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The Caribbean is a region made up of the Caribbean Sea, its islands and the coasts that surround them. With sparkling waters, stretches of golden sand, rich culture and incredible food, it’s one of the top holiday destinations in the world and provides endless inspiration for anyone searching for a slice of paradise. So perfect as a party theme, then!
What is a Caribbean themed party?
When it comes to hosting a Caribbean themed party, there are plenty of ways to do it… but we think creating a carnival atmosphere is the best way to go.
Carnival is a strong tradition in the Caribbean – people coming together in colourful dress to dance and parade a celebration of freedom.
There are different variations of carnival across the islands of the Caribbean, and you’ll also find huge carnival celebrations in the USA, Canada and here in UK with Notting Hill and Leeds West Indian Carnivals.
One thing they all have in common is delicious food, elaborate costumes and lots of dancing. Sign us up!
Caribbean themed party food
Caribbean food is fresh and flavourful with seafood elements in many classic Caribbean dishes.
BBQ and grilled meat is also popular, and you can’t host a Caribbean dinner party without jerk seasoning, rice and peas! Here are some recipes to try.
Levi Roots’ sticky chicken wings
Ingredients
Jerk marinade
- 4 spring onions, green part only, chopped
- 1 Scotch bonnet chill, chopped
- 3cm piece root ginger, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh thyme leaves
- 100ml/3½fl oz cider vinegar
- 3 tbsp clear honey
- 2 tsp ground allspice
- 1 tsp ground cinnamon
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Chicken wings
- 12 chicken wings
- 4 long, mild red chillies, whole
Sugared oranges
- 2 tbsp soft light brown sugar
- 2 seedless oranges, cut into quarters
Method
- Start by making the jerk marinade. Blend all the marinade ingredients in a food processor until you have a smooth paste.
- For the chicken wings, pop the wings into an ovenproof dish and pour over the marinade, turning the wings to coat them fully.
- Cover the dish and chill for at least four hours, ideally overnight, turning the wings over a few times.
- Heat up your BBQ or grill, then cook the wings for 12-15 minutes
- Turn the wings over every so often and basting with the remaining marinade until they’re golden brown all over and cooked through.
- While the wings are cooking, place the whole chillies onto the grill.
- Barbecue for 3-4 minutes, turning occasionally, or until grill marks appear on all sides. Remove and keep warm.
- For the sugared oranges, sprinkle the sugar onto a plate.
- Press the cut sides of each orange quarter into the sugar, then place the orange quarters, cut-sides down, onto the grill.
- Grill for 3-4 minutes, or until the sugar melts and turns golden brown.
- To serve, put three jerk chicken wings onto each plate.
- Add two sugared orange quarters and one grilled chilli alongside the wings and enjoy.
Nina Compton’s roasted banana zeppole with rum caramel
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp vegetable oil, plus extra for frying
- 1 1/2 cups plain flour
- 2 tsp. baking powder
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1 1/4 tsp ground cinnamon
- 1/3 cup + 1/2 cup granulated sugar
- 1 large egg
- 1/2 cup whole milk
- 1/2 cup mashed overripe banana
For the rum caramel sauce
- 2 lbs butter
- 4 lbs sugar
- 1 1/2 tbsp salt
- 6 cups cream
- 1/3 cup rum
- 1 vanilla bean (scraped)
Method
- Heat a drizzle of vegetable oil in a deep pan over medium-high heat until bubbling.
- Meanwhile, whisk the flour, baking powder, salt, 1/4 tsp of cinnamon and 1/3 cup of granulated sugar.
- In another bowl, whisk together the egg, milk, mashed banana and two tablespoons of vegetable oil.
- Add the remaining 1/2 cup granulated sugar and 1 tsp cinnamon in a small bowl and set aside for coating.
- Whisk the banana mixture into the large bowl of dry ingredients until just combined.
- Drop a teaspoonful of dough into the hot oil and fry until golden brown, about 15 seconds per side.
- Remove with a slotted spoon and drain on paper towels, then roll in the cinnamon sugar while still warm.
- Repeat until you’ve used all the dough.
For the rum caramel sauce
- Heat cream, rum and vanilla until warm, then set aside.
- Melt the butter in a large saucepan then add sugar and salt and cook until caramelised.
- Slowly add warm cream mixture, strain through a sieve and serve.
A Caribbean carnival wouldn’t be complete without a fruity punch – and to make it really authentic, rum is the key!
Shivi Ramoutar’s rum punch
Ingredients
- 175ml freshly squeezed orange juice
- 75ml freshly squeezed lime juice
- 150ml good-quality golden rum
- 50ml sugar syrup
- A dash of grenadine syrup
- A dash of Angostura bitters
- Ice cubes, to serve
- A generous pinch of freshly grated nutmeg
- 2 thick slices orange, to garnish
- Maraschino cherries, to garnish
Method
- Pour the juices, rum, sugar syrup, grenadine and Angostura bitters into a large jug and stir well.
- Place in the fridge to chill for an hour.
- Serve over ice cubes, sprinkle over the nutmeg and garnish with an orange slice and a maraschino cherry on a cocktail stick.
Considering your party outfit
Carnival is as much about the outfits as it is the food and music – this is definitely not the occasion for jeans and a t-shirt! For a Caribbean themed carnival party, the vibe is colourful, elaborate and fun, fun, fun.
Start with a block colour base – this bandeau sundress in neon pink is perfect for a hot summer garden party. Add colour and detail with a striped woven belt and colour clash wedge sandals.
Once you’ve got the base, you can build your outfit into a true carnival look – add glitter, feathers, jewels and ribbons to give you that OTT carnival vibe!
Set the scene for your Caribbean themed garden party
If you can, host your Caribbean themed party outside – a carnival atmosphere needs plenty of space to get that parade started!
The maximalism trend is great for capturing those carnival vibes, with its jewel tones and flashy prints. Look out for tropical icons and colours in your kitchenware, like this pineapple trivet and these rainbow champagne glasses.
Create cosy seating areas outside with cushions – we love the bird of paradise print on this velvet cushion. String up some fairy lights, and if you have proper outdoor lighting, try adding this pink feather light shade as a focal point.
Dial up the fun with some party games
There’s only one game we want to play at a Caribbean themed party – getting our very own carnival parade going! Rather than party games, set your guests the challenge of creating amazing carnival costumes and then lead them on a parade around the garden. You could even set up a panel of judges to crowd a Carnival King and Queen based on most creative costume!
Put on your Caribbean party playlist
Music in the Caribbean is really diverse, with genres like reggae, salsa and calypso all very popular. One of the most famous Caribbean artists is Rihanna, who was born in Barbados – many of her songs have an uplifting Caribbean influence.
Take a look at our Caribbean party playlist to create that carnival vibe throughout the night.
Now you have everything you need to host your Caribbean style party with style… time to work on your costume, mix up the rum punch and get the party started!
