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The party themes like Arabian Nights are getting more popular nowadays.
People are searching for things like ‘boho-chic’ and ‘Moroccan party’ all over Pinterest – there are literally millions of ideas saved!
An Arabian Nights party is all about shimmering lanterns, soft, colorful fabrics, and tales of adventure.
Here in New Jersey, where I live, people like to host garden and backyard parties, especially after the pandemic. The Arabian Nights theme also fits this trend.
I’ve thrown quite a few of these themed parties, and whenever I host a party, I try to be a little eco-conscious.
So today, I’m going to share some of my favorite Arabian Nights theme party ideas that look great, and can be a bit eco-friendly if you want.
Arabian Nights Theme Party Favors
You can offer party favors to your guests to say thanks for coming! They don’t have to be things that will just get thrown away. Always try to give reusable ones.
Unique Favor Ideas:
⏩ Mini Moroccan Lanterns: These mini Moroccan lanterns are pretty and useful! People can use them to decorate their homes or light up their patios.
⏩ Arabian Nights Magic Genie Lamps: These little Arabian Nights magic genie lamps are made of strong metal. These would be fun and decorative, and your guests might like having them as a reminder of your party.
⏩ Scented Soy Candles: You can gift scented soy candles that smell like exotic places, like oud, amber, or sandalwood. If possible, go for locally made, soy-based candles in reusable tins.
⏩ Egyptian Perfume Bottles: These handcrafted Egyptian decorative perfume bottles are made of delicate glass, like the kind you’d see in Egypt. People could put their favorite essential oils in them or just keep them as pretty decorations.
⏩ Arabian Nights Gift Bags: Use Arabian Nights-themed paper gift bags with colorful designs from the Arabian Nights stories. Then you can put some treats and small gifts inside so your guests have something magical to take home.
Arabian Nights Party Decor Ideas
Your decorations are something that should clearly represent your party theme.
So when your guests enter your party, they should feel like they’ve just entered a vibrant Middle Eastern bazaar or a grand palace from the tales of One Thousand and One Nights!
Here are some decoration ideas:
⏩ Canopies & Drapes:
Use beautiful, soft fabrics like velvet, silk, or satin in gorgeous jewel colors. Try to include colors like emerald greens, sapphire blues, deep purples, and ruby reds.
Drape them over pergolas, make little comfy tent corners, or even hang them from tree branches (if outside). This will give everything a really fancy and cozy feeling.
If you want to add an eco-conscious touch, you could borrow these fabrics from party rental places or even use old curtains and scarves you already have.
⏩ Moroccan Lanterns & Fairy Lights:
Your party lighting sets the mood. Use intricately designed Moroccan lanterns in brass or colored glass to cast magical shadows.
Complement them with string fairy lights or solar-powered LED candles for a warm, inviting glow. You can place these lamps on tables, along where people will walk, and even hang them up high.
This kind of lighting will really make it feel like you’re in a magical Arabian night!
⏩ Low Seating Lounge:
You can use big floor cushions and those round, stuffed seats (poufs) around short, wooden tables.
Throw down some beautiful Persian-style rugs – you could rent them, borrow them, or even find some cool ones at a thrift store.
Putting the rugs down will create little cozy spots for people to chat. This kind of setup looks really Arabian Nights-ish and also makes everyone feel relaxed.
⏩ Gold Accents & Brass Trays:
Use some pretty old-fashioned brass trays to hold snacks or as decorations in the middle of the tables.
You can also use gold-colored vases, candle holders, and bowls filled with shiny beads or dried flowers to make everything look fancy without spending a ton of money
When you’re picking out decorations, try to find things that can be used as home decor after the party is over. That way, you get to enjoy them longer, and we don’t create as much waste from just one event!
Arabian Nights Party Outfits
You can make your Arabian Nights theme party even more fun by asking your guests to dress up in the party theme. It really makes everyone feel like they’re part of the story. But it doesn’t have to be complicated or expensive.
Outfit Ideas:
⏩ For Women: You can suggest they wear flowy kaftans or long, comfortable maxi dresses. Harem pants with a sparkly belt and lots of layered jewelry would also look fantastic.
Tell them to aim for light and airy fabrics like cotton or linen to stay cool. And a sheer scarf or shawl can really complete their Arabian Nights look
⏩ For Men: You can suggest they wear comfy, loose shirts or tunics with linen pants or trousers with a drawstring. It’s a relaxed but cool look.
If they want to add a little something extra, a simple headscarf, kind of like a keffiyeh, or even a turban, would be a great touch. With these, they fit the theme without being over the top.
⏩ Accessories: Statement earrings, layered bangles, coin belts, and embroidered slippers (babouches) help to complete the look.
You can also set up a “dressing corner” at the party with extra jewelry and scarves so guests can add some extra sparkle to their outfits.
Arabian Nights Party Food & Drink
Food is the heart of any celebration. Middle Eastern food has lots of yummy tastes and textures that fit perfectly with our theme.
Menu Ideas:
⏩ Appetizers: You can serve a big plate loaded with creamy hummus, that smoky eggplant dip, baba ghanoush, and tangy labneh cheese.
Don’t forget crispy falafel! You could also have those rolled-up grape leaves called dolmas, some olives, and marinated feta cheese.
Make it look pretty by putting everything on big dishes with fresh green herbs and even some flowers.
⏩ Main Courses: For the main food, you could have tasty chicken kebabs with that yellow saffron spice and other yummy flavors, or juicy lamb kofta on sticks.
You can also include a flavorful veggie stew called tagine with sweet apricots and crunchy almonds. If you have vegetarian guests, you can offer them lentils with sweet, browned onions (that’s mujaddara) and grilled halloumi cheese.
⏩ Sides & Breads: You gotta have fresh pita bread and that thin lavash bread, plus a couscous salad with those little red pomegranate seeds. You can also set up a spot where people can make their own pita pockets with all sorts of fillings.
⏩ Desserts: To finish it off, have trays of flaky baklava, soft Turkish delight candies, and pastries filled with dates. You can also serve little cups of sweet rice pudding that smells like roses, sprinkled with green pistachios.
⏩ Drinks: Refresh your guests with minty Moroccan tea, refreshing rosewater lemonade, and pomegranate drinks without alcohol.
If you want something for the grown-ups, then you can offer a spiced sangria or some special cocktails with Middle Eastern tastes.
Arabian Nights Party Activities
To keep the party exciting and to entertain your guests, you can add some activities to the party. But try to match these activities match the magical Arabian Nights vibe.
Must-Try Entertainment Ideas:
⏩ Henna Station: Set up a henna booth with a skilled artist who can draw those pretty temporary henna tattoos. It’s a cool tradition and would fit the theme perfectly.
⏩ Magic Show or Storyteller: You can hire a magician to do some tricks or someone to tell those famous stories like Aladdin or Sinbad. That would be fun for everyone, young and old!
⏩ Photo Booth: Set up a spot that looks like a magic carpet where people can take pictures. Keep some Arabian Nights-themed photo props like genie lamps, big gold coins, and those feathery headpieces. With this, your guests can take home some cool memories to share.
⏩ Belly Dancing Performance: You can hire a professional belly dancer to come and put on a lively show. They could even teach everyone a few moves – that would be fun to try!
⏩ Music & Dance: Make a playlist with some awesome Middle Eastern music and some classic “Arabian Nights” songs. If you have space, maybe even a little dance floor, so people can move around and enjoy the music.
You can host a memorable Arabian Nights theme party with beautiful decorations, delicious food, and maybe some fun music or something.
But don’t forget to add an eco-friendly touch to your party. If you are a beginner, you can put in small efforts.
You could use decorations that aren’t just single-use, get some local food, and maybe give out little party favors that are not harmful to nature.
These small efforts don’t change the vibe at all; they just make your party a bit more thoughtful.
