How to Host a Disco Party

Guests will enjoy dancing and the music at your disco party.

The bright lights, dance beat and costume-like clothing of the 1970s easily lends itself as a theme for a celebration. Parties that re-create the disco era attract people old enough to fondly remember the '70s and the younger crowd still in disbelief that "they actually wore that?!" Throwing a disco party can be a memorable way to bring generations together to celebrate good times.

Instructions

1. Choose a date for your party, remembering that weekend nights are usually the best option for guests who work during the week. Pick a date several weeks in the future to allow enough time for party planning and guest RSVPs.

2. Create a guest list. Consider how many people you can afford to host, and think about how many people can fit comfortably into the location where you are hosting the party. Also keep in mind which guests would or would not want to attend a party with a disco theme.

3. Use an online invitation website, such as Evite, or mail invitations to your guests. Create your own or purchase disco-themed invitations from a party supply store if mailing invitations.

4. Purchase party supplies and decorations. Choose such things as lava lamps, black lights and disco balls to turn your living room into a hopping disco. Purchase CDs of disco music to play during the party, or look through your personal music collection to see if you have anything that will fit the bill.

5. Plan a food menu that fit the theme of the disco party, including appetizers and finger foods, which offer a more convenient choice than a formal, sit-down meal. Plan a few food items that will work well for buffet-style service, such as chicken wings, chips with dip and a meat and vegetable tray. Include a '70s trend food, like cheese fondue to keep with your theme. Fruity mixed drinks, like Mai Tais, Tequila Sunrises and Singapore Slings became popular libations in the 1970s, so be sure to have mixers, such as pineapple juice, orange juice, sour mix and grenadine on hand to mix with your favorite spirits.

6. Plan games to keep your guests entertained. Trivia can match a disco theme, and it is a fun game for individual or group play. Charades or a dance contest can also work well. If your guests are music fans, a karaoke machine loaded with disco hits could be a worthwhile rental.

7. Decorate the party venue on the night of the event--a few hours before the party begins to ensure everything is in place before guests arrive. Place the food and beverage items out and start the music.

8. Participate in the fun as you mingle with your guests and play games. Keep an eye on food and beverage levels as you enjoy the party and restock when necessary.

Tips & Warnings

• Ideas for handmade invitations could include cards that look like mirrored disco balls or cards featuring guest photographs with fluffy cotton afros glued over their heads.

• Ask your guests to dress in '70s attire, but be sure to have afro wigs and sparkly scarves on hand for anyone who forgets to dress up.

• Plan to have enough food for each guest to have at least four pieces of each item.

• Include both alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages near your food buffet. A spirit-infused fruit punch can be a convenient option for mixed drinks.

• Place paper plates, cutlery, napkins and plastic cups on your buffet line to facilitate self-service.

• Have designated drivers or taxi service available.

References

• Dress That Man: Throw the Ultimate Disco Party!
• Reason to Party: 1960s and 1970s Retro Party Supplies and Ideas