How to Throw a 1920s Theme Party

The 1920s is such an iconic era. From the underground speakeasies to the incredible outfits, everything about the decade feels exclusive, indulgent and oh-so fashionable.

F. Scott Fitzgerald’s iconic novel, The Great Gatsby, published in 1925, told the intoxicating tale of riotous parties and excess. The novel was brought to life on the big screen by directing legend Baz Luhrmann in 2013, and ever since then The Great Gatsby has been the byword in cool.

Throwing a 1920s-style party is all about embracing glamour and fun. We’re talking putting on the Ritz with cocktails, sequins, sharp suits and non-stop dancing. A roaring Twenties theme gives your guests free reign to go all out with flamboyant costumes, while you get to have fun creating an authentic ‘20s atmosphere with live jazz music, prohibition-era drinks and Art Deco styling.

Want to throw a party that puts Jay Gatsby to shame? Let’s get started…

When it comes to where to hold your party, if budget is no issue take time to search for an authentic, vintage Art Deco venue. It’s guaranteed to create a luxurious, true ‘20s vibe with minimal effort.

But if your party budget doesn’t stretch as far as hiring a swanky cocktail bar, don’t worry. There are so many ways you can bring even the most basic of venues to life, without spending a fortune. Simple village halls or your own home can be transformed into the coolest of Twenties party dens with some clever décor touches. You want to create a feeling of glamour, so opt for a black, white and gold colour scheme.

These are some of our favourite decoration ideas for a Roaring ‘20s party:

• Gold foiled fringe garlands
• Black and gold balloon arch
• Sequin backdrops
• Metallic gold door curtain – great for creating a statement entrance, hiding a plain wall or separating up your space
• Black table clothes
• Gold table confetti
• White ostrich feathers in tall glass vases
• Faux pearl chair backs
• Plastic chandeliers

If you want to go all-out, create your own fake champagne tower using plastic coupe glasses stuck together with glue. This is such a fun centrepiece that makes a big impact.

Another way of really running with the 1920s party theme is with printed cardboard signs. Slogans like ‘Prohibition ends here’, ‘Time to drink champagne and dance on the table’ and ‘House rules – no snitches’ will lend your venue an underground speakeasy vibe, perfect for your ‘20s celebration.

There’s fancy dress, then there’s ‘20s-style fancy dress. Forget less is more – this is more is more, and then some. Glamour, luxury, money and elegance are the key to any great roaring Twenties party costume – and the best bit is you probably have something in your wardrobe already that can work.

Nail the 1920’s brief in full flapper girl style. You can get the look by wearing dresses from the high street, a charity shop, fancy dress shop or by digging out something you own already. Look for loose, knee-length dresses with plenty of beading, sequins or fringing, then go to town on the accessories.

No flapper girl outfit is complete without a headband (even better if it’s feathered), elbow gloves and a long, knotted pearl necklace. A prop cigarette holder finishes the look off perfectly.

Work the rich, American gangster look in a double-breasted suit – dark and striped, but never black, a tie (definitely a bow-tie free zone here), fedora and two-tone shoes. Don’t forget that cigar for posing, too.

Every great Al Capone needs his moll, so if you’re looking for a his and hers costume for a ‘20s-themed party, this is a great choice. For an authentic moll, think flapper girl but dial up the glamour. Dresses are shorter with lots of tassels. A very low pearl necklace, faux fur stole and red lipstick will bring it all together.

For a UK-style ‘20s costume, look to Tommy Shelby and his gang for the ultimate sartorial inspiration. A great suit is a must (think tweed, checks, or textured grey, blue or brown), penny collar shirts, a long coat, lace up leather boots and a baker boy cap. If you are really dedicated, a skin fade hair cut will complete the full Peaky Blinders look.

Wondering what to wear to a Great Gatsby themed party? If you want to go as the main man himself, opt for a formal, 3-piece suit. A sharp, black suit, white shirt, black bow tie and pocket square will do Jay Gatsby proud. Slicked back hair with a side parting is a must.

Follow the flapper girl style rules to dress as Daisy Buchanan. Think luxury, extravagance and glamour and you can’t go wrong.

Music is key to throwing a lavish Gatsby-style party. You want to get the tone just right, and luckily enough Function Central has the most amazing selection of 1920’s-style bands to help you step back in time.

Get that speakeasy vibe with a live jazz band. If you fancy having some of London’s most talented jazz musicians providing the music at your ‘20s soiree, make sure you check out The Southside Jazz Band.

They say, ‘it don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing,’ and for a jumping 1920’s party we happen to agree. Scotch & Soda bring a real taste of Twenties decadence with their toe-tapping swing tunes.

For a quirky twist, why not go for a live band that plays pop classics and modern hits in a ‘20s style? Bertie & The Spiffs look AND sound the part. If you want that dancefloor heaving all night, you can’t go wrong with this unique band.

If one dance sums up the decade, it has to be the Charleston. Putting On The Ritz provide an authentic taste of the 1920’s with instantly recognisable classics. Flapper girls, to the dancefloor.

No 1920’s-themed party would be complete without a drink (or three). While champagne perfectly sums up the extravagance of the decade, we think the smartest way to host is with a bespoke menu of iconic prohibition-era cocktails. Stuck for ideas? Here are some of our favourite cocktails from the 1920s:

This is the drink of choice for Gatsby and Daisy in F. Scott Fitzgerald’s novel. So, if it’s good enough for them it more than deserves a place at your party.

• 50ml Dry Gin
• 25ml Lime juice
• 100ml Sugar syrup
• 100ml Soda water
• 1 wedge Lime

• 2 tsp sugar syrup
• 1-2 dashes Angostura bitters
• Splash of water
• 60ml Scotch whisky or Bourbon
• Orange slice
• Soda water (optional)
• Maraschino cherry (optional)

• 50ml Cognac
• 25ml Triple sec
• 25ml Lemon juice
• Handful of ice
• Dash of Angostura bitters (optional)

A favourite of Al Capone and his gang, this refreshing cocktail is so-called after his links to Chicago’s South Side.

• 7 mint leaves
• 60ml Dry Gin
• 25ml Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 15ml Sugar syrup

This is a delicious alcohol-free cocktail perfect for your 1920’s party.

• 30ml Orange juice (freshly squeezed)
• 15ml Lime juice (freshly squeezed)
• 15ml Lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
• 30ml Pineapple juice
• 30ml Raspberry syrup

While the cocktails, live band and over-the-top outfits will provide plenty of entertainment, there are other ways to help make your roaring ‘20s party stand out. We love the idea of a Gatsby-themed photo booth for guests to pose up a storm.

Consider hiring a professional booth, or if you’ve maxed out the budget on the cocktail ingredients, think about DIY-ing your own. All you need is an Instax camera, a cool backdrop (a gold metallic door curtain will do the trick nicely) and plenty of 1920s-style props.

Stock up on feather fans, fancy dress cigarette holders, fake cigars and toy guns to cover all the flapper girls, Great Gatsby wannabees and gangsters in attendance. This Gatsbygram prop is the perfect 1920s meets 2020s mash-up.

So, now you know the ingredients to throwing the perfect ‘20s speakeasy or Gatsby theme party, it’s time to put your party planning skills into action. Before you get cracking on that fancy dress outfit, make sure you get the essentials in place – that’s the venue and the music.

For Function Central’s amazing selection of authentic 1920s bands – or for a more unusual take on the decade – just click here. From the coolest swing to contemporary dance-floor fillers with a 20s twist, we’ve got you covered.