Ancient Rome Theme Party (Fun & Creative Ideas)

Welcome to our newest free party plan! Here we are, turning the clock back to a time of spectacular feast, ceremony and hedonism. Ancient Rome is a fantastic party theme! It’s:

  • Powerful and epic
  • A theme that everyone understands
  • Has iconic associated fashion/music/trends
  • Lends itself to fantastic decorations
  • Lends itself to perfect entertainment and activities!

So in this post, we will cover great ideas for how to throw an adult Ancient Rome party. We list suggestions for decorations and entertainment, costumes for an ancient Rome theme, and Roman style food and drink ideas.

We also share a planning process and timeline for the ultimate way to plan an Ancient Rome-themed party.

At Parties Universe, we love creating bespoke party ideas, but as well as the creative side, we know a lot about events and have written the ultimate guides to decorationentertainmentmusicfood, and drinks for any party, which we think you might also love!

This article goes into lots more detail about the effects created by different creative and technical set-ups and will give you a great overview (from professionals!) about how to create an incredible party atmosphere!

Decoration Ideas for an Ancient Rome party

Ancient Rome is brilliant theme and there is really scope to transform a whole room into a magical time capsule into history.

We will share ideas for colour schemes, drapery, lighting effects, propose and foliage that will help create this magical atmosphere!

Colour themes for an Ancient Rome theme

  • Sage white and gold
  • White and yellow or gold
  • Sage, peach and gold
  • Sand yellow and peach
  • Peach and sage
  • White, terracotta orange and sage

Draping for a Roman theme party

For creating an instant visual effect tin a space, nothing works quite like draping and beautiful classy whites and neutrals are perfect for this theme, combining a classic and old fashioned look with beautiful mediteraneasn aesthetic.

  • White cotton/linen/natural fibres
  • Floaty Chiffon Style Draping in neutrals

In particular for this theme it could be stunning to intersperse a few sprigs of foliage or golden strands of synthetic foliage into the trailing fabric. Laurel leaves or any similar, dage coloured plans strands will be perect.

Lighting decorations for an ancient Rome theme party

Lighting is one of the biggest ways you can transform the feel of a space and create your perfect party atmosphere.

To create a Roman theme, a perfect lighting strategy will nod to the old, candlelight tone, while keeping a modern party, celebratory visual effect! We have added a few lighting inspo ideas that play on the warm, bright Mediterranean theme.

Here are some of the best lighting option ideas for an ancient Rome theme party:

  • Festoon lights everywhere (while of course not Roman, these have a beautiful Mediterranean feel to them and will suit the theme perfectly)
  • Uplighting will be perfect fo this theme, and particular in warm glowing yellow orange shades, this could creat the effect that would be created by candlabras or oil lamps in those times. Of course you can use regular light bulbs or LEDs to create this effect, or even regular lamps shining upwards, casting warm glows over the walls.
  • Candlelight. Wherever safe and possible sold, thick candles on terracotta dishes or inside glass jars for safety will be a brilliant Roman-style effect which creating a warm and magical interior. Particularly for evening parties, this effect will look stunning once it gets dark!
  • If you have a dancefloor, mirror ball effects could also work brilliantly with this theme. They’re visually beautiful, energetic, and simple, in keeping with the theme.
  • Another great lighting effect could be to use a Haze machine to add depth and mysticism to the space, like a real transient experience back in time.
  • If you have a projector set up, it could be fun to have a rolling show of classic Roman architectural masterpiece such as aqueducts, bridges and grand colluseums a giant projection of these structures will add depth and visual interest to the space.

Soundscaping for a Roman party

Sound effects. It could be great fun to have sound effects of a Roman gladiator ring as guests enter to create excitement! Other ideas could be a Roman market scene or anything where you hear these iconic old sounds.

This is very easy to create, you can put film clips on youtube or find pretty much any sound effect videos there for free!

Music for a Roman theme party

Roman frescoes and mosaics often depict musicians playing lyres, flutes, and other instruments at banquets. In fact music was a big part of Roman life, for ceremonies and public and religious events. Here are some of the instruments that might have been played at such an occasion:

  1. String Instruments
    • Lyre: A stringed instrument similar to a small harp, often used to accompany singing.
    • Cithara: A larger and more complex version of the lyre, often played by skilled musicians.
  2. Wind Instruments
    • Tibia: A type of double-reed pipe similar to the modern oboe.
    • Cornu: A large, curved brass instrument similar to a horn, often used in military and ceremonial contexts.
    • Tuba: A straight brass instrument resembling a trumpet.
  3. Percussion Instruments
    • Tympanum: A type of hand drum.
    • Cymbala: Cymbals that could be clashed together.
    • Sistrum: A rattle-like instrument that was shaken.

So, if you are looking for live music ideas for your ROMAN theme party, having a performer play the Harp, a wooden flute-style lyre-style instrument, or brass could be the best choices in keeping with the theme. Luckily, these are very diverse instruments.

If you have a musician, they would be able to play the guests in and tone up the music as the night develops.

I always recommend switching music halfway through these sorts of events, so perhaps begin with live entertainment and change to a DJ or pre-prepared playlist later on in the evening.

Alternatively, you could first play Romans style instrument prom, a pre-prepared playlist, and have a multipiece Brass band line up for later in the evening when people are ready for dancing!

Entertainment ideas for an Ancient Rome themed party

We always suggest some sort of entertainment or ‘event’ at a party, and we have had so many creative ideas for this Roman theme!

1. A Roman Banquet

Firstly, turning the food element of the evening into a Roman banquet is a fun entertainment idea! ‘Officially’ opening the banquet could be a cute moment, for a little speech, or welcome to the guests. If you can lay out a low table or have a large seating area, this would work perfectly for making the banquet the main event of the night!

2. Roman Games

If you want to create a game or playful competitive activity for your roman themed party, you could:

  • Gladiator Games: Set up a mini gladiator arena with safe, fun games like foam sword fighting or tug-of-war.
  • Chariot Races: Set up a DIY chariot race using carts or scooters for fun races.
  • Roman Fair-Ground Style Games: While I’m not sure these were played at Roman fairs, you can set up little game stations outside at your Roman party with variations of typical Roman games for guests to enjoy and dip in and out of playing. We’ve done some research on what these games were for you.

Ideas and details of Roman-style games:

  1. Tali: A game similar to dice, played with four knucklebones or small stones, each side having different values. For a party adaptation, use regular dice or create custom dice with symbols or numbers to achieve similar results.
  2. Latrunculi: A strategy board game akin to chess or checkers, where players aim to capture the opponent’s pieces on a grid. Set up a simple board game with checkers or chess pieces and explain the basic rules for a strategic game night.
  3. Dodecahedron Dice: A game using a twelve-sided die for various betting and gaming activities. Adapt this by using a twelve-sided die to create simple betting games or challenges at your party.
  4. Roman Dice (Alea): Played with three six-sided dice, where players roll to match numbers and win. Use regular dice for a rolling game, assigning prizes or challenges based on the roll outcomes.
  5. Ring Toss: A game where players throw rings to land them on pegs or targets, popular in Roman times. Set up a ring toss game with simple rings and pegs, themed with Roman decorations.
  6. Knucklebones: Similar to Tali but played with five knucklebones, where players score points based on how the bones land. Mimic this with small stones or dice and score points based on the outcome.
  7. Roman Hopscotch: An ancient version of hopscotch featuring different patterns and symbols. Draw a hopscotch grid with Roman symbols and have guests play the game for a fun and thematic activity.

Hired entertainment for your Roman party:

Here are some creative ideas for Hired live entertainment for your Roman party:

Live Music: Hire musicians to play traditional Roman music, or, modern music sets with classical Roman instruments….see the music section of this blog post for more inspo on that!

Interactive Roman characters/waiters/actors: A lot of companies will offer an immersive party experience, and this theme would work so well if you could get real-life interactions from ‘Roman’ characters with your guests!

Historican reinactment Shows: You can hire in short theatre pieces with actors reinacting scenes or creating a magical set for the party! This would be an acolute showstopper

Roman Fortune Tellers: Professionals offering readings based on ancient Roman practices, such as augury (interpreting the flight patterns of birds) or using ancient divination tools, to add a mystical touch to the event.

Roman Craftsman: Have an artist create bespoke Roman items for guests. For instance, you could have a jewellery maker creating rings or bracelets, or a metal worker personalising pre-made trinkets live in front of the guests. These would make spectacular keepsakes, also. Some other ideas for crafts that could be made or personalised live include natural drip candles, personalised min-tiles out of air-drying clay, miniature style lamps (tea light holders) with decorative colours, mosaic tiles and laurel wreaths. You could also hire someone to set up these craft stations and make crafting these activities part of the entertainment for the guests!

Roman costume and photo station

Have a photo area where guests can decorate themselves with additional Roman costume pieces, such as head crowns, laurel leaves, or even golden headdresses (they are inexpensive to buy for the occasion and look stunning!).

You could also have a few dress-up Roman gladiator costumes….what person wouldn’t want to try out being a gladiator for a photo?

If possible have a gorgeous background for this area and a phone tripod with a clicker so guest can really take fabulous photos. Adding some sort of chair or seating also helps take interesting, more dynamic photos and allows the bigger group photos for friends to enjoy taking together!

Dress code ideas for an ancient Rome party

There are lots of ways to suggest dress options for a Roman party. You could turn it into a Toga party or a white party where guests all dress in white for a modern and fashionable style but still a very striking and immersive look.

If you’re wanting a costume party, here are some Ancient Rome Style tips and inspiration for how you could dress:

General Tips

  1. Fabric Choice: Opt for materials like cotton, linen, or lightweight wool for authenticity.
  2. Colours: White was common for togas, but tunics and stoles came in various colours. Purple was reserved for the elite.
  3. Footwear: Simple leather sandals are the most authentic choice.
  4. Hairstyles:
    • Men: Short, neatly trimmed hair or wigs.
    • Women: Braided and styled hair, often pinned up, or wigs.
  5. Makeup: For women, subtle makeup with natural tones, and for men, a clean-shaven look or a short-trimmed beard.
  6. Accessories: Jewelry like bracelets, rings, and necklaces can add to the authenticity. For men, a laurel wreath is a great touch.

For Men

Roman Toga:

  • Description: A large, draped garment worn over a tunic.
  • Materials: White or off-white fabric, such as a bed sheet or a specially purchased piece of cloth.
  • Accessories: A belt or sash to secure the tunic, a laurel wreath, sandals, and possibly a fibula (brooch) to pin the toga in place.

A Roman Stola:

  • Description: The traditional dress of Roman women, worn over a tunic.
  • Materials: Long piece of fabric, often white or colored, gathered at the shoulders with fibulae (brooches).
  • Accessories: A palla (a shawl-like garment), a belt, sandals, and jewelry such as bracelets and earrings.

Roman Gladiator:

  • Description: Armor or tunic similar to what Roman gladiators would wear.
  • Materials: Leather or faux leather for armor, a tunic, and a short skirt.
  • Accessories: Arm guards, leg guards, a helmet, a sword, and sandals.

Roman Soldier:

  • Description: Military attire typical of Roman legionaries.
  • Materials: A tunic (usually red), a breastplate, and a leather skirt.
  • Accessories: A helmet, shield, sword (gladius), and sandals or boots.

Senator/Patrician:

  • Description: The attire of a wealthy and influential Roman.
  • Materials: A toga with a purple stripe (toga praetexta) over a tunic.
  • Accessories: A laurel wreath, rings, and sandals.

Roman Goddess:

  • Description: A flowing, elegant gown similar to what Roman goddesses might wear.
  • Materials: Lightweight, flowing fabric in white or pastel colors.
  • Accessories: A golden or silver belt, a diadem or headband, and sandals

Drinks to serve at a Roman party

One thing the Romans did well was Drinking! Classic drinks enjoyed by the Romans, that would be perfect for a party, include:

  • Red wine
  • Mulled or Fruit-infused wine (e.g., apple or pear)
  • Grape juice
  • Pomegranate juice

If you want to serve cocktails at this ancient Rome party, we have created a list of Roman flavour twists on classic cocktails to spark your imagination for delicious drink options to serve:

  • Honey Mead Martini (honey mead with vodka and a twist of lemon)
  • Grapevine Fizz (grape juice with gin and a splash of soda)
  • Pomegranate Negroni (gin, vermouth, and pomegranate juice)
  • Roman Punch (a mix of fruit juices, honey, and brandy)
  • Herbal Fizz (herbal tea with gin and a splash of soda)
  • Spiced Cider Mule (spiced cider with vodka and ginger beer)
  • Pear and Honey Bellini (pear juice with prosecco and a touch of honey)
  • Vino Bianco Spritz (white wine with a splash of soda and a twist of citrus)

Food ideas for a Roman party

Our fun suggestions for food that would work perfectly for a party, and are tropical of the Roman times include:

  • Roast meats (like chicken, pork, or lamb)
  • Stuffed dates with nuts or cheese
  • Cheese platters with honey and dried fruits
  • Olives and olive tapenade
  • Assorted bread and focaccia
  • Grape bunches and other fresh fruits
  • Seafood dishes (like shrimp or fish)
  • Grapes, figs, and pomegranates
  • Hummus with flatbreads or pita chips
  • Garlic and herb-roasted vegetables
  • Herbed feta or goat cheese
  • Ancient Roman-style honey cake

How to plan an Ancient Rome theme party

This party has great potential, and planning it is exciting! To get the best results, just keep track of time, space, and budget.

Here are some simple tips for organizing and hosting a great party:

Creating the Best Party Atmosphere:

  • The hosts must enjoy themselves: Make sure you enjoy the party too. Get help with preparations so you can have fun with your guests. Nothing creates a great atmosphere like a relaxed host and having a great time!
  • Good Sound: Use high-quality sound equipment and ask someone who can manage music and energy. Keep the volume comfortable, and be sure it does not stop people from having a nice chat.
  • Keep Things Fresh: Plan something to shake things up halfway through. This could be handing out sparklers, serving dessert, changing the music, having a show or speeches, or moving to the dancefloor. It helps keep the party lively.

Planning Your Party:

  • Focus on Important Tasks: Take care of the big things first. Make a list of tasks to do a month before, a week before, the day before, and the day of the party.
  • Ask for Help: Get friends or family to help set up. You can thank them with food and drinks, which makes the process smoother and more enjoyable.
  • Prepare Food in Advance: Serve food that can be made beforehand. If needed, ask neighbours or nearby friends and family to store and heat up food.

Good luck with your Ancient Rome Party!

Good luck with your party planning! We hope these tips help you have a fantastic event.

We love thinking of creative party ideas so much. If there is a theme you would like a post for, get in touch and we will put it on our development list 😀

Have fun!

Zoe xx

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