Ideas for a 60's Theme Party

Throw a groovin' party reminiscent of Woodstock, hippies and tie-dyed T-shirts. The '60s introduced the world to lava lamps, hula hoops and pet rocks. Host a '60s party to celebrate an anniversary, birthday or other celebration. Bring together music, decorations and other items from the era for a memorable '60s -themed bash.

Invitations

Create invitations with a '60s theme, such as peace signs or a tie-dye design. Browse scrapbooking stores for decorative papers with these themes. Print invitations on blank card stock, and attach the decorative papers to the front of the card. Create invitations at home and add decorative '60s-inspired clip art to each invite.

Music

Play a variety of music from the '60s, like The Beetles, Jimi Hendrix and The Doors. Browse No. 1 hits from the '60s at www.Playlistresearch.com. Chubby Checker's "The Twist" will incorporate a simple dance during your party.

Thank You Gifts

Thank each guest for coming with their own pet rock kit. Purchase a variety of small, smooth rocks from a local garden center. Set up a project table where each guest will create and adopt their pet rock. Have painting supplies, such as latex craft paint, paint brushes and paper plates, available. Additional supplies can include paint markers and craft adhesive googly eyes. Print out adoption papers for each guest to name and adopt their new pet. Buy small gift boxes so guests can transport their pet rock home, especially if the paint is still slightly wet.

Food and Drinks

Include shish-kebobs, gourmet hamburgers and buffalo wings at your party---all popular '60s party foods, according to www.Foodtimeline.org. Make a fresh pitcher of Tang, the sweet, artificial-fruit-style drink made popular in 1965 when taken aboard the Gemini space flight. Set up a chocolate fondue fountain for dessert. Have a variety of ready-to-dip treats, such as strawberries, pretzels and banana pieces on toothpicks, available.

Decor

Decorate tables with brightly colored psychedelic tablecloths. Add smiley face stickers, tie-dye bandannas and colorful daisy flowers to each table. Hang lanterns from the ceiling, or from trees if the party is outdoors. Print out signs that read "peace," "flower power" or other popular '60s sayings to hang up around the space.

References

• CrazyFads.com: Fads of the 1960s
• Playlist Research: 1960s Hits
• The Food Timeline: Tang, the "Space Age" drink