Updated on: Sep 21, 2024
Cover your party with paper in every aspect of the event with a paper theme party -- from the decorations to the menu, to the party favors! This is one of the many benefits of using such a flexible element as a party theme; paper can be used in hundreds of fun ways. Especially at a venue like a Gender Reveal! Below are some ideas for a paper theme party such as decorations, menu ideas, party favors, games, and even confetti favors to get you started. Get creative and have some fun with paper at your party!
Paper Theme Party Decorations
1. Newspaper Headlines
To label areas of the party or to make signs that will hang around the room, cut giant letters from the newspaper to form theme-fitting phrases.
2. Newspaper Tablecloths
Purchase or combine pages of newspaper together to form recyclable tablecloths.
3. Paper Chain Streamers
Link strips of paper together to make paper chains that can hang as streamers. You could also purchase paper pom poms. These could also be turned into chain curtains that drop down from the doorways.
4. Origami Pieces
Decorate the party room with little origami statues-- this will really dress up the area and impress your guests!
5. Paper Flower Arrangements
Create tissue paper or crepe paper flowers, and place them in a vase to create floral arrangements for the party.
6. Tissue Paper Lanterns
Purchase colorful paper lanterns to hang around the room.
7. Newspaper Wall Covering
Collage the walls with pages from the newspaper. Covering the whole room in paper will really make the room pop!
Paper Theme Party Food Ideas
8. Chinese Take-Out Boxes
Serve food out of Chinese take-out containers or use them as the packaging for gift bags/party favors!
9. Lunch Bags
Fill brown paper bags with different snacks (ie popcorn, pretzels, ice cream cakes or candy) for guests to eat while they mingle. These can also be used as instant gift bags. Be sure to be mindful of costs when it comes to the snacks you want to put in those bags.
10. Doily Appetizers
Serve bite-size snacks on paper doilies for a decorative way to hand out appetizers.
11. Paper Serving Boats
Besides the obvious choice to use paper plates and bowls, you can use paper hot dog boats to serve food as well.
Paper Theme Party Favors
Source: Unsplash
12. Origami ‘How To’ Book
Send your guests home with their own origami guide to help them get creative with paper. There's plenty of great beginner books that you can refer to.
13. Origami
Take the paper crafting into your own hands and make some personalized origami for your guests to take home!
14. Fun Notebooks
Gather up some notebooks with interesting designs or theme-relevant messages on them for guests to take home.
15. Stationary
Buy stationery that fits your party theme or customize blank stationery to show your guests your appreciation and to remind them of your paper theme party.
Paper Party Activities and Games
16. Origami Lessons
Print directions so that you can teach your guests, or get a professional to come and teach an origami how-to seminar. Your guests will walk out with a new skill set and a handful of mini paper swans.
17. Modge Podge Station
Provide all the necessary supplies for guests to modge podge boxes, notebooks, frames, and other items. Look for a variety of paper designs, magazines, and scrapbooking supplies. Parties that have fun activities will always be remembered!
18. Paper Fashion Show
Have your guests dress up in homemade paper outfits at the party, and host a competition a la Paper Project Runway!
19. Personalized Paper Dolls
Turn strips of paper into individualized paper dolls for the attending guests. You can use them as place setters at the party and then let the guests take them home afterward.
20. Photo Booth Wall
Leave a Polaroid camera out, and encourage guests to take a photo to post to a designated wall. Or hire a photo booth for the occasion! Your guests can leave a message next to their photos. This will be a good way to remember the paper costumes, hats, and all the fun of the party!
21. Paper Hats
Set up a station for each guest to make their own hat to wear around the party. You can hold a competition to see who makes the best hat at your theme party.
22. Scavenger Hunt
Create a scavenger hunt through the paper using different colors of cardstock. Make up the clues so they center around the paper, as well. It will really help to keep the party on the theme.
23. Paper Plane Contest
Have all your guests make different paper airplanes and see whose flies the farthest! It'll remind everyone of their playground days.
Paper Theme Party: Conclusion
Now you know a paper theme party can be one of the most creative parties you have yet to do. From menus to activities, this theme is sure to cause amusement and overall enjoyment for all your guests. We hope this list helps you with what you were looking for. We look forward to seeing what your imagination can create!
Written by Jessica McNellis; Contributors: Isabel Tenney and Jack Leduc