A 1920s theme party captures the glamour and excitement of the Jazz Age, when flappers danced the Charleston and speakeasies ruled the night.
Quick Guide to 1920s Party Elements
- Decor: Art deco patterns, gold and black color schemes, feathers, pearls
- Music: Jazz, charleston, swing
- Drinks: Gin rickeys, mint juleps, champagne cocktails
- Food: Deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail, finger sandwiches
- Dress code: Flapper dresses, pinstripe suits, fedoras
Setting the Scene
Transform your space with art deco-inspired decorations like geometric patterns, metallic accents, and crystal beading.
Create a speakeasy atmosphere by using password-protected invitations and a secret entrance sign reading “Joe sent me” or similar period-appropriate phrases.
Essential Decorative Elements:
- Strand pearl decorations
- Feather centerpieces
- Black and gold balloons
- Vintage posters
- Crystal chandeliers or string lights
Music and Entertainment
Create a playlist featuring artists like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, and Bessie Smith.
- Hire a jazz band
- Arrange Charleston dance lessons
- Set up a photo booth with props
- Organize casino-style games
Food and Drinks
| Classic Cocktails | Period-Appropriate Foods |
|---|---|
|
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Costume Guidelines
Encourage guests to dress in period-appropriate attire with these suggestions:
For Women:
- Dropped-waist dresses
- Beaded gowns
- Long pearl necklaces
- Feather headbands
- T-strap shoes
For Men:
- Three-piece suits
- Bow ties
- Suspenders
- Fedoras or newsboy caps
- Two-tone oxfords
Party Activities
- Charleston dance contest
- Best-dressed competition
- Vintage card games
- Murder mystery game set in the 1920s
Consider hiring professional dancers to teach guests popular 1920s dance moves.
Where to Find Supplies
- Party City: Basic decorations and accessories
- Etsy: Authentic vintage items and custom decorations
- Amazon: Costume accessories and party supplies
- Local vintage shops: Period-appropriate props and decor
Book entertainment and vendors at least 2-3 months in advance for best availability and pricing.
Additional Party Elements
Guest Arrival Experience
Create an immersive experience from the moment guests arrive:
- Hire a doorman in period costume
- Set up a vintage car display near entrance
- Create press-style photo opportunity with backdrop
- Issue “bootlegger permits” as party favors
Timeline Planning
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 7:00 PM | Guest arrival and cocktail hour |
| 8:00 PM | Dance lessons begin |
| 9:00 PM | Costume contest |
| 10:00 PM | Charleston competition |
Safety and Logistics
- Arrange designated drivers or rideshare services
- Have contact information for local taxi services
- Provide water stations throughout venue
- Consider hiring security for larger events
Conclusion
A successful 1920s theme party combines careful attention to historical details with modern party planning essentials. Focus on creating an immersive atmosphere through decor, music, and activities while ensuring guest comfort and safety.
Final Checklist
- Confirm all vendor bookings one week before
- Test sound equipment and lighting
- Create emergency contact list
- Brief all staff on theme and expectations
- Prepare themed welcome signs and directional markers
FAQs
1. What are the essential elements needed to create an authentic 1920s theme party?
Art deco decorations, jazz music, feathers, pearls, champagne towers, black and gold color schemes, vintage-inspired lighting, and flapper-style accessories are crucial elements for authenticity.
2. What type of attire should guests wear to a 1920s theme party?
Women can wear flapper dresses with fringe, beading, and sequins, while men should opt for pinstriped suits, fedoras, suspenders, and bow ties. Both can accessorize with long pearl necklaces, headbands, and white gloves.
3. What cocktails were popular in the 1920s that I should serve at my party?
Authentic 1920s cocktails include the Gin Rickey, Mary Pickford, Sidecar, French 75, Bee’s Knees, and Mint Julep. Champagne cocktails were also extremely popular during this era.
4. What type of music should be played at a 1920s theme party?
Jazz-age music from artists like Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith, and George Gershwin. Charleston, Fox Trot, and other popular 1920s dance music should be included.
5. What games and activities were popular at parties during the 1920s?
Popular activities included Charleston dance contests, card games like Bridge, party games like Blind Man’s Bluff, and murder mystery games which became popular during this era.
6. What food should be served at a 1920s theme party?
Deviled eggs, cheese straws, oysters Rockefeller, shrimp cocktail, finger sandwiches, and petit fours were popular party foods. Don’t forget popular 1920s desserts like pineapple upside-down cake.
7. How should I decorate my venue for a 1920s theme party?
Use art deco patterns, gold and black decorations, feather centerpieces, crystal chandeliers, vintage posters, and strings of pearls. Incorporate geometric patterns and metallic accents throughout.
8. What were typical party favors during the 1920s?
Long cigarette holders, decorative fans, beaded necklaces, miniature bottles of “bathtub gin,” feather boas, and costume jewelry were common party favors during this era.
9. How can I create an authentic speakeasy atmosphere at my 1920s party?
Use a password for entry, dim lighting, jazz music, vintage-style bartenders, prohibition-era cocktail menus, and create a secret entrance to capture the speakeasy feeling.
10. What are some appropriate invitations styles for a 1920s theme party?
Art deco-style invitations featuring geometric patterns, gold and black colors, and vintage typography. Consider using speakeasy-style passwords or telegram-inspired formats for authenticity.
