How to Throw a 1950's Themed Party
The fifties were the decade that introduced Elvis Presley, poodle skirts and soda shops. This kitschy decade is always a favorite, no matter what age you are. The music is timeless, and the wardrobe is iconic. Take a step back in time and throw your guests a rockin' 1950s-themed party that they'll never forget. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Play early rock 'n' roll music. Even though most rock critics argue that the first rock song wasn't really until 1955 or 1956, the fifties are known as the era of classic rock 'n' roll. It was the music that shaped a generation, and it is the easiest way to indicate this time period. Most great 1950s rock music is available in compilations, so you don't have to buy several albums or singles, which can be expensive. Simply play one of these great collections, and you've got a no-muss no-fuss soundtrack for your party.
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Get everyone to dress the part. One of the most memorable things about this time period is the way that teenagers dressed. Get the guests in on the dress-up fun by giving them the choice of what and who to dress like. Tell the guys that they have the choice of dressing like a 1950s bad boy (black leather jacket and cuffed jeans), a 1950s prep (letterman jacket and chinos) or a 1950s nerd (thick-rimmed glasses and pocket protector). Give the girls a similar choice, telling them that they can dress like a 1950s bad girl (capri pants and tight sweater), a 1950s preppy girl (poodle skirt and cardigan) or a 1950s nerdy girl.
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Get everyone to dance. Have the theme of the party be a "sock hop," the traditional name for teenage dance parties of the 1950s. Have a time set aside during the party where everyone grabs a partner and dances, competition style, to the music in the background. You can judge the dancing at the party a la American Bandstand and give a prize to the top dancing duo.
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Serve 1950s-inspired food. The 1950s were the time of not only malt shops and burgers but also meatloaf and the advent of the frozen dinner. A fun thing to do is to have a make-your-own-shake station at the party, where the ingredients are provided for guests to blend their own shakes or malts. For the meal later in the party, you can make individual-sized meatloaves with tater tots. This is a fun way to share retro food from the 1950s in a way that your guests won't forget! The meatloaves can be made with a traditional meatloaf recipe, only cooked in a cupcake pan instead of a loaf pan.
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