How to Decorate for a Homecoming Party

The 1950s marked the high point of high school homecoming parties. Plan an old-fashioned homecoming party with a 1950s sock-hop theme. Thrift store finds and inexpensive party supplies make decorating for a 1950s homecoming party a snap!

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Colored tablecloths
• Inexpensive picture frames
• Black and white photos of 1950s icons
• Floral centerpieces
• Black and white confetti

Hang the Decorations

1. Hang crepe streamers in your school colors about the party room.

2. Suspend white lights from the ceiling for lighting.

3. Purchase old vinyl records at a thrift store. Hang them on the walls around the room. Suspend some from the ceiling with fishing wire.

4. Hang a large banner with your school name and motto on one wall. Decorate it with your school colors.

5. Rent or borrow a 1950s jukebox to play period music.

Decorate the Tables

6. Place a paper or linen tablecloth on each table. The tablecloths should be in the school colors.

7. Place black and white pictures of 1950s icons, such as Rock Hudson, James Dean and Doris Day in inexpensive frames. You should have enough to place 2 or 3 frames on each table.

8. Put flower centerpieces in your school colors in the middle of each each table.

9. Stand the framed pictures around each floral centerpiece.

10. Sprinkle some black and white confetti on the table, for added pizazz.

Ask Guests to Come in Costume

11. Ask guests to come dressed in 1950s costume.

12. Have girls wear poodle skirts and bobby socks.

13. Ask boys to wear preppy sweaters and dress slacks, or old leather jackets and jeans.

14. Award a prize for the best costume.

Tips & Warnings

• If possible, try to have a 1950s car at the party (outside, of course) for couples to pose in or next to for pictures. Many owners of classic cars would be happy to loan theirs out for such a special occasion.