Did you know that F. Scott Fitzgerald’s The Great Gatsby was initially a commercial failure, selling only 20,000 copies in its first year? Today, a Great Gatsby themed party is one of the most sought-after celebrations, capturing the glitz and glamour of the Roaring Twenties. This guide will help transform your soirée into a dazzling affair worthy of Jay Gatsby himself. From crafting the perfect Art Deco invitations to mixing authentic Prohibition-era cocktails, you’ll be guided through each stage of creating an unforgettable Jazz Age experience.
Whether you’re a seasoned host or planning your very first event, this event checklist ensures you’ll throw a bash that would make even the most discerning flapper swoon. Let’s step into the opulent world of the 1920s and start planning your spectacular Great Gatsby theme party.
Setting the Scene
Transport your guests to a bygone era with a Great Gatsby themed party that reflects the Art Deco period. Every detail, from the invitations to the lighting, contributes to the atmosphere. Focus on bold geometric patterns, rich metallic accents, and moody yet inviting lighting arrangements that echo the Roaring Twenties.
Crafting the Perfect Invitation
Begin by choosing an invitation design in black and metallic shades or other Art Deco-inspired motifs. Slim, glamorous fonts typical of the 1920s work well, hinting at an evening of vintage allure. Include the party’s start time in the late evening to mirror the nocturnal festivities of that decade. Gently encourage guests to dress in 1920s attire but clarify if costumes are optional, ensuring everyone feels comfortable joining the fun.
Creating a Speakeasy Entrance
Set the tone the moment guests arrive with a discreet, speakeasy-style entry. A side door or curtained passage can add a touch of secrecy. Subdued jazz music playing in the background immediately signals a special night ahead, giving guests the impression they’ve slipped away into a hidden world filled with lively conversation and laughter.
Art Deco Decor Essentials
Bold geometry, metallic details, and lavish fabrics capture the aesthetics of the Jazz Age. For a luxurious feel, incorporate gold or silver accents, mirrored surfaces, and plush furnishings. Items such as gramophones, vintage cocktail shakers, or decorative trinkets add authentic touches. Strive for a balance of opulence and warmth that invites guests to mingle comfortably.
Lighting for Ambiance
Lighting helps evoke the glamour of the 1920s. String lights draped over ceilings or furniture create a soft glow, while LED candles offer a flame-free alternative for a flickering effect. Hanging paper lanterns at varying heights adds depth and neon signs featuring Art Deco designs or period-style quotes can be eye-catching. Scatter fairy lights around tables or railings to enhance the sense of enchantment.
Dressing the Part
Attire is key to truly embodying the spirit of a Great Gatsby-themed gathering. The 1920s saw radical shifts in style, reflecting the social and economic changes of the era. Guests who embrace the classic flapper and dapper fashions help bring the party to life, combining glamour with a carefree attitude.
Flapper Fashion for Women
Flapper dresses emphasised a straight silhouette, often embellished with fringe or sequins that made dancing the Charleston effortless. Short hemlines marked a departure from the norms of earlier eras, and cloche hats crowned bobbed or shingled hairstyles. These bold looks signalled a newfound independence, enhanced by accessories such as feather boas and long gloves.
Dapper Looks for Men
Men’s 1920s style introduced colours and flair beyond traditional dark suits or black tie. Three-piece suits with wide lapels and a tailored cut became wardrobe staples, frequently in pastel or bold shades like mustard yellow. High-waisted trousers paired with Oxford shoes lent a refined yet comfortable feel. Fedoras, bow ties, and pocket squares were popular finishing touches that spoke of attention to detail and personal expression.
Accessorising with 1920s Flair
Accessories for both men and women helped define the iconic Jazz Age look. Women’s headbands, feathered hairpieces, and strings of pearls completed the flapper ensemble, while men frequently donned fedoras and cufflinks to add polish. Such details conveyed the era’s fascination with elegance and individuality.
Hair and Makeup Styles
Short hairstyles for women, including the bob and shingled cuts, allowed hats to sit perfectly. Makeup became more visible, with dark eye makeup and vibrant lipstick signifying a bold spirit. Men often slicked back their hair, topped off with a stylish hat. These choices underscored the innovative fashion of the 1920s, capturing the exuberance of the time.
Gatsby-Inspired Cuisine
Elegant Appetisers and Canapés
Set a refined tone by offering bite-sized nibbles that reflect the decade’s indulgent mood. When catering, canapés of bread rounds topped with caviar or anchovy paste are timeless, while devilled eggs sprinkled with paprika and served on lettuce leaves evoke the classic feel of Gatsby’s parties. Tomato slices with shrimp, mayonnaise, and pickles also bring a taste of 1920s flair to the table.
Decadent Main Courses
Reflect the extravagance of the Roaring Twenties with generously spiced baked hams and decorative salads in harlequin patterns- served buffet style. Pastry pigs can add a quirky touch to the spread. These dishes recall the lavish buffets described in The Great Gatsby, combining eye-catching presentation with satisfying flavours.
Desserts with a 1920s Twist
Finish the meal with sweet treats that hark back to the Jazz Age. Serve icebox cakes or pineapple upside-down cake for a nostalgic note, or offer a simple fruit cocktail of chopped apricots, peaches, pineapple, oranges, and pears. Presentation matters just as much as taste—cakes, pies, or fruit arrangements should all look as inviting as they are delicious.
Setting Up a Glamorous Buffet
A visually appealing food station heightens the sense of the occasion. Combine large platters with individual servings and vary the height of plates or stands for an engaging display. Real dishes and flatware elevate the elegance, while candles interspersed among the dishes add a gentle glow. Clear labelling of dishes helps guests navigate their choices and respects any dietary needs, mirroring the sophistication of a Gatsby-style event.
Prohibition-Era Cocktails
Despite the Prohibition ban, the 1920s produced some of history’s most legendary cocktails. Speakeasies thrived underground, leading to creative concoctions that have endured.
Classic Cocktail Recipes
When serving alcohol, gin rickeys, sidecars, and the Old Fashioned epitomised this era. Gin rickeys blend gin, lime, and soda water for a fresh taste. The sidecar adds a sour twist with cognac, orange liqueur, and lemon juice. The French 75 combines gin with champagne, lemon, and sugar, while the Southside incorporates mint, gin, lime, and sweetener. These tipples remain as popular today as they were during the jazz-fuelled parties of the 1920s.
Champagne Towers and Presentation
A champagne tower provides a show-stopping centrepiece. Build a pyramid of coupe glasses, then pour chilled champagne slowly into the topmost glass, allowing it to overflow into the layers beneath. Expect roughly one bottle per five glasses, and watch your guests be mesmerised by the cascading bubbles that symbolise the era’s extravagance.
Non-Alcoholic Jazz Age Beverages
For those avoiding alcohol, mocktails can be equally engaging. Replicate the Bee’s Knees with honey, lemon juice, and soda water for a sweet yet sharp refreshment. Fruit juices, flavoured syrups, and sparkling water can be combined creatively to ensure all guests can join in the festivities without missing the elegant atmosphere of a Prohibition-era bar.
Vintage Barware and Glassware
Elevate your drink service with vintage pieces that echo the 1920s aesthetic. Coupe glasses beautifully showcase champagne or colourful cocktails, while period bar tools and shakers lend authenticity. The right glassware complements the flavours of each drink and immerses everyone in the flair of the Jazz Age.
Entertainment and Activities
Jazz Band Selection
Live music such as jazz or swing music lends a sense of excitement. Opt for a band that knows classic tunes from the 1920s, capturing the energy that once pulsed through hidden speakeasies. Guests will be encouraged to dance and soak up the atmosphere, reminiscent of Gatsby’s legendary soirées.
Teaching the Charleston
The Charleston was the standout dance of the era. Consider hiring a dance instructor to lead a quick demonstration or host a mini-dance lesson for friends. This energetic routine can help guests immerse themselves in the playful spirit of the Jazz Age, bringing the party to life and providing a delightful shared experience.
Photo Booth with Period Props
Set aside a corner of your venue for a photo booth with a vintage-style backdrop. Offer props like feather fans, strings of pearls, or fedoras so everyone can snap memories of their 1920s attire. Group photos and candid shots alike will capture the jubilant mood, leaving guests with keepsakes from the evening.
Gatsby-Themed Party Games
Give a nod to old-time entertainment with card tables for Poker, Blackjack, or Canasta- a true casino night. These classic pursuits nod to the social gatherings of the Roaring Twenties. Alternatively, a scavenger hunt or themed trivia relating to The Great Gatsby or the 1920s can spark friendly competition. Such activities keep guests engaged and reinforce the spirit of the era.
Bring the Roaring Twenties to Life
With attention to Art Deco design, seductive lighting, and a speakeasy entrance, your Great Gatsby party will exude glamour and style. Guests who adopt 1920s fashion and sample Prohibition-era cocktails contribute to a memorable event filled with live jazz, spirited dancing, and irresistible food.
Whether sipping cocktails in vintage glassware, perfecting the Charleston, or taking photos with feathered headbands, everyone will be transported into the magic of the Jazz Age. Hosting a night like this evokes the best of Fitzgerald’s iconic setting and offers an evening no one will soon forget. Let the Roaring Twenties come alive in your own extraordinary celebration!
