How to Host a Glamorous Great Gatsby-themed Party

Throwing a themed party is a lot of fun. Setting a beautiful environment, ordering delicious munchies, packing, and arranging the afterparty gifts, and dressing up in unique attire are all fun aspects of a themed event. One example of a classic theme is The Great Gatsby. Based on the novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald, this theme oozes luxury and never fails to transport your guests back to the Roaring Twenties.

Original Gatsby parties bring the 1920s alive with over-the-top décor, dancing, and flapper fashion. Whether birthdays, anniversaries, New Year, or fundraising, a Great Gatsby-themed party is sure to be a hit. Read on and learn how to host the perfect Great Gatsby-themed party.

How to Plan the Perfect Great Gatsby-themed Party

Gatsby-themed parties represent and celebrate the flamboyant spirit of the 1920s with dancing, over-the-top décor, and flashy clothing. Therefore, if you are preparing for a Great Gatsby-styled party, here’s what needs to go down to make sure you awe your guests!

Location: Transport Yourself and Your Guests Back to the 1920s

When trying to find a location, search for one with a 1920s feel, like a hotel, ballroom, or museum designed in that era. You can also choose a more understated option, like a hidden bar or ballroom in your area. Moreover, try to incorporate important design ideas from the 1920s in your venue, like geometric patterns, metallic and mirrored items, vibrant hues, Bauhaus-inspired furniture, and decorative chandeliers.

If you intend to have the party in your house, you can look for some items that reference the style of the decade. However, prioritise affordability and consider renting or purchasing a standout focal piece like decorative lighting or a striking gold mirror as a backdrop. You can also search through thrift stores for exciting discoveries that will bring a hint of 1920s fashion without spending too much money.

At Daniel Lay Events, we offer a range of decorative items inspired by the Great Gatsby theme, such as a Poseur Cocktail Table, a 1920s Style Sign and Easel, and a Black Drape and Framework. Our services include comprehensive party organisation in Surrey, Kent, and Sussex.

Décor: Black and Gold is the Way to Go

A black and gold colour palette with glam elements is an excellent choice for a Great Gatsby-themed party. The aesthetic of the decade welcomes rich jewel tones, modern shapes, and materials such as leather and feathers.

Choose metallics like gold foil, sparkling balloons, and mirror mosaic trays. Gold foil curtains are an excellent choice for a backdrop where guests can take photos upon arrival, feeling like Hollywood celebrities. You can decorate the tables with metallic elements like gold-rimmed glasses and gold-dipped floral centre pieces.

To incorporate more metallic concepts, consider covering tabletops with silver and gold sequin runners and placemats. White and silver ostrich feather centre pieces will bring a subtle touch of sophistication, while black and pearlescent balloons will elevate the look of your venue. Last but not least, you can scatter shiny confetti around glassware and on the dessert table and hang pearl necklaces on different surfaces to achieve a luxurious appearance.

Dress Code: Encourage 1920s attire with a Touch of GLAM

It’s kind of a no-brainer that the dress code to fully immerse yourselves in the Great Gatsby theme will be the best 1920s outfits! When it comes to women’s fashion, consider flapper dresses adorned with fringe, sequins, and beaded headbands. Flapper dresses are typically sleeveless, straight, and loose and range in length from knee to ankle. These slip dresses are commonly styled by women with feather boas or pearl necklaces. Diamond-embellished tiaras and gold bangles perfectly complement a sophisticated Great Gatsby party ensemble.

Men can achieve the desired look with sharp, solid suits, bow ties, and fedoras but can have fun mixing it up with pinstripes, plaid, and pastels. They can elevate a pair of trousers with a suit jacket, include a vibrant bowtie, and top it off with a fedora for a more stylish look. Once more, the period was focused on enjoyment and being carefree, so encourage your guests to embrace style challenges without hesitation.

Music: Live Jazz, Blues, or a Great Gatsby-themed Playlist

Music is considered one of the most important elements in the description of the Roaring Twenties. For your party, then you might consider engaging a live jazz band to play during the function (if your budget allows it). Jazz was central for the enthusiastic 1920s, and hiring a live band to play jazz music will definitely take your guests back to that time when flappers and well-dressed men took over the dance floor.

If that’s not an option, the blues, swing, and Broadway music are all genres that were popular in the 20s. You can create a playlist featuring music from these genres, and it will keep your guests enchanted throughout the evening.

Lastly, you can play Baz Luhrmann’s soundtrack of the 2013 film adaptation of The Great Gatsby. It includes famous music artists like Beyonce, Jay-Z, and André 3000, and the popular track “A Little Party Never Killed Nobody.” The soundtrack seamlessly combines traditional jazz with modern hip-hop, creating the ideal tunes for your party.

Food and Entertainment: Cocktails, Games and Dancing

For a successful night of Gatsby-themed food and entertainment, consider a menu that reflects the preferences of the 1920s. Keep your guests amused with the classic martini, the pucker-inducing sidecar, and the ornate champagne tower. It is possible to consider capers, caviar, devilled eggs, and shrimp cocktails as perfect appetizers. Also, the choice of good-quality cheese, deli meats, and fruits added to the cheese and charcuterie board will intensify the impression of luxury.

For entertainment hour, have a couple of casino tables for such games as poker, blackjack, or roulette. Another fun idea is a makeshift dance floor for those who wish to flaunt their Charleston moves.

Party Favours and Keepsakes: Souvenirs to Remember the Event

After dancing the night away at your Gatsby-themed party, it is time to give everyone a memorable takeaway to remind them of the charming night for years to come. You can hand out stylish figurative headbands and bow ties that reflect the concept of the fashion of the Roaring Twenties. Another classic idea is miniature champagne bottles that exude a sense of luxury, while custom cocktail glasses, customised matchboxes, or retro-style trinkets can be a lasting keepsake.

Invitation: Pay Homage to the Great Gatsby Era

Now that you’ve planned everything, it’s time to design the invites! Whether on paper or online, choose designs and fonts that capture the elegance of the 1920s and make your invitees eagerly anticipate what’s in store for them.

Consider striking geometric designs, sparkling gold details, and sophisticated black-and-white differences. A simple backdrop and stylish details fit well for a Gatsby-inspired party. On the other hand, a soft colour scheme combined with a modern style, clean lines, and metallic accents also highlights the opulent design of the period.

Final Thoughts

Thinking of throwing a party with a Great Gatsby theme? Now you know how it is done and where to start! Daniel Lay Events can help you plan and organise your best Gatsby-themed event and get crazy with the 20s flamboyancy and glitz. Using the tips provided in this blog will ensure your guests thoroughly enjoy the event, including everything from cocktails and foods to the music and entertainment. Remember: the key is to pay attention to details and the sentimental elements of this period.