A Roaring Twenties party, also known as a Great Gatsby-themed party, is all about bringing the glitz, glam, and excitement of the 1920s to life. With flappers, jazz, art deco, and speakeasy vibes, this era offers plenty of opportunities for a night of fabulous costumes, music, and a taste of the past’s most glamorous parties. Here’s how to throw a Roaring Twenties party that will have your guests feeling like they’re in the heart of the Jazz Age:

1. Invitations

Set the tone for your glamorous soirée right from the start with themed invitations.

  • Art Deco Design: Use bold, geometric patterns, gold accents, and flapper imagery. Think of the Great Gatsby book covers or the luxurious invitations to the high-society events in the 1920s.
  • Speakeasy Invite: If you want to incorporate a secretive vibe, send out invitations that say something like “Password Required for Entry” and give guests a fun “password” to use at the door, mimicking the covert nature of Prohibition-era speakeasies.
  • Vintage Fonts: Use fonts reminiscent of the era, such as Art Deco-style fonts with sleek, linear designs.

2. Venue & Decor

The decor should exude the luxury, opulence, and glamour of the 1920s. Imagine an extravagant ballroom, secret jazz clubs, and lavish cocktail parties.

Color Scheme

  • Gold and Black: The elegance of gold paired with sophisticated black is the signature color combo of the 1920s.
  • Silver and White: For a softer but still luxe effect, pair silver with white and touches of pastel colors.
  • Emerald Green: Add pops of emerald green for a more vibrant, Art Deco-inspired palette.

Decor Ideas

  • Art Deco Touches: Incorporate Art Deco elements like angular lines, mirrored surfaces, and metallic finishes in the decor. Feathers, crystals, and pearls add a glamorous, Gatsby-inspired touch.
  • Black and Gold Balloons: Create a grand entrance with black and gold balloon arches or chandeliers. Use gold sequins for table runners and black velvet for curtains.
  • Speakeasy Vibe: For a more secretive feel, transform your space into a speakeasy with dim lighting, vintage bar counters, and hidden areas for conversation. Add old-timey bar stools and flapper-style seating to the space.
  • Jazz Posters and Old Records: Decorate the walls with posters of famous 1920s jazz musicians or vintage vinyl records to set the mood for the music.

3. Food & Drinks

The food and drinks at your Roaring Twenties party should have a touch of elegance and whimsy, reflecting the upscale society of the time.

Food Ideas

  • Canapés & Finger Foods: Serve small bites like caviar canapés, deviled eggs, and finger sandwiches. These are classy and fit the upscale atmosphere of the 1920s.
  • Oysters and Shrimp: These were popular foods for upscale parties in the 1920s, and you can serve them on ice with dipping sauces.
  • Charcuterie Boards: Include elegant charcuterie boards with cheeses, cured meats, olives, and grapes—items that evoke sophistication.
  • Petit Fours: For dessert, serve miniature cakes, chocolates, and flavored meringues, all reminiscent of the time’s fancy treats.
  • Champagne Tower: Set up a dramatic champagne tower or serve champagne cocktails like the French 75 or Gin Rickey, which were popular during the era.

Drink Ideas

  • Gin Cocktails: The 1920s was the Prohibition era, so gin-based drinks like the Gin Rickey or Tom Collins were the drinks of choice.
  • Champagne & Sparkling Wines: A classy champagne fountain will give your party a lavish, Gatsby-esque feel.
  • Whiskey & Bourbon: If you prefer whiskey, go for Old Fashioned or Manhattan cocktails.
  • Mocktails: For non-drinkers or guests who prefer something more subdued, serve mocktails such as sparkling lemonade or virgin mojitos.
  • Speakeasy Bar: Set up a bar area that looks like a secret 1920s speakeasy. Guests can feel like they’re entering a hidden club, with bartenders in flapper-style attire serving cocktails.

4. Music

The music is key to setting the mood. You want to channel the jazzy, upbeat vibe of the Roaring Twenties.

Playlist Suggestions:

  • Jazz Classics: Include songs from Louis Armstrong, Duke Ellington, Bessie Smith, and Cab Calloway.
  • Charleston Music: Add tracks perfect for the Charleston dance or songs like “Puttin’ on the Ritz” or “Minnie the Moocher.”
  • Modern Remixes: To blend the old and new, incorporate modern electro-swing remixes of classic jazz tunes for dancing.
  • Live Jazz Band: If your budget allows, consider hiring a live jazz band or a DJ that can mix some retro jazz with modern beats.

5. Activities and Games

Your Roaring Twenties party should offer fun activities that tie into the theme.

Flapper Dance Contest:

  • Host a Charleston dance contest or challenge your guests to show off their best flapper-style dance moves. Offer a prize for the best dancer!

Murder Mystery Game:

  • Consider adding a 1920s murder mystery game, where guests play different characters at a wealthy party, trying to figure out “who done it” in a glamorous setting.

Photo Booth:

  • Set up a photo booth with props like feather boas, headbands, fedoras, fake mustaches, and cigarette holders to let guests take fun, vintage-inspired pictures.
  • Create a roaring backdrop with gold accents or even an Art Deco-style arch for a more polished look.

Prohibition-Themed Games:

  • Play a round of “Speakeasy Trivia” about the Roaring Twenties or “Guess the Jazz Song” for a bit of fun.

6. Costumes

Encourage your guests to come dressed in their best 1920s attire. Think flapper dresses, feathered headbands, sparkly jewelry, dapper suits, fedoras, and bow ties. You could even offer prizes for the best-dressed guests, with categories like Best Flapper or Best Gatsby Look.

Flapper Attire:

  • Flapper Dresses: Long, fringe-adorned dresses, pearls, and headbands with feathers.
  • Flapper Shoes: T-strap heels or flats with glitzy accessories.
  • Accessories: Feathered headbands, long strands of pearls, and long gloves.

Gatsby Men:

  • Suits: Dapper men can wear three-piece suits with suspenders, bow ties, and pocket squares.
  • Fedoras: Top off the look with a fedora or a boater hat.
  • Bow Ties and Pocket Watches: Add a pocket watch and a stylish bow tie to complete the outfit.

7. Party Favors

Send your guests home with a classic 1920s-inspired keepsake.

  • Mini Bottles of Champagne: Small, personalized bottles of champagne make for a perfect favor.
  • Flapper Headbands: Feathered or beaded headbands for women as a fun nod to the Roaring Twenties.
  • Cigarette Holders or Fake Cigars: As a fun, vintage-inspired favor, pass out fake cigars or decorative cigarette holders.
  • Personalized Compact Mirrors: For a chic and useful gift, give guests vintage-style compact mirrors with a personalized touch.

With these ideas, your Roaring Twenties party will transport guests back to the jazz-filled, glitzy days of the 1920s. Whether you’re hosting a lavish Gatsby-style gala or a more intimate speakeasy affair, the vibe will be all about elegance, fun, and glamour!