Everything You Need for a James Bond Theme Party
Mark Gannon
Contributor
James Bond is about as iconic as fictional characters get. He’s saved the world more times than Superman, taken down more bad guys than John Wick, and enjoyed more romantic encounters than Casanova himself. So why not celebrate an upcoming milestone with a James Bond theme party?
Whether it’s Daniel Craig or a new Bond, it’s always the right time to enjoy a 007-themed party. Use this list of James Bond theme party ideas as inspiration for an upcoming birthday celebration, engagement, or even a James Bond bachelor party.
Here’s everything you need to host a to die for James Bond theme party…
Invitations
First things first, the all-important invites. You can set the tone with custom invitations to your party designed to look like a top-secret mission briefing. If you want to go all out, you could even have them hand delivered by a man wearing sunglasses and a trench coat….with a little luck, he won't be arrested before making the drop.
James Bond Theme Party Outfits
Think sleek and chic when it comes to James Bond themed party outfits. Black tuxedos or suits, and long gowns are key.
Party Props and Decor
No James Bond party would be complete without proper themed styling and decorations. Roll out the red carpet and get some props like an illuminated Bond girl or 007 silhouettes to add to the party atmosphere.
You could also use a black-and-white color scheme reminiscent of Bond’s iconic tuxedo and maybe even include metallic accents for a touch of glamour and sophistication.
A Casino Venue
Book a casino for the perfect James Bond party location. You could include props like Bond light panels featuring classic images from the films, like the famous Bond silhouette, to create an authentic movie vibe. Perhaps place some 007 signs around the venue for the perfect photo backdrop.
James Bond Themed Party Activities
Poker
There is no better way to lose money than playing poker, so you could add a dash of extra spice to your evening with a Casino Royale-themed poker night. Get some 007 playing cards and chips and dress up as your favorite Bond character, hero or villain. Just remember to never play your hand; play the opponent across from you. For larger events, you could create a separate casino area with blackjack and roulette tables, baccarat, slot machines, and even bingo.
Murder Mystery
Everyone loves a murder mystery. It's a great way to break the ice and get to know people while having fun. You can add a twist by making it a Bond-inspired mystery. The perfect way to enjoy a birthday bash or a work bonding session with colleagues.
Treasure Hunt
Set up a range of activities influenced by the Bond movies, such as a Goldfinger treasure hunt or a Skyfall trivia contest. Create a globe-trotting game where guests have to navigate their way through different countries and complete challenges like a secret agent. You can include puzzles and riddles for a more cerebral experience or spooky activities like a haunted house or a secret lair escape room; just remember that you don't have a license to kill, so let your prisoners go afterwards!
Hire a Bartender
A party like this wouldn’t be complete without the right drinks. James Bond doesn't drink the local craft cider or IPA, and he definitely doesn't drink Carlsberg; that's more of a Le Chifre thing - probably!
Consider hiring a professional mixologist to serve up martinis —shaken, not stirred. If your budget can't stretch to hiring a professional, you could create your own unique cocktails and give them 007-style names.
Pop-Up Bar
Set up a pop-up drink bar with already prepared classic Bond cocktails like the Negroni, the Manhattan, or the Vesper, made famous in Casino Royale. The pop-up bar should be ultra cool and slick with some 007 decals. And, have the barkeep to dress as an iconic villain like Jaws.
Cigar Roller
Smoking is bad for you, but health warnings aside, you could hire a professional cigar roller to provide guests with high-quality cigars, just like Bond himself. Make sure to set up a designated smoking area for guests who choose to indulge…because that's what 007 would do! You could even hire a professional server to circulate throughout the party, offering guests stogies and other smoking accessories to add a touch of glamour and luxury to your event.
James Bond Themed Party Entertainment
Cover Band
Hire a live band to perform a Bond-inspired playlist featuring classic theme songs, as well as contemporary hits that capture the essence of 007. Consider including songs by artists like Adele, Sam Smith, and Billie Eilish, who have all recorded theme songs for the famous franchise.
Photo Booth
Book a photo booth or set up a photo wall with a few 007-themed props and backdrops, allowing guests to snap shots with their favorite Bond gadgets and accessories. You can include items like bowties, fedoras, and toy guns. The photo wall could feature images of unforgettable villains, iconic locations, and other James Bond memorabilia. You might even hire a professional photographer to capture snaps of your guests in full Bond mode.
Strolling Variety Acts
If you have the budget, you could consider hiring performers like jugglers, stilt walkers, or even professional magicians to perform illusions and sleight-of-hand tricks for guests.
Bond-Girl Beauticians
You could create an area where guests can get their hair and makeup done in classic styles from the franchise. You could even include nail art and other beauty services and hire face painters or body artists to take your party to the next level.
Bond-Inspired Dishes
You could arrange a dinner party with your friends and cook all of the Bond favourites. 007 likes beef, lamb, and game dishes. In Goldfinger, he is seen enjoying a curry, and in From Russia With Love, he devours a Doner Kebab.
He also enjoys roast grouse and pink Champagne, asparagus and hollandaise sauce, steak and French fries, and cold roast beef with potato salad. Bond also enjoys fish on occasion, while in Diamonds are Forever, he eats dressed crab for lunch and also enjoys grilled sole every once in a while.
You can also include a range of hors d'oeuvres and finger foods for guests to snack on. Perhaps even set up a dessert table with themed sweets, such as Goldeneye cupcakes and Licence to Kill cookies, chocolate coins, and truffles.
Pro Tip: If you really want to impress your guests, you can hire a caterer to create a menu of secret service-inspired dishes featuring international flavors and exotic ingredients.
Themed Areas
Bond Cars
You can further set the scene by creating different James Bond themed party areas, like a Bond Car area featuring scale models of classic cars like the Aston Martin DB5 and the Lotus Esprit. If you are a billionaire, you can use real ones! You could even set up a James Bond Scalextric track so your friends can race each other.
Villains Zone
Or why not have a Bond Villains zone where guests can dress up as their favorite megalomaniac and pose for photos? You can include some props like fake weapons and accessories; just be sure not to scare the living daylights out of anyone.
Spy Training Area
You could also have a dedicated Spy Training area where guests can learn basic spy techniques like lock picking and code-breaking. Everyone loves gadgets and tech these days, and guests will get a kick out of learning a new party trick..
Party Favors
Provide guests with custom party favors, such as engraved martini shakers or gadget-like watches. You can also include items like sunglasses and keychains, shot glasses, and coasters. Another fun idea might be Bond-themed temporary tattoos featuring classic logos and slogans.
Post-Party Breakfast
If your party rolls into the following morning in true 007-style, and you don't want your guests to die another day, why not cook up a Bond-inspired breakfast? In From Russia With Love, Fleming tells us that breakfast is Bond's favorite meal of the day. He loves eggs, preferably scrambled, with bacon or sausages, and he enjoys marmalade or strawberry jam on his toast and prefers strong, black coffee to tea.
Find more themed party ideas here on The Bash.
