How to Do an Elegant '70s-Theme Party

The 1970s were about more than just disco.

To create an elegant '70s-theme party, forget the disco ball. According to Ruth La Ferla in "The New York Times," the 1970s were a carefree time of the Studio 54 nightclub and fashion icons like Bianca Jagger and Jacqueline Onassis. Focus on this fashionable period with an elegant '70s party. Use films of the period, such as Woody Allen's "Annie Hall" and the English cult classic "Quadrophenia," as references.

Things You'll Need

• Word processing software
• Vellum
• Blank heavy card stock invitations
• 64 sheets white tissue paper
• Twist tie
• String
• Double-sided tape
• Mix CD or play list
• Cocktail shaker
• Ice cubes
• Sweet vermouth
• Dry vermouth
• Applejack
• Lime juice
• Champagne glasses
• Champagne
• Orange-flavored liqueur
• Hors d'oeuvres
• White tablecloth
• Appetizer or tasting china plates

Instructions

1. Set your word processing software to an elegant and easy-to-read font, such as Arial or Helvetica, for your invitations. Your invitations set the tone of your party, and you want your guests to understand that your 1970s party is not a disco party.

2. Write "Please join us for an elegant 1970s party" on the top line of your invitation. Include the location, date and time. Ask guests to come dressed in the style of a 1970s film so that not everyone arrives in polyester. Clarify whether it is a cocktail party, birthday or dinner party, and leave RSVP information.

3. Print out the party invitations on vellum and cut them to fit into blank heavy card stock invitations, either white or cream-colored. Mail them to your guest list.

4. Decorate your party location in 1970s minimalist style. Stack eight sheets of white tissue paper to make a white pompom ball. Turn the stack horizontally on your table. Fold the stack up 2 inches from the bottom. Then fold it back 2 inches so you are folding it accordion-style. Continue until the entire stack is folded.

5. Twist tie the center of the folded tissue paper. Gently pull out each piece of tissue paper to create a large pompom decoration. Tie string around the center and hang it from the ceiling with double-sided tape. Repeat Steps 4 and 5 seven times for a total of eight pompoms.

6. Record a mix CD or create a play list with elegant 1970s music. Download songs from movies such as "Manhattan" or "Barry Lyndon." Add Marvin Gaye's "What's Going On" and the Eagles' "Hotel California."

7. 

   Champagne is well suited for all elegant occasions.

   Set up a bar to make one signature cocktail for the night, such as the Ambrosia Arnaud's, featured in the May 1976 issue of "Gourmet." Add ice cubes to a cocktail shaker to make one drink. Pour in 2 tbsps. each of sweet vermouth, dry vermouth and applejack and 1 tsp. lime juice. Shake the drink and strain it into a champagne glass. Fill the rest of the glass with champagne and one-half tsp. of orange-flavored liqueur.

8. Bake classic hors d'oeuvres, such as stuffed mushroom caps and baked brie, for the party. Place a white tablecloth over a buffet table. Place cocktail napkins and appetizer or tasting china plates out for guests.

Tips & Warnings

• Look in old magazines from the 1970s for ideas for party food.

• If you use a film as a reference, you can tell your guests about the party's inspiration. They can opt to dress from the film and you can serve food and drinks from it.

• Consider the time of day and the season when planning your party.

References

• IMDB: 250 Best '70s Movies
• Gourmet: Ambrosia Arnaud's
• Intimate Weddings: Tissue Paper Pom Poms: DIY Wedding Decor
• New York Times: Look Back in Envy: The ’70s Take the Runway