Throw a Fabulous 50s Party

Birthday

The 1950s gave us some of the greatest music in history, sparking so many crazes across the country, and influencing generations to come. That decade makes everyone nostalgic, whether they were alive back then or not, and a 50s theme party will always be a big hit for guests of all ages. Following are some tips to throw a 50s party that’s as fabulous as poodle skirts, sideburns, and Elvis himself. See other birthday party ideas.

Let Everyone Know

Your Fifties party theme will begin with the invitations you send. Whether you’re e-mailing or mailing out invitations, make sure they have as much of a fifties look as you can. Hot pink and black were big colors in the fifties, so use them as the background. Add figures of people at a sock hop, or use pictures of old vinyl records to get the feel. Use fun fifties slang words, like “Sock hop,” “rockin’,” “pink ladies,” and “locomotion,” to create the fifties vibe.

Dress for the Occasion

Many Halloween costume stores and thrift shops will give your guests and assortment of outfits to choose from. Some people may even be able to make their own costume. Regardless of how your guests acquire their clothes for the fifties party, make sure to suggest they do it in 50s style. Women and girls should wear poodle skirts, little socks with saddle shoes, and pull their hair into high pony tails with ribbons. Men and boys should slick their hair back, cuff their jeans, and put on their white t-shirts and leather jackets.

Diner, Drive in or Dive, the Perfect Menu

The 1950s were a much simpler time than today, so you can make it easy on yourself by keeping your 50s party menu simple with cheeseburgers and French fries. Serve some old-fashioned root beer floats and milkshakes. Order or decorate a cake in the shape of old records or a jukebox for an added touch of the fifties style, and your guests will love it.

Creating the Scene

You’ll want your guests to feel like they’re back at a sock hop or even in a 1950s high school gym. Black and pink and white balloons will add some fifties flair to any venue. Punch bowls and other small accessories will give the added feel of another decade, but the biggest accessory to throwing your fabulous fifties party is, of course, the music.

Keep to the Beat

If you’re lucky enough to own an old-school jukebox, congratulations, you’re all set to bring your guests straight back to the fifties. But for everyone else, your iPods and regular CD players will work just fine. Pull together a mixed playlist of all the best songs and artists from the fifties, like Elvis, Little Richard, and Jerry Lee Lewis, and send your guests back to the sock hop.

Whatever music you choose play, just make sure you have some open space for dancing. You’ll want your guests to be rockin around the clock, for sure, at your fabulous 50s party!

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