The glamour and decadence of the 1920s have made it an ever-popular party theme, with a spike in the number of 20s themed parties being planned as we enter the 2020s. With events themed around this opulent decade, there are options galore and beginning the planning process can seem daunting. From a light-hearted Gangsters and Flappers party to an elegant Gatsby-esque soirée, here are some pointers on how to execute your Roaring 20s celebration.
The Dress
The flapper is perhaps one of the most iconic symbols of the Roaring 20s and with their carefree style and fringe drop-waist dresses, one of the most fun to emulate. There are also slightly more formal, Downton Abbey style beaded gowns for an elegant look.
Dressing in a pin-stripe suit is a frequent choice of men attending 20s themed parties, particularly a gangster/flapper party. A three-piece suit can serve for a more polished look, while a bowtie and suspenders are perfect for a speakeasy-style occasion. Simple accessories like hats, sparkly headbands, and long gloves can be added to something from your closet to achieve a Jazz Age look as well.
The Décor
When thinking 20s décor, the Art Deco look is what springs to mind for most. Black, gold, silver, and white were frequently used colors and are easy to incorporate into any affair. Strands of pearls, ostrich feathers, vintage and mercury glass are another way to integrate the glitzy style of the 20s into your festivities.
The Drinks
Prohibition meant partygoers had to make do with what bootleggers could create, with gin and whiskey being the most readily available. These serve as the base for some of the most well-known mixed drinks of the decade including the Gin Rickey, the Bee’s Knees, and Mint Julep. Offering these on your drink menu will give your party the feel of a speakeasy for guests. Of course, no party is complete without champagne, and parties in the 20s were no exception. Associated with wealth and power, champagne echoes the celebratory tone of this lively era.
The Menu
As with all parties, the menu depends on your event type. For a co*cktail party, hors d’oeuvres like shrimp co*cktail, crab cakes, stuffed mushrooms as well as cheese trays and finger sandwiches were popular 20s fare. When planning a sit-down dinner, salad or soup along with a main course of smoked ham or roasted turkey will please your guests while staying on theme. If your dinner is a casual speakeasy style, fried chicken is another option that’s even mentioned in The Great Gatsby.
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FAQs
For a co*cktail party, hors d'oeuvres like shrimp co*cktail, crab cakes, stuffed mushrooms as well as cheese trays and finger sandwiches were popular 20s fare. When planning a sit-down dinner, salad or soup along with a main course of smoked ham or roasted turkey will please your guests while staying on theme.
What food to serve at a 1920s party? ›
For a co*cktail party, hors d'oeuvres like shrimp co*cktail, crab cakes, stuffed mushrooms as well as cheese trays and finger sandwiches were popular 20s fare. When planning a sit-down dinner, salad or soup along with a main course of smoked ham or roasted turkey will please your guests while staying on theme.
How to host in your 20s? ›
Make people bring things. Especially as a 20s-something, you don't have to break the bank to host. People are more than happy to bring food or alcohol. Most times I'll make a small appetizer and protein main, and make others bring the rest.
What foods were popular in the 1920s? ›
Try finger foods like devilled eggs, tea sandwiches, salted nuts, prawn co*cktail and canapés. Cakes were also very popular in the 1920s with red velvets, pound cakes and devil cakes popular. For a Queensland twist try a mini upside down pineapple cake.
What were the popular party activities in the 1920s? ›
Games: If you're hosting a game night, like I did, set up a few tables around your party space with various games. Dominos, Yahtzee, and Bunco were all games that gained popularity in the 20s. Card games like poker, black jack or Canasta are perfect for this theme too.
What were the popular activities in the 1920s? ›
Popular activities in the 1920s included canoeing, horseback riding, swimming, tennis, dance (aesthetic and folk), theatrics, and bible.
What are the most consumed items during the 1920's? ›
The prosperity of the 1920s led to new patterns of consumption, or purchasing consumer goods like radios, cars, vacuums, beauty products or clothing. The expansion of credit in the 1920s allowed for the sale of more consumer goods and put automobiles within reach of average Americans.
What time should a house party start? ›
Best Party Start Times
Most parties should start at 7:00 p.m. I'll tell you why. An event that starts at 7:00 p.m. gives you guests enough time to finish their workday. They can either come straight to your party after work, or they can eat dinner before arriving.
What was junk food in the 1920s? ›
: While alcohol consumption suffered (at least theoretically) thanks to Prohibition, snacking flourished. Baby Ruth, Oh Henry!, Mounds, Mr. Goodbar, Mike and Ike, Reese's Peanut Butter Cups, Butterfinger, Health Bars, Nestle Drumsticks, and popsicles are all sweet, sweet byproducts of the Jazz Age.
What was a popular breakfast in the 1920s? ›
1920s: Codfish and bacon
In this post-food-rationing era, people once again welcomed cushy breakfast spreads. This is the era of Gatsby, after all. co*cktails, fruit or otherwise, abound. As does bacon.
What should I wear to a 1920s themed party? Embrace the era's glam! Ladies should consider flapper dresses, bobbed hairstyles, headbands, and long pearl necklaces. Men can go for pinstripe suits, trilby hats, and wingtip shoes.
What are the 3 most important events of the 1920s? ›
Globally, the upheaval of World War I, the Spanish Flu pandemic, and dramatic economic growth ensured the 1920s was a decade unlike the world had ever seen. Domestically, major technological innovations and the codification of women's suffrage catalyzed seismic shifts in American culture.
What was the most popular toy in 1920? ›
The decade also saw the popularization of brand-name toys that we still recognize today, including Raggedy Ann ($1), Teddy Bears (79¢), Erector Sets ($1 to $10), Crayola Crayons (5¢), the Yo-yo (5¢), and the Radio Flyer wagon ($2.99).
What did families do for fun in the 1920s? ›
Other childhood pastimes included listening to the wireless, board games such as Ludo and Snakes and Ladders, playing with toy trains (Hornby), toy aeroplanes, dolls and dolls houses. Boys and girls could also join the Cubs, Brownies, Boy or Girl Scouts. Trips to the cinema were very popular.
What food do they eat at speakeasy parties? ›
A growing number of finger foods have become popular due to the rise of these intimate events. Among the culinary delights served were lobster canapés, caviar rolls, crabmeat co*cktails, shrimp patties, oyster toast, anchovy molds, radish roses, devilled eggs, and savory cheese balls.
What was a main course meal in the 1920s? ›
Pork chops with mushrooms and wine, was a popular main course in the 1920s. Made with garlic, mushrooms & thyme, then seared and simmered in red wine. To make these you will need Pork chops, mushrooms, red wine, butter, garlic and thyme. To make your own Porkchops with mushrooms and red wine there is a good recipe.
What was the dinner etiquette in the 1920s? ›
Do not mash food with a fork or comment on food at a dinner party. Do not stir liquids more than a second or two, and after using any of the silver for your food, knife or spoon, do not retain it in your hand, but lay it on the table. Do not throw out elbows while eating and do not lounge slouchily in your chair.
