Pirates

A Pirate party theme is so much fun and can be enjoyed by both kids and adults. When people think about pirates, I would bet that a number of people visualise Jack Sparrow running away from something or swinging on a rope across the Black Pearl.

Or is that just me?

It can’t be denied, Disney did a stellar job of making the concept of pirates cool. I mean, what is not to like about storytelling about pirates sailing treacherous seas, marooned on a sandy white beach, battling armadas, a sea goddess and a pirate ghost ship.

This party theme brings to the table, adventure, the chance to have a sing-a-long and if it’s your thing, a good ole knees up.

So let’s get into the design of a Pirates party theme.

DECOR

A Message in a Bottle

Interactive decor will get people talking and a Pirate Treasure Hunt is the prefect icebreaker.

Create a treasure map and place clues inside mini glass bottles for guests to find around your venue.

TABLESCAPES

Pirate Napkin Fold

Fold your napkin into a slim rectangle and place it vertically on a plate.

Pinch the centre and tie pirate beads round the middle.

The pirate beads make a nice favour for guests to take away at the end of the night.

FURNITURE

Grog Barrels

Where would a buccaneer be without his grog?

Hire some grog barrels to create the scene for an authentic pirate ship.

LIGHTING

Oil Lamp Lights

Back in the Golden Age of Piracy, pirates used oil lamps to see below deck and at night.

Oil lamps create a warm glow in a dark room and would be well placed on top of grog barrels or as additional wall decor to add to the look and feel of a pirate ship backdrop.

PARTY FOOD

Back when pirates sailed the seven seas they typically ate foods like cured meats, fruits, vegetables and salted fish.

Also, a dish called salmagundi was prepared and eaten which is a cold dish consisting of meat, anchovies, eggs, raw vegetables and pickles which was easy to throw together.

All of these foods can be effortlessly incorporated into some tasty party food which is influenced by the Caribbean seas and shores where pirates dwelled.

Caribbean-Inspired Party Food

• Jerk Chicken and Pineapple Salad
• Tropical Fruit Platter
• Coconut Shrimp Skewers
• Mango and Passion Fruit Sorbet

Chocolate Doubloons

Use melted chocolate, edible gold paint and a doubloon mould to make pirate treasure.

PARTY DRINKS

What will we do with a drunken sailor?

A pirate’s favourite tipple is none other than rum, and when it comes to rum cocktails there is something to suit everyone.

Pirate-inspired Cocktails

Dark and Stormy

Hurricane

Grog 

Shipwreck Cocktail

PARTY ENTERTAINMENT

Sea Shanty Sing-a-long

Yeah, you could hire a Jack Sparrow look-alike but a Sea Shanty Choir would really make an evening special.

DRESS CODE

No landlubbers allowed!

A buccaneer crew must be dressed so there is no doubt who ye be…

• Tricorn (pirate hat)
• Jerkins
• Petticoat Breeches or Slops (pirate trousers)
• Leather Boots
• Bandannas
• Sashes
• Gold Chains / Rings / Earrings

CAPTURE THE MOMENT

Who’s the Captain of this ere ship?

Hire a Pirate Ship’s Wheel and take some photos with the ships crew.

MUSIC AND SOUND EFFECTS

WHAT DO YOU THINK OF THIS PIRATES PARTY THEME?

Leave a comment below and subscribe to the Urban Zoom newsletter for more party ideas.

PLACES TO VISIT IN LONDON

London has seen its fair share of pirates and for all those scurvy seadogs that love a pirate theme, the Rhum Tavern cocktail bar is a unique venue that is designed like a ship’s hull and has a vast selection of rum, which is sure to please any pirate that wanders by.