How to Decorate for a Disco Party

Disco parties are a nostalgic nod to the 1970s with funky imagery and lively pop culture references in an entertaining dance and social environment. Decorating for a disco party is relatively inexpensive and easy to do when following key 1970s-inspired steps.

Things You'll Need

• Disco ball Strobe lights (optional) Black light bulbs (optional) Beaded curtains (optional)

Instructions

1. Encourage guests to dress up in the disco party theme. Wear bell-bottom denim, shimmering leisure suits, '70s wigs or feathered hair, a fake mustache, light-reflecting satin jackets, platform-soled shoes and rainbow-colored garb.

2. 

   Hang a disco ball from the ceiling. This revolving mirrored ball should hang in a room designated for dancing. Disco balls come in a variety of sizes and prices points and can be purchased from party stores (like Party City), online vendors (such as Party 411) or vintage boutiques.

3. 

   Use lighting to establish a disco-inspired atmosphere. Rent or purchase colored strobe lights to create pulsating light on the dance floor; party attendees will enjoy the illusion of dancing in slow motion. Twist black light bulbs into bathroom light fixtures, hallway sconces and kitchen areas to illuminate white objects: teeth, eyes and white clothing.

4. Hang '70s-inspired beaded curtains over entryways. Embody the spirit of the disco era by decorating in a variety of funky hanging curtain styles: glass beads (to reflect light), silver-plated mirror balls, rainbow circles or shells.

5. Decorate with '70s-inspired objects. Post smiley faces and peace sign stickers on the walls, mount 1970s television show and movie posters (such as the "Rocky Horror Picture Show") in gathering areas and hang '70s vintage records from the ceiling. Encourage guest interaction with disco games: Trivial Pursuit '70s Edition, disco dance contests or "Saturday Night Fever." Consider pre-ordering a disco-dancing John Travolta pinata for added party fun. Serve popular '70s food and snacks, such as fondue, Necco wafers, Bugles and Dr. Pepper. Burn incense in the bathrooms.

6. Play energetic disco party music. Dance to the Bee Gees, Donna Summer, Village People, KC and the Sunshine Band, Diana Ross, Abba and Cerrone. Find retro inspiration for a party CD mix at Disco Music's website (see Resources below).

7. 

   Distribute disco party favors. Thank your guests for with a token of the '70s: a small lava lamp, disco ball key ring, glow stick, musical note magnet, smiley face earrings, tie-dyed Tt-shirt or mood ring.

Tips & Warnings

• Hiring a DJ? Many companies will bring strobe lights to the party for no extra charge. Send out disco-themed evites to party guests to build the party excitement.

Resources

• Top Disco Dance Songs of the '70s
• Party 411