How to Throw a 1960s Themed Party

Invitations

For invitations, while some online sites such as Evite offer some great themed party invitations for almost any occasion, try using printed invitations for a more old-fashioned feel, having your guests RSVP through traditional mail or phone replies.

Food and Drinks

Your drink menu is where you really have the chance to get funky. Research popular drink recipes from the decade and make sure you have all the proper ingredients to make each. This is something you will want to fully plan well ahead of time, as some drink items may not be as popular as they once were, and therefore are harder to find. Some of the most popular drinks of the era include the traditional Manhattan, Whiskey sours, dirty martinis, gimlets, Tom Collins and mint juleps. Or you could whip up a creative Tang punch. Simply add a smooth gin to the mix for a cocktail event, or leave it alcohol-free for a kid-friendly bash.

As for culinary delights, themed buffets and barbecues alike were the popular choice of party planners throughout the 1960s. Whether you decide on a backyard midsummer event or an elegant self-serve spread, International cuisine is the way to go. Try to serve popular international dishes with an American flair, as was the style at the time, such as lasagna with American cheese or chicken tenders with Chinese-style sweet and sour sauce. A fun food idea for an event with children is to set up a do-it-yourself Shake and Bake station, where guests can prepare their own coated chicken breasts in the famous 1960’s-style. What makes it fun is that everyone helps!

Music, Entertainment and Costumes

The 1960s were also undeniably a decade of Rock and Roll, so be sure to pick up a playlist that has some of the top hits of the time. Most anything from Bob Dylan, The Beatles, The Doors, David Bowie or The Beach Boys will work perfectly and give your party a fun 1960s vibe!

To add some visual interest, try playing a 1960s-themed program on your TV that guests can watch or just to have on in the background, such as Mad Men or Austin Powers. For even more authenticity, use a projector and rent an Andy Warhol film to play on a simple white sheet hung from the ceiling. This will really give your event that 1960s London-loft artistic vibe.

Other decorations could include popular items of the time such as big comfy bean bag chairs, oversized peace signs, flowery bead curtains, or anything tie-dyed. Spice up your 1960s social with retro games like Trivial Pursuit or Woodstock-themed karaoke.

What to wear? For the ladies, try dressing in Warhol-esque mod designs and colors for that Twiggy-girl look. For the guys, get the Don Draper look with a chic and simple slim-fit suit and matching skinny tie.

Enjoy your groovy, psychedelic 1960s soiree!