20 Easy Rainbow Theme Party Ideas
When it comes to magical parties, rainbows pack such a WOW factor. Choosing all the colors makes it so easy to decorate and transform a space. When I need to throw an inexpensive party, I love using these rainbow theme party ideas. They make for a festive feel without having to be a creative genius.
This article will cover ideas that you can use with both kid and adult rainbow party planning.
What’s cool about a rainbow theme party is that you can go with really bright traditional colors, neon colors (think rainbow glow party), or pastel colors!
Rainbow Theme Party Invitations
Send me an invitation! I love getting paper invitations in the mail. We have so many things sent through the mail that no one *wants* to receive. Break up the monotony of the mail sort with a fun invitation that makes anyone’s day. Bright and festive rainbow invitations will set the theme of the party from the first opening of the card.
Colorful Rainbow Party Invitations – Fill In Style (20 Count) With Envelopes
Decorations for Rainbow Theme Party
Make it easy on yourself. There are so many thrifty party decoration stores that most people forget about that you won’t have to go too far to gather your items. The thing about these easy-to-shop stores is that they will have the basics and all the colors. Remember your list and plan your rainbow theme party accordingly. Otherwise, you may end up with a buggy of 6 colors of napkins, five tablecloths, and no dessert plates.
Here is a list of the minimum party basics for a gathering of 15-20 people (infants not included).
Rainbow Theme Party Decor Basics:
- Two tablecloths for food service tables
- The chances are that you will have at least two food tables that you would like to decorate.
- If you are going to have seated tables, then you will want to purchase more if you plan on decorating those areas as well.
- If you want to layer tablecloths, get two more and use as table-runners
- 20-24 (two packs of ten-twelve) Regular Food Plates
- People will inevitably get seconds on regular food items.
- There will be snafus with them getting dropped.
- You are trying to avoid ending up with a cabinet full of party plates
- 20-24 (same as above) Dessert plates
- If you only have cookies and cupcakes, these plates can be reduced as some people will utilize their plates from before or pick up a single item with a napkin and munch.
- If you do not want to do two styles of plates, you can choose one thematic dish that will be a show stopper.
Blue Panda Rainbow Party Plates with Gold Foil (48 Count)
- 30-35 Rectangular Napkins for the rainbow theme party main food.
- For a buffet-style service, I prefer to place utensils on a small side table at the end of the line of food. This placement allows people to pick up the items that they need as opposed to one of everything.
- 20-24 (again pack sizes) Dessert napkins for the table.
- Dessert napkins do not get used as much as the main course napkins, so I will try to save a few bucks here.
- Make the dessert napkin the “fun” napkin if you are deciding to add to the theme with some special design.
- 30-36 Drinking cups (With a magic marker nearby for name writing)
- 30 Spoons- if you know you will be serving that REQUIRES a spoon, i.e., ice cream. Otherwise, ten spoons at the most.
- 30 Forks
- 12-15 knives (I’m not cooking steaks over here, so just a few are needed)
- 15 Straws- not everyone will utilize a straw, so this gives you the option to buy thematic straws but not get too many.
Big Dot of Happiness Chevron Rainbow – Party Tableware Plates, Cups, Napkins – Bundle for 16
Extras:
- Rainbow theme party Balloons- we have six colors to get: Red, Orange, Yellow, Green, Blue, Purple (if you want to add pink, go ahead, but six is an even number and makes it easier)
- Balloons add height to a party.
- Bunching balloons together around the space will make a significant impact for a few dollars.
- If you want to increase the rainbow experience, then add silver stars or heart balloons to the mix. You can even throw in a rainbow with clouds or unicorns if your heart desires.
- Bunting- I have a template for easy no-sew bunting that allows me to create festive decorations for any occasion. Rainbow party ideas are no exception to this unique enhancement.
- Drape bunting in several locations:
- between balloon bunches
- across a fireplace mantle
- the front entryway
- across the front of a tablecloth
- Drape bunting in several locations:
- Streamers- you can decide if you enjoy vertical streamers hanging delicately from doorways and walls or twisted crepe paper whimsically flowing across the ceiling.
- Tulle- this soft netting looks fantastic on tablescapes
- Feather Boas- the festive and fun nature of this prop add interest to any design.
US Toy One Rainbow Feather Boa Costume, 6′ x 60gm, Multicolor
Also, a rainbow party balloon arch could be a lot of fun. These do take time to build, so plan accordingly or hand it off to another person. I love the one Morgan makes in this Youtube video.
I hope you have found these rainbow party decoration ideas helpful. Now it’s time to move on to rainbow party food.
Food and Drink for the Rainbow Theme Party
This shopping trip is where things quickly get out of hand, and I will NOT apologize. I will fill the basket with every rainbow snack I lay my eyes on. Maybe that is why I enjoy these rainbow party ideas; I love fun foods. Think of all the rainbow snacks that are out there!
Easy Rainbow Foods:
- Goldfish Crackers
- Skittles
- Fruit trays and skewers
- Popsicles
- M&Ms
- Smarties
- Fruit Snacks
- Pixie Stix
- Macrons
- Fruity Pebble crispy treats
- Jelly Beans
- Sherbert or “Superman” Ice cream
Fun Rainbow Theme Party Dessert Ideas
You can’t scroll three rows on Pinterest without seeing some adorable rainbow-themed dessert. With so many to choose from, I figured I’d tell you about my favorites for my rainbow party ideas.
The Naked Cake
A naked cake isn’t some bachelor party entertainment choice. No. No. This delectable delicacy has a slightly rustic and artisan feel to it. The exposed edges look lovely on a regular cake but showcase rainbow cake layers for this excellent dessert option. Even a lazy baker can follow this simple guide to making a naked cake.
Rainbow Theme Party Cupcakes
I found that making rainbow cupcakes is very simple. The ease in creation, coupled with the fun of getting the kids in on the project, makes for a fun day for everyone. You can make these cupcakes throughout the year for a bit of excitement in your baking adventures.
Rainbow Jar Cake
I love single-serve desserts. There is something special about small desserts that are for an individual. If you want to make some cute rainbow jar cakes for your next party, here’s how you do it!
Rainbow Birthday Layer Cake
The classic rainbow layer cake will always be a rainbow theme party show-stopper. People are very impressed by the colorful striping and the height (I mean, it IS SIX LAYERS!). Whether it is for a child’s birthday party or a centerpiece for the paint and sip party you have been dying to host, people will be WOW-ed by the tasty treat! It’s also the perfect base for making a DIY unicorn cake!
Doughnuts that make your guests Go Nuts!
I’ve been seeing these great doughnut displays popping up at different parties and events that I’ve attended. I must say, I am all about it. The little pegs that hold the doughnuts add a level of design to displaying them that I find perfect. Consider adding a doughnut display to the list of rainbow party ideas at your rainbow theme party.
Rainbow Party Drink Ideas
This rainbow drink is super easy to make, and it can easily be made into an alcoholic beverage if you so desire.
Ingredients:
- Orange Juice
- Strawberry Syrup
- Club Soda
- Blue Food Coloring
- Favorite liquor optional
Directions for making Rainbow Drink:
- Pour orange juice into a clear glass
- Add strawberry syrup to glass- it will sink because it is more substantial than the orange juice
- Mix club soda and three drops of blue coloring together in a separate container
- Slowly add the mixture to the central glass
- If adding in liquor, mix 1 oz per drink to the orange juice before adding the other ingredients.
Non-Alcoholic Rainbow Drinks:
When it comes to making fun non-alcoholic rainbow drinks, instead of making fancy layered drinks consider lining up clear cups filled with different juices in different colors. Don’t forget some fun, festive rainbow party-themed straws.
Rainbow Theme Party Outfits
When it comes to throwing a themed party for kids, I love dressing my girls up in outfits that match the design of the event. Having a special outfit makes them feel like they are in a whole new magical world. At the unicorn party that we had, we went full rainbow tutus and unicorn horns. If a rainbow outfit needs to occur in your life, then look no further than these cute designs.
Cute Toddler Baby Kids Girl Long Sleeve Striped Rainbow Party Princess Dress Spring Autumn Clothes (3-4 Years, Rainbow)
Kids Girls Dresses Rainbow Floral Printed Sleeveless Sundress Casual Outfit Clothing Stripes Crew Neck Frock Party Beach Wear for 4-5 Years
If you are planning for adults, you can go with basic items that guests can put on over the clothes they wear to the rainbow theme party. Boa’s and sunglasses can be fun and easy. 
Rainbow Party Favors
Send the kiddos home with some cute thematic party favors that will make everyone smile. I try to pick up bags that fit the colorful nuance of the event. Rainbow, being so easy to acquire, can be done in single color bags but in the six different colors. You can also find kits that have the classic color combinations in print.
Treat Boxes – 24-Pack Paper Party Favor Boxes, Rainbow Design Goodie Boxes for Birthdays and Events, 2 Dozen Party Gable Boxes, 6 x 3.3 x 3.6 inches
Greenbrier International Rainbow Polka Dot Treat Bags with Twist Ties – 25 count
Great Knick-Knacks and Favors
Bubbles
We find the colors of the rainbow in many different items. I prefer the colors most when they are in BUBBLES! I love iridescent and colorful things. And you can bet that these will show it in my rainbow party bags.
DIY Rainbow Bookmarks
I am a huge fan of arts and crafts and learning. I was most excited to see this great craft project that included both and is RAINBOW! Have a couple of pieces in the party favor bags that are functional and fun.
Rainbow Glasses
What if you saw rainbows everywhere you looked? These super fun glasses do just that! They have a prismatic lens that refracts light and creates rainbows all around you. It’s kind of a cool science lesson that meets superhero glasses. These are entertaining no matter what age you are.
GloFX Paper Cardboard Diffraction Glasses – Geometric Rainbow (10 Pack) Unique Party Favors for Kids
These are just a few of the fantastic party favors that are out there. Having so many options when it comes to magical rainbows is the biggest reason I love this theme. There are so many rainbow party ideas to choose from. I hope that this helps you to create the perfect rainbow theme party experience for your next shindig.
Kim Anderson is the organized chaos loving author behind the Thrifty Little Mom Blog. She helps other people who thrive in organized chaos to stress less, remember more and feel in control of their time, money, and home. Kim is the author of: Live, Save, Spend, Repeat: The Life You Want with the Money You Have. She’s been featured on Time.com, Money.com, Good Housekeeping, Women’s Day, and more!
