The Great Gatsby is a classic novel by F. Scott Fitzgerald that tells the story of Jay Gatsby, a wealthy man who throws lavish parties in an attempt to win back his lost love, Daisy Buchanan. The novel is set in the Roaring Twenties, a time of great excess and excitement.
If you’re planning a Great Gatsby themed birthday party, you want to make sure it’s a night to remember. Here are some ideas to help you get started:
Invitations
Set the tone for your party with Gatsby-inspired invitations. You can find pre-made invitations online or make your own. If you’re making your own, use art deco fonts and images of flapper girls and dapper gentlemen. Be sure to include all the important details, such as the date, time, location, and dress code.
How to choose the right Gatsby-inspired invitations
When choosing Gatsby-inspired invitations, there are a few things you’ll want to keep in mind. First, consider the overall style of your party. If you’re going for a more elegant look, you’ll want to choose invitations with a classic art deco design.
If you’re going for a more fun and festive look, you can choose invitations with images of flapper girls or other Gatsby-themed elements.
How to personalize your Gatsby-inspired invitations
Once you’ve chosen a style for your invitations, you can start to personalize them. Be sure to include all the important details, such as the date, time, location, and dress code.
You can also add a personal message to your guests, inviting them to come and join you for a night of Gatsby-esque fun.
Decorations
When it comes to decorating for your Great Gatsby party, think opulence and glamour. You want to create an atmosphere that is both sophisticated and fun. Here are a few ideas:
Streamers and balloons
Hang gold and silver streamers and balloons from the ceiling and walls. You can also find Gatsby-themed balloons with images of the characters or the novel’s cover art.
Streamers and balloons are a great way to add a touch of glamour to your Gatsby-themed party. Be sure to use gold and silver streamers, as these colors are associated with luxury and sophistication.
You can also find Gatsby-themed balloons with images of the characters or the novel’s cover art. These balloons will help to create a more authentic Gatsby-esque atmosphere.
Tablecloths and centerpieces
Use white or black tablecloths to create a classic look. For centerpieces, you can use vases filled with flowers, candles, or feathers. You can also find Gatsby-themed centerpieces online or at party stores.
When choosing tablecloths and centerpieces for your Gatsby-themed party, it’s important to keep the overall style of your party in mind.
If you’re going for a more elegant look, you’ll want to choose white tablecloths and crystal vases filled with flowers. If you’re going for a more fun and festive look, you can choose black tablecloths and feather centerpieces.
Lighting
Soft lighting is essential for creating a romantic atmosphere at your Gatsby-themed party. You can use string lights to create a canopy overhead, or you can place candles on the tables and around the room. Floor lamps are also a great way to add soft lighting to your party.
Food and drinks
Champagne and cocktails are a must at any Great Gatsby party. You can also serve finger foods, such as mini quiches, sandwiches, and desserts. Here are a few specific food and drink ideas:
Champagne
Champagne is the quintessential Gatsby drink. Serve it in flutes or coupe glasses. Champagne is best served in flutes or coupe glasses. Be sure to chill the champagne before serving. You can also add a garnish to each glass, such as a lemon twist or a few raspberries.
Cocktails
Popular cocktails from the Roaring Twenties include the gin martini, the Old Fashioned, and the Sidecar. You can find recipes online or in cocktail books.
The gin martini is a classic cocktail that is easy to make. Simply combine gin, dry vermouth, and an olive or lemon twist in a shaker with ice. Shake well and strain into a chilled martini glass.
To make an Old Fashioned, simply combine sugar, bitters, and whiskey in a glass with ice. Stir until the sugar is dissolved. Add a splash of club soda and garnish with an orange twist and a cherry.
Finger foods
Mini quiches, sandwiches, and desserts are all perfect for a Gatsby party. You can make your own or order them from a caterer.
Here are a few specific finger food ideas:
- Mini quiches: These bite-sized quiches can be filled with a variety of ingredients, such as spinach and feta cheese,ham and Gruyère cheese, or mushrooms and onions.
- Finger sandwiches: Small, delicate sandwiches are perfect for serving at a Gatsby party. Try using different types of bread, such as white bread, whole wheat bread, or rye bread. You can also fill your sandwiches with a variety of ingredients, such as cucumber and cream cheese, smoked salmon and avocado, or turkey and cranberry sauce.
- Mini desserts: These bite-sized desserts are perfect for satisfying your guests’ sweet tooth. Try serving mini cupcakes, mini cheesecakes, or mini brownies. You can also decorate your mini desserts with Gatsby-themed elements, such as gold sprinkles or feather-shaped chocolate.
Music
Jazz music was all the rage in the 1920s, so be sure to have a playlist of jazz songs ready for your party. You can also find playlists of songs that were featured in the movie adaptation of The Great Gatsby.
Here are a few specific jazz songs that you can play at your Gatsby party:
- “The Charleston” by James P. Johnson
- “Ain’t Misbehavin'” by Fats Waller
- “Puttin’ on the Ritz” by Irving Berlin
- “(I’ll Be With You) In Apple Blossom Time” by The Andrews Sisters
- “I’m in the Mood for Love” by Duke Ellington
Activities
Here are a few ideas for activities that you can have at your Great Gatsby party:
- Casino games: Set up tables for casino games such as blackjack, roulette, and poker. You can use fake money or chips, or you can let guests gamble with real money.
- Dance contest: Hold a dance contest for the best Charleston or Lindy Hop. You can give out prizes for the winners.
- Photo booth: Set up a photo booth with Gatsby-themed props, such as feather boas, pearl necklaces, and fedoras.Guests can take photos to remember the night.
Dress code
Encourage your guests to dress in Roaring Twenties attire. For women, this means flapper dresses and headbands. For men, this means suits and ties. You can also find Gatsby-themed costumes online or at party stores.
Here are a few tips for dressing for a Great Gatsby party:
- For women: Flapper dresses are the perfect choice for a Great Gatsby party. Look for dresses with drop waists,beading, and fringe. You can also accessorize with a headband, feather boa, and pearls.
- For men: Suits are the perfect choice for a Great Gatsby party. Look for suits with a slim fit and a tie in a bright color. You can also accessorize with a fedora and pocket square.
Conclusion
With a little planning, you can throw a Great Gatsby themed birthday party that your guests will never forget. Just remember to keep the focus on opulence, glamour, and fun.
