How to Host a Hippie Party

Psychedelic colors and tie-dye inspired images are suitable for a hippie party invitation.

The mid-1960s gave birth to a political and cultural movement of youth characterized by elements of the sexual revolution, experimentation with certain drugs like marijuana, non-materialistic behavior, and a belief in the righteousness of peaceful international relations. It was a remarkable time for fashion, with bell bottoms, tie-dye shirts, floppy peace sign necklaces, peasant blouses and love beads all the rage. People still alive today who experienced this unique period in America's history often miss or think warmly of it, which makes hosting a hippie party such an appropriate way to re-create this special time.

Things You'll Need

• 8.5 inch x 11 inch cardstock
• Watercolor or acrylic paints
• Paintbrush
• Blankets
• Pillows
• Large table
• Fruit juices
• Alcohol if adults in attendance
• Vegetarian, all natural snacks
• Smaller table
• Computer or record player
• Records
• Extension cord
• Heavy duty tape
• Hippie-style clothing
• Prize: record album or Woodstock t-shirt

Instructions

1. Fold a piece of cardstock in half so that it has the structure of a formal greeting card - 8.5 inches tall and 6.5 inches wide - and folds open. Paint an image iconic to the hippie generation, such as a peace sign, large daisy or sunflower, or just watercolor the entire front of the card so that it looks like a tie-dyed t-shirt. Repeat this process, creating a card for each guest.

2. Write the necessary details about the party inside each invitation. Also specify if guests should bring anything. Write very clearly that guests must dress in their best hippie outfits and that you will give a prize to the best-dressed hippie.

3. Lay soft blankets and pillows around your garden or backyard. Set up a large table in one area of the backyard to hold refreshments, such as alcohol if the party is for adults, fruit juices, soda, vegetarian dishes, all-natural snacks like almonds, cashews, pistachio nuts, granola, fresh fruit, steamed sweet potatoes, hummus and raw veggies. Hippies were against violence of any kind, so non-meat items are a wise choice.

4. Arrange a music station on a smaller table near your back door. Run an extension cord from your computer or record player to an outlet inside your house. Tape down the extension cord with heavy duty tape, so no one trips on it.

5. Play music just from this era starring groups such as the Byrds, the Beatles, Joe Cocker, Cream, the Doors, Bob Dylan, the Eagles, Janis Joplin, Jimi Hendrix and others. Wear your most authentic hippie style outfit, such as a tie-dyed shirt and bell bottom jeans.

6. Greet all the guests personally, and encourage them to chill out on the blankets and listen to music. In the middle of the party, have people vote on the best hippie costume. Give a prize such as an iconic record album or a t-shirt that says "Woodstock 1969."

References

• Help Me Host It: Hippie 60's
• Hip Planet: Hippie Music