How to Throw a 1930s Themed Party Like Greta Garbo
- Finch
- Apr 13, 2023
- 3 min read
If you're planning a 1930s themed dinner party, here are some ideas to help you set the mood and create an authentic experience.
Decor: Set the scene with Art Deco inspired decor, such as geometric patterns, metallic accents, and bold colors like black, gold, and silver. Decorate the room to resemble a speakeasy. Hang black and white photographs of iconic 1930s celebrities, and incorporate vintage tableware like fine china, crystal stemware and silver flatware.
Menu: Serve classic 1930s dishes like oysters Rockefeller, shrimp cocktail, Waldorf salad, beef Wellington, and baked Alaska for dessert. The 1930s were known for the prohibition era and the rise of speakeasies, which meant cocktails became a popular way to consume alcohol. Here are some of the classic cocktails and recipes from the 1930s:
Martini - A classic cocktail that has been popular for over a century. To make a Martini, mix 2 1/2 oz gin or vodka and 1/2 oz dry vermouth in a shaker with ice. Stir well, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist or olive.
Manhattan - A popular whiskey cocktail that has been around since the late 1800s. To make a Manhattan, mix 2 oz rye whiskey, 1 oz sweet vermouth, and a dash of Angostura bitters in a shaker with ice. Stir well, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a cherry.
Sidecar - A classic cocktail that was invented in the early 1900s. To make a Sidecar, mix 2 oz cognac, 1 oz triple sec, and 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass with a sugared rim.
Negroni - A popular Italian cocktail that was first created in the early 1900s. To make a Negroni, mix 1 oz gin, 1 oz Campari, and 1 oz sweet vermouth in a shaker with ice. Stir well, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with an orange twist.
Gimlet - A simple yet classic cocktail that was popular in the 1930s. To make a Gimlet, mix 2 oz gin and 1 oz lime juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lime wheel.
Bee's Knees - A Prohibition-era cocktail that was popular during the 1930s. To make a Bee's Knees, mix 2 oz gin, 3/4 oz honey syrup, and 3/4 oz fresh lemon juice in a shaker with ice. Shake well, then strain into a chilled cocktail glass. Garnish with a lemon twist.
Old Fashioned - One of the oldest cocktails, the Old Fashioned was popular during the 1930s. To make an Old Fashioned, muddle a sugar cube, 2 dashes of Angostura bitters, and a splash of water in a rocks glass. Add ice, then pour in 2 oz bourbon or rye whiskey. Stir well, then garnish with an orange twist and a cherry.
Other popular drinks from that era include the Daiquiri, the Sazerac, and the Corpse Reviver #2.
Dress code: Encourage guests to dress in period-appropriate attire, such as flapper dresses for women and suits for men. You can also provide props like fedoras, cigarette holders, and long gloves.
Entertainment: You can also set up a photo booth with vintage props and backdrops for guests to take pictures. Play jazz music from the era, or hire a live band to perform swing and big band tunes. Here are some popular songs to start your playlist:
"Brother, Can You Spare a Dime?" by Bing Crosby (1932)
"Cheek to Cheek" by Fred Astaire (1935)
"Summertime" by George Gershwin (1935)
"Over the Rainbow" by Judy Garland (1939)
"I've Got You Under My Skin" by Cole Porter (1936)
"As Time Goes By" by Rudy Vallee (1931)
"Minnie the Moocher" by Cab Calloway (1931)
"Blue Moon" by Richard Rodgers and Lorenz Hart (1934)
"Night and Day" by Cole Porter (1932)
"In the Mood" by Glenn Miller (1939)
Activities: Consider hosting a murder mystery party or a game night with popular board games from the 1930s, such as Monopoly, Scrabble, and Clue.
Remember, attention to detail is key to creating an authentic 1930s experience for your guests. Have fun and enjoy the party!
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