Vintage Entertaining

[PrettySquareGal]

Has anyone here hosted a small gathering or large party for non-vintage loving (but not hating, just something they don't go out of their way to enjoy) people where everything on your end is vintage? What kind of reactions do you get?

I've had very positive reactions overall. I also always give a small vintage gift to each guest. For example, if I know someone loves to cook, I'll give them one of my 1950's cookbooks. I do realize some people think it's some sort of silly hobby. Sometimes my guests don't consider my stuff vintage because they were around when it was in daily use. One lady said "Lincoln canisters! I remember when I couldn't wait to get my first set after I got married!" Then she rolled her eyes at herself. lol

 

[PrettySquareGal]

No one?

 

[Rachael]

While I haven't had any occasions where I intentionally had a vintage event and invited non-vintage people, all of my friends have grown to accept the fact that every day here is a vintage day.

That means dinner is served on real dishes (china) and we drink out of real glasses. The 'everyday' flatware is silver plate and yes I do polish it on a regular basis. I have had several dinner parties become reminisces by older friends who recognize a cookbook or whatnot that reminds them of when they were young, or something that someone's mother or grandmother once had.

And yes, there have been several people converted to drinking classic cocktails after a visit or two to our bar.

 

[PrettySquareGal]

That sounds terrific!

 

[The Wolf]

I had a '40s party years ago where I encouraged people to dress as 1940s as possible. It didn't go too well but I learned what I should do.

Sincerely,
The Wolf

 

[miss_elise]

my sister held a series of vintage dinner parties, from the 40's through to the 70's....one decade each party

actually quite interesting, as she is a vegetarian, and a lot of the cook books don't really cater for them....but she prevailed...we even got to eat some delectable cheese steaks on evening...

really should do it again

 

[DerMann]

I dress vintage to LAN parties [huh]

 

[ShoreRoadLady]

I've never held a vintage party, but it sounds fun. Actually, what I've always wanted to do is hold a Greasy Spoon dinner party. The guests get menus with creatively (and deceptively) named items, and have to select what they want for dinner. (1 item for appetizer, 2-3 for the main course, etc.) For instance, mashed potatoes are "Cloud Nine" on the menu, biscuits are "Desert Boulders", strawberry ice cream is "Chilled Monkey Brains". To add to the craziness, utensils and condiments are also listed as individual items. It sounds entertaining - as long as you have some good dishes to bring out after all the fun! I'm sure it could be adapted to vintage, too.

I had a '40s party years ago where I encouraged people to dress as 1940s as possible. It didn't go too well but I learned what I should do.

What did you learn? That's always been my fear - that no one will take me seriously if I say to dress up!

 

[John in Covina]

I dress vintage to LAN parties [huh]

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What is a LAN party?

 

[John in Covina]

I suppose it can be a little tough as the attendees particitpating may be on a limited basis as their collection and budget allows. Also their area of participation may be a bit different than what one might expect. You mat ecpect suit and tie and someone shows up looking like a vintage version of the Crocadile Hunter because that's what they persue.

 

[MaryDeluxe]

I've never actually planned a "vintage" party. Most everything in my house is vintage. I have friends who enjoy that stuff and friends who aren't into it. No matter who they are, my house always gives people something to talk about!

 

[DerMann]

***********
What is a LAN party?

Something that makes me an oxymoron.

 

[beaucaillou]

I've never had a vintage party per se, but all of my events tend to be formal in regards to past decorum, manners of hosting and themes.

What is slightly disheartening is that very few people 'get it' anymore. In regards to that I mean, I wanted to throw a cocktail party for my husband's
and my upcoming reception and he looked at me and said, "None of my family will know what that means." And really, most people don't. Everything is
terribly casual and while I can find ways to work within that, there's a part of me that really wants a group of people around me who meet at one another's
houses for cocktails before proceeding to dinner and than dancing, or who know that you never ever show up to someone's house empty handed,
even if you just bring grapes!

 

[The Wolf]

One of the things I learned is if someone says they don't have any '40s style clothing they will invariably wear jeans and a t-shirt advertising something modern. If they do say they have nothing then recommend trousers and a button up shirt. Even without a tie it is better than jeans.
I also should have planned the party more. I had thrown it together too quickly.
Also, if you have friends that read magazines by bending, creasing and generally warping the pages don't put out vintage magazines. I can't exactly explain how "he" held the magazine or how he altered his holding when I pointed it out but if you see me in person I can mime it for you.

Sincerely,
The Wolf

 

[John in Covina]

No Respect, No respect at all!

Also, if you have friends that read magazines by bending, creasing and generally warping the pages don't put out vintage magazines.
I can't exactly explain how "he" held the magazine or how he altered his holding when I pointed it out but if you see me in person I can mime it for you. Sincerely, The Wolf

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This is a pet peeve with me. In usually, when reading a magazine or book I handle it so that when I am finished and put it down, you'd have a hard time telling it wasn't brand new. My brother would use my latest copy of National Geographic as a coaster. Nice big gulp rings all over the cover photo.

The same thing is you learn who you can't loan CD or albums to or DVD's rather quickly.

 

[The Shirt]

there's a part of me that really wants a group of people around me who meet at one another's
houses for cocktails before proceeding to dinner and than dancing, or who know that you never ever show up to someone's house empty handed,
even if you just bring grapes!

Question regarding this - I have been dating my BF for years now. His parents invite me over for most holidays and although I always offer to bring something they turn me down. In the beginning I always brought flowers or wine. At what point can this be let go. I will continue to offer to bring a dish or ask how I can help once there, but at what point is it family verses guest?

This is one of my pet peeves about the BF btw. He will never even think to bring something when invited to someone's house, so inevitably I am rushing out at the last minute to pick something up. Also - anyone have some charming ideas for hostess gifts? Not everyone is a wine or flowers kind of person.

I myself have never thrown a vintage party. Due to the fact that I only have a handful of girlfriends who would even consider dressing the part. My wedding however will be "vintage attire encouraged".

 

[Rachael]

in regards to hostess gifts, I often pick up unusual tea strainers or other whatnots. For my coffee drinking friends, biscotti is a nice gift. One hostess gift of forget-me-not seeds was appreciated by a friend who was moving and didn't want anything else she would need to pack. If I know the person well, I try to make the gift something they would very much enjoy. If it's a casual aquaintance, flowers or wine always works.

The best thing about hostess gifts is that it allows me to justify my impulsive purchase. Because you never know when a last minute invite will come in, and here I am, ready for anything! Just remember, if you regift, make very sure that you do so in separate circles of friends.

 

[texasgirl]

My husband and I have thrown 2 murder mystery dinner parties, both set in the 1920s. We invited some of our reenacting friends, as well as some others who know nothing about vintage. And everyone overwhelmingly participated in dressing up and getting into the party. Throughout the year, friends bring it up as one of the best parties of the year. Everyone is sooo casual today, but I do think people enjoy doing something different. We are going to continue this fall with the 3rd annual party. The previous 2 were part of a game we bought online, but this year my husband is writing it himself. Can't wait! We just moved in a new house, and at the housewarming people were asking about the next party, scared we weren't going to continue

 

[John in Covina]

Not coming empty handed is a fairly hard and fast rule for me. I rarely show up to a party or get together empty handed, I am embarassed to have to do so.

Usually I bring a specialty beer with or wine, but snack foods, cheeses, or an hors deviors <Spelling> (or-derves) item is good.

Box of chocolates.

I have even brought ice cream popsicles on hot summer days.

I brought vanilla ice cream and A&W root beer to make root beer floats once.

 

[PrettySquareGal]

I just wanted to add that I have never asked any of my guest to dress vintage. And like some of you said, it's not so much that I have a vintage theme party going on; it's just how things are around here, and more so each weekend when I return home from yard sale-ing.