Planning A Party? These Are The Top Party Trends Taking Over In 2026
The year of the house party
By Bianca Licina | 3rd December 2025This article is sponsored by Spotlight and proudly endorsed by Style. We only promote things that we love and think our readers will love too!
House parties are back and they’re better than ever. With nights out getting pricier and everyone craving something a little more personal (and a lot more fun), 2026 is all about bringing people together at home. Think creative themes, dress-ups, nostalgic games, and hands-on activities that really bring the drama.
If you’re the friend who lives for a theme – or you simply want to throw a night your guests won’t stop talking about – these are the trends set to take over in 2026 and how to DIY at Spotlight.
1. Wig party
There’s no party chaos quite like a wig party. Throw on a pastel bob, an ’80s mullet, a neon shag – whatever alter ego you feel like embodying for the night – and watch the energy shift instantly. It’s low effort, high impact, and sets the tone for playful, unhinged fun.
2. Craft party (yes, it’s cool now)
If you think craft parties sound lame, you’re not doing them right. Hear us out: wine, snacks, cute supplies, and a wholesome activity you can yap your way through? Ideal. Jewellery-making is the crowd favourite – beaded necklaces, friendship bracelets, charm earrings, whatever you’re into. Or go full scrapbooking mode with photos, stickers, patterned paper, ribbons, and a bit of glitter glue chaos. It’s nostalgic, therapeutic, and you walk away with something you made yourself.
3. Murder mystery party
A murder mystery party is a theatrical, dress-up, fully immersive night of chaos – and that’s why everyone’s obsessed. Guests arrive in character (glam movie star, shady detective, femme-fatale, clueless socialite… take your pick), armed with secrets, clues, and an alibi. The night unfolds in rounds: suspicions, twists, dramatic accusations, plot reveals, and finally, the big unmasking of the killer. It’s part costume party, part role-play, and 100% guaranteed fun.
4. Black tie masquerade
Elegant. Mysterious. A little dramatic. A modern masquerade party is a chic way to turn your home into a black-tie event without the venue hire fee. Think luxe masks, velvet textures, moody lighting, champagne towers, and a playlist that sets the mood. It’s glamour with a twist and the anonymity adds just enough spice.
5. Paint & sip
Paint-and-sip studios are great, but hosting one at home hits different. Just set up some canvases, line up the brushes, pour the wine generously, and let the creativity – and questionable masterpieces – flow. It’s intimate, fun, and surprisingly calming once the giggles settle.
6. Nostalgia night
Pass the parcel, musical chairs, pin the tail on the donkey… these games defined our childhood and deserve a comeback. Host a nostalgia night where the games are simple, the snacks are old-school, and the laughs are loud. And the decorations? Go full birthday-party throwback. Party hats, bright balloons, bunting, confetti, lolly bags – commit to the bit.
Whether you’re crafting, rocking a wig, or solving a murder, this year is all about making memories at home. Affordable, fun, creative, and endlessly customisable – your next iconic party starts at Spotlight.
Imagery: Dupe
