Turn an ordinary party into a 1950s-inspired extravaganza.
Whether you were a 1950s teenager, or wish you had been, a 1950s themed party can be a great excuse to let your hair down. Spending a bit of time researching the era will ensure that you get all the little details right. From your invitations to your dress code to your party games, make sure that you impress your guests with your 1950s-style celebration.
Rock and Roll-Themed Party
Take inspiration from 1950s items, such as jukeboxes.
The 1950s was the decade of rock and roll music, so this is an ideal theme for your party. Send out invitations shaped like 45s with the party details written on them in puffy paint; specify your dress code and send them well in advance to give your guests plenty of time to dress to impress! Take decorating inspiration from jukeboxes, drive-in movies, ladies' hourglass figures and, of course, the King of Rock and Roll, Elvis Presley. Arrange a competition with categories such as "Most Authentic Costume," "Best Quiff" and "Most Rock and Roll." Guests can vote anonymously on ballot forms; give out movie tickets to the winners. Serve cheeseburgers, milkshakes, ice cream sundaes and popcorn. Have old movies playing in the background; the music has to be rock and roll. Play Buddy Holly, Chuck Berry and Elvis for a real 1950s soundtrack.
Stick to the fun vibe of your Rock and Roll party and create eye-catching floral arrangements of mis-matched flowers, such as red roses and pink peonies with tropical blooms like orchids and hibiscus. The bigger and brighter, the better!
"Grease" Themed Party
A burger and fries is perfect 1950s party food.
Set in 1959, "Grease" is probably the most loved film depicting that decade. For your invitations, print pictures of scenes from the movie from the Internet and stick them onto thick white cards; write the party details on the back and make sure you ask your guests to come dressed as their favorite character from the movie. Confer with friends to make sure you have a full posse of "Pink Ladies" and "T-Birds." Transform your home or party venue into Rydell High; hang a huge "Welcome to Rydell High" banner at the front of the venue and decorate the space with plenty of balloons and streamers. Have the movie playing on a large projector screen, and hand out burgers and fries, root-beer shakes (with or without alcohol) and popcorn. Arrange a dance-off with classic 1950s moves like the Hand Jive, Bop and Cha Cha, with "Grease"-themed prizes for the winners.
For your floral arrangements, the keyword is kitsch: instead of real flowers, use artificial ones (plastic or silk), or make your own out of crepe paper. Instead of vases, use bright plastic tumblers.
1950s Diner Party
Pink carnations will look great in your 1950s diner.
For an afternoon get-together with friends, bridal shower or baby shower, a 1950s diner-inspired party is ideal. Ask your guests to come dressed in 1950s style, such as poodle skirts, cheerleading outfits and ankle socks. If you don't have a large indoor space, set up a diner in your garage. Buy or borrow round occasional tables and cover them with black tablecloths. Purchase diner, ice cream parlour or soda decals, like menus, 1950s cars, electric guitars and juke boxes, that can be affixed to the walls. If you don't have a real jukebox, play 1950s music on a CD player hidden from view. Browse junk stores and yard sales for ketchup and mustard bottles, chrome napkin holders, and salt and pepper shakers to place on your tables. For 1950s colors, think turquoise and hot pink; stick to this with your balloons and streamers to add color to the space. A creative ceiling decoration is to hang old 45s at different levels; simply attach them to the ceiling with string.
For simple floral arrangements, use old Coca-Cola bottles and fill them with bright pink carnations; these will tie in nicely with your color scheme and not look too fussy or over-styled.
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