Do you wonder how to plan a Father’s Day party that dads will actually like? What is a great theme party idea for Father’s Day?
Answer: Dads are the best, and Dad jokes are just so classic. A Dad Joke themed Father’s Day party will be fun for him and enjoyable for everyone else. We’re not laughing at him, we’re laughing with him!
While no two fathers are exactly alike, read on for some great Dad Joke Party theme ideas that will make you dad’s favorite.
Theme Decor
My base decor plan for any occasion almost always starts with strings lights and banners. These two things are simple, easy, and instantly make things feel festive.
If you’d like to read more about decorating with banners see my post here.
How much fun can you have with banners for Father’s Day? You could go the straightforward route with a sports related banner. Or buy or DIY some burlap banners with a customized stenciled or painted message. How about:
- BACK IN MY DAY
- WHEN I WAS YOUR AGE
- ASK YOUR MOTHER
- DON’T MAKE ME STOP THIS CAR
- “Dad I’m hungry.” “Hi Hungry, I’m Dad.”
Dad Joke Decor banner:
Foods Dads Like
If you do a search on foods dads like, you get results that contain a lot of meat. Mainly ribs, but there are plenty of burgers, steak, brisket, BBQ pork, bacon, wings, tacos with hot sauce…. Also chocolate cake. Why? I don’t really know! But it’s true.
When deciding on what to do or cook, always consider what dad likes. Now is probably not the time to try some exotic new recipe. Remember that the goal is not to compete with someone else’s Instagram worthy meal, it is to make your dad or husband feel appreciated and loved!
So whether it’s a meat-centered meal, or his favorite vegetarian dishes, focus on him as you plan your food. Here’s a few ideas to get you started:
Let’s start with ribs:
These ribs from www.mommyhatescooking.com are made with a Ninja Foodi, but could be made with a pressure cooker and a few minutes under the broiler. They are delicious, and the best part is they can be done from start to finish in just over an hour.
This is how I always used to make ribs before I got a pressure cooker. Slow baked in the oven. See the recipe at www.inspiredtaste.net
Crockpot Pulled Pork from The Recipe Rebel:
If you are grilling, check out these Brisket Grilled Cheese Sandwiches from @darthtraeger on Instagram with layered cream cheese Jalapeno Dip, chopped brisket and smoked cheese on sourdough bread.
For Dads Who Love Chocolate
Bonus: The “Secret Recipe” That is My Husband’s Very Favorite Meal
I’ve been making this recipe for years. It’s quick and easy to make and includes some “semi-homemade” ingredients. My husband says he would want it for his last meal! There may be a similar recipe out there somewhere, but so far I haven’t seen one quite like it.
THE Chicken Pot Pie
Equipment
- food processor
Ingredients
For Filling
- 4 cups cooked cubed chicken
- 2 cans cream of mushroom soup
- 10 ounces evaporated milk
- 2 T dried parsley flakes
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp pepper
- 20 ounces frozen mixed vegetables peas, carrots, green beans, corn
For Crust
- 1 1/2 cups instant potato flakes
- 1 1/2 cups flour
- 1/2 cup parmesan cheese grated, like Kraft brand
- 2/3 cup butter
- 1/2 cup cold water
Instructions
- Heat oven to 375°F.In a large bowl, combine soup, evaporated milk, parsley, salt and pepper.
- Add cooked diced chicken and vegetables. Combine well. Pour into a greased 9×13 pan.
- To make the crust, combine in a food precessor the potato flakes, flour, parmesan cheese and butter. Pulse until butter is incorporated.
- Add the water and process until the dough forms a ball. Dump the dough out onto a floured surface.
- Roll the dough out into a rectangle similar to the size of the pan. Cut the dough into large pieces and lay them out over the filling until no filling is showing. It's fine if they overlap a bit. (This is the way to use all the dough with no waste)
- Bake for 40 minutes and then check. Bake 5-10 more minutes, or until the dough is golden brown.
What Activities do Dads Love?
While we know dads do appreciate the cute crafty things we do for them, some dads really just want to hit some balls and stuff.
Other dad’s like other things– make it about him! Choose a way he can share his hobbies and interests.
Here are a couple of ideas for things to do at your dad party:
Try hitting golf balls into a target with this handy golf net. Also works for pitching baseballs and kicking soccer balls. Make it a contest with prizes.
A dad themed photo booth: Use these or choose your own. The more “Dad Joke” the better!
More suggestions:
- Go four-wheeling on an ATV or UTV
- Have a picnic
- Visit the zoo
- Go fishing
- Swimming at the pool
- Go for a hike
- Play video games together
- Board Games
- Pick a local landmark and go exploring. Take snacks!
- Rent an inflatable waterslide
- Play volleyball
Gift Ideas Dads Want and Need
Dads can be super hard to buy gifts for. Don’t overlook the things he wants by thinking they are too obvious or boring– like a drill or a new wallet.
What are his hobbies? What practical things does he have that tend to wear out and need replacing? Dads like deals. Get him something on a great sale and tell him about it ?
If you are considering an “experience” gift, make sure it’s something he will actually enjoy. Dads know what they are into at this point in life.