Entertaining
How to: Throw a Great Gatsby themed party
How to: Throw a Great Gatsby themed party
Entertaining
How to: Throw a Great Gatsby themed party
With the film adaptation of F. Scott Fitzgerald’s classic novel
The Great Gatsby set to hit the big screen this spring, the Swinging Twenties are making a comeback in everything from fashion to design to event planning.
Get into the spirit by throwing an unforgettable party the way only Jay Gatsby would have, with lively music, decadent food and more champagne than your guests know what to do with! Whether you’re planning a formal dinner party or a casual outdoor bash, we’ve gathered 10 entertaining essentials to take your event back in time to the fabulous era of Art Deco and lavish living.
Invitations
Set the mood for your party with an Art Deco inspired invitation. Etsy has plenty of artisans to choose from. If you see a design you like but it’s for a wedding or bridal shower, contact the seller to see if they’ll do a custom order. Invited Design on Etsy, $4 each.
Table cards
Encourage guests to mingle with new people by creating a seating plan. Whether you have several tables or just one, these 1920s-style place cards will add the perfect touch to your Great Gatsby party. Emalia’s Fancy on Etsy, $15 for 25.
Mint julep
Greet your guests with a refreshing mint julep, a classic drink from the ‘20s. This blueberry bourbon version is a modern take on the traditional drink recipe. Recipe.
Gramophone
Nothing creates a mood at a party more than music, and this gramophone iPod dock is the perfect way to mix old style with modern technology -- the ultimate tech accessory. Throw on some old-time jazz like Al Jolson, and you’ve got yourself a party! Restoration Hardware, $249.
Mason jar candles
Using mason jars as candleholders was all the rage for garden parties in the 1920s. Line your dining table with this version from Pottery Barn or hang from the trees if you're throwing a stylish outdoor party. Pottery Barn, $10 each.
Games station
Keep guests entertained during a cocktail hour with a games table set up. From checkers to cards to dominoes, these timeless games will create a lighthearted atmosphere that’s a staple of any Great Gatsby party. Restoration Hardware, $20.
Tiered serving trays
If you’re opting for a beautiful dessert table or just some munchies during cocktail hour, layer your table with different heights for the biggest impact. This tiered tray not only has a vintage vibe, but it’s the perfect platter to display your petit fours or finger sandwiches. Pottery Barn, $167.
Decadent cakes
Gatsby’s parties were all about opulence and decadent food and drink, so make sure your party lives up to the hype with sweet decadent desserts for your guests. This classic lemon Bundt cake is the perfect after-dinner sweet treat with a hint of tartness. Get the recipe here.
Champagne flutes
End the night in true Gatsby fashion with a champagne toast. Go for a classic pour or play it up by adding some berries in these handmade glass wine flutes. Crate and Barrel, $14 each.
Stringed lights
Light up your Gatsby garden party with twinkling stringed lights overhead that were wildly popular during the period. Simply hang fairy lights in straight lines or string these globe ones for a brighter effect. Pottery Barn, from $21.
Discover more great decorating ideas with our collection of fun dinner party themes.
Get into the spirit by throwing an unforgettable party the way only Jay Gatsby would have, with lively music, decadent food and more champagne than your guests know what to do with! Whether you’re planning a formal dinner party or a casual outdoor bash, we’ve gathered 10 entertaining essentials to take your event back in time to the fabulous era of Art Deco and lavish living.
Invitations
Set the mood for your party with an Art Deco inspired invitation. Etsy has plenty of artisans to choose from. If you see a design you like but it’s for a wedding or bridal shower, contact the seller to see if they’ll do a custom order. Invited Design on Etsy, $4 each.
Table cards
Encourage guests to mingle with new people by creating a seating plan. Whether you have several tables or just one, these 1920s-style place cards will add the perfect touch to your Great Gatsby party. Emalia’s Fancy on Etsy, $15 for 25.
Mint julep
Greet your guests with a refreshing mint julep, a classic drink from the ‘20s. This blueberry bourbon version is a modern take on the traditional drink recipe. Recipe.
Gramophone
Nothing creates a mood at a party more than music, and this gramophone iPod dock is the perfect way to mix old style with modern technology -- the ultimate tech accessory. Throw on some old-time jazz like Al Jolson, and you’ve got yourself a party! Restoration Hardware, $249.
Mason jar candles
Using mason jars as candleholders was all the rage for garden parties in the 1920s. Line your dining table with this version from Pottery Barn or hang from the trees if you're throwing a stylish outdoor party. Pottery Barn, $10 each.
Games station
Keep guests entertained during a cocktail hour with a games table set up. From checkers to cards to dominoes, these timeless games will create a lighthearted atmosphere that’s a staple of any Great Gatsby party. Restoration Hardware, $20.
Tiered serving trays
If you’re opting for a beautiful dessert table or just some munchies during cocktail hour, layer your table with different heights for the biggest impact. This tiered tray not only has a vintage vibe, but it’s the perfect platter to display your petit fours or finger sandwiches. Pottery Barn, $167.
Decadent cakes
Gatsby’s parties were all about opulence and decadent food and drink, so make sure your party lives up to the hype with sweet decadent desserts for your guests. This classic lemon Bundt cake is the perfect after-dinner sweet treat with a hint of tartness. Get the recipe here.
Champagne flutes
End the night in true Gatsby fashion with a champagne toast. Go for a classic pour or play it up by adding some berries in these handmade glass wine flutes. Crate and Barrel, $14 each.
Stringed lights
Light up your Gatsby garden party with twinkling stringed lights overhead that were wildly popular during the period. Simply hang fairy lights in straight lines or string these globe ones for a brighter effect. Pottery Barn, from $21.
Discover more great decorating ideas with our collection of fun dinner party themes.
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