Five Party Themes That Never Go Out of Style

1. Roaring twenties glamour

The 1920s jazz age remains one of the most requested themes around. Feathers, pearls, sharp suits and art deco styling are easy to pull together, and the music is instantly recognisable. It works for men and women of all ages, which is why it is so popular for company parties and milestone birthdays.

Entertainment does a lot of the heavy lifting. A speakeasy-style jazz band sets the soundtrack, Charleston dancers fill the floor, and a giant martini glass with a performer splashing inside is a natural centrepiece.

• Charleston dancers and swing dance teachers
• A hula hooper with a lindy hop routine
• An aerial hoop act in art deco costume
• Vintage jugglers, including foot juggling and acrobatic duos

2. Circus showman

The vintage circus look, with striped big tops, ringmasters and old-time curiosities, appeals to adults and children alike. It suits everything from summer fairs to Christmas parties because it is bold, theatrical and full of colour.

There is a huge range of acts to choose from. Acrobats and aerialists bring the spectacle. A ringmaster can host the evening and introduce each act. For something more unusual, consider a bearded lady singer, a snake handler or an animatronic elephant as a talking point.

3. Disco and the seventies and eighties

Mirrorballs, flares and big hair never seem to lose their appeal. A disco theme gets people dancing early and gives guests an easy costume brief.

Mirror-covered characters that reflect the lights around the room are a striking choice, as are mirrorball aerial and contortion acts. Dancers who perform routines through the decades, from disco to eighties pop, keep the floor busy. A tribute band playing the era's big hits is often the highlight, and stilt walkers in afros and sequins make a fun welcome.

4. Enchanted garden and nature

Interest in green, natural themes has grown as people think more about sustainability. Woodland, garden and botanical settings feel calm and beautiful, and they are perfect for summer parties held in a back garden or a country venue, where the setting already does much of the decorating.

Acts can blend right into the greenery. Consider an aerial hoop dressed in ivy or flowers, flower-costumed characters, stilt walkers dressed as walking trees, or living statues painted as garden sculptures. Themed crafts and face painting give younger guests something to do.

5. Festival

A home-grown festival is a fun way to bring together music, food and a relaxed atmosphere. It suits large gardens, fields and marquees and works for families as well as adults.

Recreate the feel with glitter and face gems, hair braiding stations, food stalls and a DJ. Add live elements such as a saxophonist or bongo player playing over the DJ, stilt walkers roaming the site, LED robots after dark and stage dancers for a main-stage moment. A good marquee and decor company will help you set the scene.

Choosing the right one for your crowd

Think about who is coming and how much they will want to dress up. Roaring twenties and disco ask a little more of guests but reward them with a great look. Garden and festival themes are more relaxed. Circus sits in the middle and is brilliant if children are invited. Whatever you choose, keep the acts consistent with it so the whole event feels like one idea.