Throwing a 50's party

[Bombshell Becca]

I'm helping to throw a 50's style Engagement party for some friends. I don't want it to be to 50's cliche though. Any and all ideas would be appreciated!

 

[Inky]

The first thing that comes to mind is a typical 50's era cocktail party. Find some fabulously mid-century recipes and cocktails. Serve on era-appropriate dishes/serving wear and I'd say that would be fine. Your invites should reflect the theme of course - and unless all the guests are vintage followers, you should clearly state the theme in the invite.

But be careful of your wording, or you'll have poodle skirts and Pink Ladies everywhere

Theme parties can be tricky - I got married on Halloween but it was not a Halloween Party wedding - we had to be VERY clear about no costumes - I didn't want clowns or Tiggers or who knows what in my wedding photos). I'd put "Come dressed in your cocktail party/after 5:00 attire" or something along those lines.

Can't wait to hear more ideas!!

 

[Bombshell Becca]

Thnaks for you input Inky!
Your thoughts gave me the idea of doing martini theme decorations or a 50's Hawaiian theme.

Some more info is there is going to be about 150 people & it is going to be at a dance hall/ banquet hall.

 

[Inky]

Thnaks for you input Inky!
Your thoughts gave me the idea of doing martini theme decorations or a 50's Hawaiian theme.

Some more info is there is going to be about 150 people & it is going to be at a dance hall/ banquet hall.

Oh, TIKI PARTY!!!! You could do a bunch of fun things with a Tiki/Hawaiian/Polynesian theme!!

 

[CherryRed]

Oh, TIKI PARTY!!!! You could do a bunch of fun things with a Tiki/Hawaiian/Polynesian theme!!

And don't forget the Martin Denny music!

 

[bettydarling]

Tiki would be great! I'd love to do a Tiki party, brightly coloured paper lanterns, home-made leis, cocktails with umbrellas, great music...what fun!! Pity Ireland is so chilly Make sure to post some pics.

 

[pdxvintagette]

I vote for Tiki! But be sure you have more than one blender. Get your girl friends to bring theirs. You'll need 'em.

I threw a tiki party/luau for my ex's 30th. Made a huge cake with cookie-cutouts in the shape of the islands. Did a 50's style jell-o dish with pineapple, too!

I LOVE the kitsch of retro back-of-the-box recipes. This one would be PERFECT for a tiki theme!

Pineapple Paradise

(Unrelated, but the whole site is cool - local realtor who specializes in mid-century homes.)