Host a Roaring 20s Party
If you're up for a decade party, why not host a roaring 20s party? There is only one type of party where everyone dresses to the nines, and the drinks are served from the bathtub, and this is it. To get yourself in the mood, first you should seek a little inspiration. Pick up a copy of "The Great Gatsby" by F. Scott Fitzgerald from the library or watch "Thoroughly Modern Millie" starring Julie Andrews and Mary Tyler Moore. If you live in New York City, pop into one of the oh-so-popular Speakeasy-themed bars. The Campbell Apartment located in Grand Central Terminal is probably the most authentic. Now, you can go all out with these party suggestions, or just use a hint of them, depending on the amount of time and money that you want to spend on your event. Parties with the 20s theme are great for New Years Eve, birthdays, and even weddings!
About the Roaring 20s
One of the important things to remember about the 20s is that it was the Prohibition Era. Once alcohol was illegal, it became wildly popular. The idea was by making alcohol illegal there would be less crime, however it brought about the birth of an underground network of alcohol production and distribution, run mainly by the mob. People went to “speakeasies,” which were secret bars, and this concept is key to your party! Give guests a secret password or knock before they come so they feel like they are really going to an underground party.
Food and Drink
Since most of the alcohol in the twenties was of poor quality or even homemade, mixed drinks became very popular. Drinks are best served in tea cups, as they were in the speakeasies, or in bottles covered with a brown paper bag. Keep beer off the menu for this party, stick to mixed drinks, like Manhattans, gin and tonics, even mint juleps. For some added fun, put a punch bowl of your favorite mixed drink in the bathtub. You can label it “Bathtub Gin,” a term for homemade alcohol. Remember that alcoholic drinks should be consumed responsibly, and guests should never drive while under the influence of alcohol. For food, stick to classic hors d'oeuvres: deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail, olives, spinach and artichoke dip, and a cheese platter with crackers.
Music and Entertainment
The 1920s were the Jazz Age, so play jazz music and blast it! Encourage your guests to do the Charleston to Duke Ellingon, Ella Fitzgerald, or Ma Rainey. If you want your party to be really authentic, you can even get some ragtime music, like Mugsy Spanier and His Ragtime Band.
Have a fun time with the style. Use Art Deco inspirations for your decor, with silver and white accents. Most importantly, make sure your guests dress sharply. Ladies should wear dresses, and men, suits. If you want to take it even further, ladies should go for a straight bob, a low sleek bun to one side, or for the adventurous and detail-oriented, finger curls. Men should part their hair on the side and slick it down. For accessories, fedoras and pocket squares for the gents and long cigarette sticks for the ladies!
Remember, the parties in twenties were about glamour and good times, so let loose and enjoy!
