How to Choose the Perfect Playlist Name Based on Your Occasion

You spend hours working on the playlist for your holiday party. It’s a mix of old school crooners, setting the stage for fancy cocktails in colorful vintage glasses, and instrumentals to play as conversation heats up, so your guests don’t have to scream over one another, and fan favorite pop ditties that will definitely lead to a late night singalong. 

But now comes the hard part: Naming the playlist just right, so perfectly titled that you’ll confidently offer to share it with guests each time they tell you, “What a great playlist!” Luckily, this foolproof guide is packed with perfect playlist name ideas for every occasion. 

As you’re planning your song list, keep these pointers in mind to help steer your thinking. If the perfect name doesn’t come to you right now, that’s okay. Just don’t forget to write it down when it does! 

• What is the specific occasion? It’s best to be descriptive and straightforward here. Include the actual name of when you’re listening to this.
• Is there a mood you want to evoke? Happy? Sad? Angsty?
• Are there any adjectives or specific items that bring to mind the occasion? Party-Ready? Pump-Up? Slow down? Burgers? Beer?
• Use some combination of the first (occasion) and one or both of the second two (mood, adjectives/specific items) and play around with the order until you arrive on the perfect playlist name.

And, if all else fails, go for a pun that plays on either the occasion or one of the songs.

You want to evoke moody, candlelit vibes with this playlist. This is the one you put on when you’re feeling oh-so grown-up. You might even decant your wine for this party. And you want the music to fit the mood. You choose jazzy standards or low fi instrumentals. 

• Swanky Dinner Party Vibes
• Candlelit Dinner Party Jazz
• Moody Dinner Vibes

The tiaras and tinsel are out. The sequins are on. The champagne is flowing. You’re ready to kick off your best year yet. And the music is a rundown of the biggest hits of the past year. 

• Sparkling NYE Hits
• Solid Gold NYE Top 40
• Countdown to the New Year

Whether it’s a bridal shower or a few friends getting together to catch up at home, this is an occasion where you want a quiet, upbeat soundtrack in the background. No one is really listening to it, but it provides a lovely ambiance. 

• Peaceful Classical Brunch
• Upbeat Boozy Brunch
• Breakfast Club Beats 

The sun is shining and, whether it’s a summer barbecue or a fall football afternoon, you’ve gathered a group together for good food and drinks. The playlist is filled with some of your favorite oldies, ’80s hits, and summer anthems.

• Burgers, Beers, and Bangers
• Sunny Afternoon Anthems
• Grill & Chill 

Sometimes you want to put on a house party playlist that makes everyone feel like they’re 18 again. You pull together all of your favorite hits, the songs that always made this group hit the dance floor. You know every word — and so does everyone else at the party.

• House Party Hip Hop
• Throwback House Party
• Party Bangers 

A Friday night at home with an elaborate recipe and a homemade cocktail is one of the best ways to spend a few leisurely hours after a long week. You put on a calming background playlist, light some candles, and cook your favorite meal without the pressure of a reservation. 

• What’s for Dinner?
• Moody At-Home Cocktail Hour
• Classy Supper Club

It could be two hours or it could be 12 hours, a road trip is one of those special kinds of vacations you’ll never forget. And you want nostalgic, golden hour tunes to go along with it. A playlist filled with main character moment songs is just right for the occasion.

• Forever Memories and Nostalgic Melodies
• Retro Road Trip Tunes
• A Drive Down Memory Lane