How to Throw a 30s Party

When you think of the bygone era of the 1930s, pictures of end of Prohibition celebrations, jazz and swing bands and fashions of 1930s hats, curled updo hairstyles for women dressed in layered pearls probably are what you conjure up in your head. You can use all of these visions to plan and throw a 1930s party your guests are sure to enjoy and never forget.

Difficulty:

Moderately Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need

• Costumes or props (Long strands of layered pearls and fur stoles for women, Trilby or Fedora hats, pinstriped suits and vests for men)
• Jazz and swing band music
• Drink recipes and ingredients for juleps, fizzers, sours, Manhattans and sidecars

1. Prepare era invitations. Use a vintage photo of a 1930s scene or people as the cover. Include party details on the inside of the invitation that encourages your guests to step back in time to the 1930s when swing bands, the end of Prohibition and stylish fashion were a sign of the times. Encourage guests to come dressed in full costume.

2. Make props available for photo ops. Order long strands of layered pearls and faux fur wraps for the ladies and Fedoras and pin striped vests available for the gents. Have guests pose as they enter the door of the party to have their picture taken--either wearing their own 1930s style fashion or with one of your props.

3. Set the iPod on jazz and swing band music. Hook your iPod up to speakers or pull out the old Victrola to play old jazz and swing band music. Create or set aside space for a dance floor so your friends, family and party guests can sway or swing to the music.

4. Stock the bar with signature drinks. In 1933, Prohibition came to an end, which led to celebrations across the nation. Alcoholic beverages of this era were different than they are today, so stock your bar with the ingredients to serve signature drinks of the time such as juleps, fizzers, sours, Manhattans and sidecars.

References

• 1930s Jazz Party
• Big Band Swing Party Theme