel drum bands, saxophonists, guitarists, and much more.
2. New York Pizza
New York is known for their pizza, so you’re going to want to serve this up at your New York themed party. Order plenty of pies beforehand so guests can grab slices throughout the celebration. Include the classics like cheese and pepperoni, but don’t be afraid to get creative like penne alla vodka pizza or even cheeseburger pizza.
3. I Heart NY Attire
If you’re wondering what to wear to a New York themed party, take the stereotypical tourist route. Invite guests to wear their cheesiest, tackiest NYC souvenirs that they've collected over the years. From the classic heart t-shirts and hats, to tote bags and accessories, go all out with your New York themed party outfits to celebrate in style.
4. Appletini
A martini fit for the Big Apple, obviously! Mix up vodka, green apple schnapps, lemon juice, and serve over ice with a fresh slice of apple as garnish . This sweet cocktail will make the perfect signature drink for your New York theme party. Plus, who doesn’t love a classic appletini? For a fun mocktail option, you can always serve sparkling apple cider to keep on theme.
5. Skyline Backdrop
When you hear “New York City,” you probably imagine the iconic skyline of famous buildings and skyscrapers, so you’ll need to incorporate it into the party decor. Hang a city inspired tapestry or poster to use as a backdrop for pictures and other New York themed party festivities. Browse affordable skyline backdrops on Amazon to find scenes from your favorite burrough.
6. New York Street Food
Food carts with all the classic treats are a must for this New York City themed party, especially since they’re incredibly easy to find and book on The Bash! You’ll want to include the typical street snacks like hot dogs and pretzels, so guests can get a taste of New York City during your party. Choose from food trucks, caterers, and more.
7. Newspaper Print Outfits
The New York Times is a Manhattan staple, so as an ode to this famous paper, invite guests to dress in classic newspaper print. This black and white pattern is iconic and unique, adding the perfect touch to your New York themed party outfits.
8. Cosmopolitans
As a nod to the ‘90s show, Sex and the City, enjoy a few cosmopolitans at your New York themed party, Carrie Bradshaw style. You’ll need vodka, triple sec, lime juice, and cranberry juice to whip up this perfectly pink cocktail that is just as sophisticated as it is aesthetic.
9. M&Ms
Chances are, if you’ve ever visited Times Square, you most likely went to M&M World for a sweet treat. This tourist attraction offers all the classic colorful chocolate candies that will add a subtle and delicious touch to your New York theme party. Serve M&M cookies, give out mini bags of M&Ms as party favors, or create an M&M inspired cocktail.
10. Photo Booth
You’ll want to capture the vibrance and essence of this New York themed party in every way possible. One of the easiest and most memorable ways is by decking out your photo booth! You can feature different backgrounds like a picturesque city skyline backdrop, subway station stops, graffiti walls, or even the Brooklyn Bridge. Incorporate props including subway maps, I heart NYC signs, and Broadway playbills for a playful touch.
11. String Lights
Channel the bright lights in the big city at this New York themed party. No matter what time of day or night you step out in the city, there are lights from buildings, billboards, cars, and street lamps everywhere. Mimic the look of city lights with string lights to accent your space. This will help set a cozy ambient atmosphere in your New York theme party space.
12. New York Bagels
You don’t get better bagels than New York bagels, but we’re definitely biased. Incorporate this quintessential New Yorker breakfast by including a DIY bagel spread at the New York themed party. Get a variety of bagels and make sure to include all of the fixin’s like cream cheese, lox, onions, tomatoes, and more for the ultimate bagel spread.
13. Human Statues
There are iconic statues scattered all throughout the city, so if you want to create an authentic ambience, consider booking a few human statues. These event professionals can dress in different statue styles like marble or bronze so they’ll look like the real thing. Human statues are so convincing, they’ll have guests second guessing if they’re entertainment or New York themed party decor!
14. Manhattans
You need to serve Manhattans at your New York themed party, we don’t make the rules! To make this classic cocktail, mix together whiskey or bourbon, sweet vermouth, and bitters, and garnish with Maraschino cherries and orange peel. If you want to transport guests to a New York City bar, consider booking a bartender.
15. Costumed Charcaters
If you’ve been to Times Square, you know there are costumed characters everywhere. From superheroes and animals, to princesses and movie characters, you can snap a photo with everyone in the heart of the city. To guarantee an authentic experience, book costumed characters to recreate this tourist attraction right at your New York City themed party.
16. Marquee Signs
New York is home to many historic theaters including The Gershwin, Radio City Music Hall, and Carnegie Hall. Take inspiration from these iconic venues by featuring bright and bold marquee signs for New York themed party decorations. This is a perfect decor option to celebrate the guest of honor for a birthday party or even wedding.
17. Candy Apples
For this New York themed party, any sort of apple related dessert or beverage is perfect to honor The Big Apple. Add a big tray of shiny, red candy apples to your dessert spread for guests to enjoy. Not only is this on par for the theme, but who doesn’t love a candy apple?
18. New Year Countdown
New Year’s Eve is one of the most well known events that takes place in Manhattan, but who says it needs to be December 31st to celebrate? For a fun New York themed party idea, you can host a countdown before the newlyweds enter their reception, the time the birthday boy or girl was born, or a countdown before dinner is served. There are plenty of ways to incorporate this NYC tradition into your party.
19. Broadway Karaoke
Channel your inner Broadway star with a few rounds of Broadway inspired karaoke. Book a karaoke DJ to bring the screens, microphone, and song selections, so all you have to do is pick what musical you want to reenact! You can never go wrong with the classics like Mamma Mia, Hamilton, or Wicked.
20. Street Performers
Between the music and variety acts, there are a ton of street inspired performances you can use for New York theme party ideas. Don’t forget to include jugglers, caricature artists, or even magicians in your celebration to help bring the streets of New York City to life.
21. Food From Around the World
New York City is truly a melting pot of all different cultures. Take inspiration from the neighborhoods’ delicacies for delicious appetizers at your New York themed party. Serve options like Chinatown dumplings and Little Italy cannolis so guests can have a little taste of everything.
22. Street Sign Decor
Manhattan is home to some of the most famous streets in the world: Wall Street, Broadway, and Park Avenue, just to name a few. Depending on the size of your event, you can use these street names to label tables that will help with seating. This is a creative touch if using this New York City theme for a wedding reception, sweet 16, or bar/bat mitzvah. If having a more intimate celebration, you can order replica street signs to just hang as decor in your event space.
23. DJ
There are countless songs about New York that perfectly capture the excitement and culture, so why not book a professional DJ to spin these tracks? Of course you’ll want to include hits like “Empire State of Mind” by Jay-Z and Alicia Keys, and “New York, New York” by Frank Sinatra. In addition to these city songs, a DJ will be able to play the perfect mix of music that will fit your New York City themed party vibe perfectly.
24. NYC Sports Attire
Whether you’re rooting for the Giants, Yankees, Jets, or Mets, there are a ton of sports teams to choose from for this celebration. For a more casual New York themed party outfit, invite guests to dress in their favorite New York sports jersey. If you’re not a fan of football or baseball, you can always represent the Nets, Knicks, Rangers, or Islanders, too!
25. Graffiti Wall
There is street art on every corner, avenue, and road in The Big Apple. If you’re looking for unique New York City theme party decorations, set up a white sheet with plenty of spray paint and markers to let guests unleash their inner artist. This will be a fun party activity that will double as decor, and even be a memento from the special occasion. Guests can leave little notes, drawings, or even words of encouragement depending on the celebration.
26. Magnolia Bakery Treats
Magnolia Bakery is a staple in New York City. If you can’t travel to Manhattan to pick up treats for your dessert spread, whip up some of their most famous recipes or order from your local bakery. Magnolia Bakery is most well known for their banana pudding, black and white cookies, and classic cupcakes.
27. Comedian
Comedy clubs are everywhere in The City, and you can easily bring this Manhattan culture to your event. Browse The Bash to find local comedians that will make guests laugh out loud during the New York theme party. Choose from a variety including stand up comedians or clean comedians to find the perfect one for your occasion.
28. Flatiron Flatbreads
The Flatiron Building is a landmark in NYC, plus, who doesn’t love a flatbread? Get creative with these toppings by serving Greek flatbreads, vegetarian flatbreads, and even buffalo chicken flatbreads. This light pizza make a great party snack because they are easy to make, serve, and eat!
Find more party ideas and inspiration here on The Bash.
