1940's Theme Party Ideas

The 1940s is a rich era for party inspiration. From World War II to the Golden Age of Hollywood, big band sounds and cocktail rounds, the hardest part may be narrowing your theme down to just one aspect of this lively decade. Your guests should be encouraged to dress in period if possible--jacket and tie or military uniform for the men; swing dresses, WAC or Red Cross uniforms, or a smart trouser set for the women. Or, they could come in industrial coveralls a la Rosie the Riveter. Does this Spark an idea?

Big Band Sounds

If you like music, why not throw a party celebrating the big band era? Showcase the sounds of Glenn Miller, Duke Ellington, Benny Goodman and Count Basie. Don't neglect the great vocalists of the era, either, such as Ella Fitzgerald, Frank Sinatra, Doris Day and Peggy Lee. Along with the music comes the dancing--swing dancing, to be precise. Maybe you or a friend can teach your guests the basics of the the fox trot, the jitterbug or the Lindy hop; it's certainly a fun group bonding experience and sure to liven up any party. Decorate the party space with big band posters; throw in some horn cut-outs or musical note party favors.

Hollywood

The 1940s were Hollywood's golden years. Classic films like Casablanca showcased the top stars of the era. This would make a fun costume party, with guests dressing as their favorite stars in tuxedos, hats and sumptuous gowns. There are plenty of stars to choose from: Katherine Hepburn, Humphrey Bogart, Joan Crawford, Rita Hayworth, James Cagney, Cary Grant, Clark Gable, Bette Davis and dozens more. Play some of the classic movies of the era in the background, with the sound off, to set the mood. Decorate in red and gold for glamour, and put up publicity photos of your favorite stars, perhaps paired with headlines from the gossip rags for extra fun.

Noir

For a darker take on the era, try a noir party theme. Noir is a genre of film that became quite popular in the 1940s; as its name implies, the stories were dark and cynical, the characters moody and hard as nails. Femmes fatale, crooked policemen, gangsters and their molls, and wisecracking private investigators populated the milieu. Again, this is a good costume party idea; guests can pick their favorite role and dress the part. Decorate in silver and black.

Military

The big world event of the 1940s was, of course, World War II. Thousands of young men went overseas to fight. This is an easy theme to plan for. Visit any Army surplus store for your decorating needs--look for netting, ammunition containers, canteens, gas masks and anything in olive green, camouflage or khaki. Don't forget to add plenty of stars and stripes. Play patriotic tunes from the likes of the Andrews Sisters, Glenn Miller and Bing Crosby, and put up war bond posters for extra visual punch.

Cocktails

The simplest 1940s-flavored party theme is a retro cocktail party. Stock your bar and serve the classic mixed drinks that were most popular that decade like Manhattans, martinis and whiskey sours. Serve in classic glassware alongside canapes from the same era, such as cheese puffs, sardine toasts and cream cheese spreads. Olives, crab, avocado and bacon were popular hors d'oeuvre ingredients as well. Reproductions of era movie posters will set the mood, as will vintage ashtrays, though it would be best these days if they were filled with breath mints or other party favors instead.

References

• Surround Sounds: 1940s Theme Night
• Food Timeline: 1940s Foods