People in masquerade costumes

Get ready to step back in time and immerse yourself in the glamorous and enigmatic world of a speakeasy themed party! If you're looking to transport your guests to the roaring 1920s, a speakeasy themed costume party is the perfect choice. Theme party planning has never been more exciting as you delve into the era of flappers, jazz, and prohibition-era intrigue. In this guide, we'll unveil a treasure trove of 1920s party ideas that will help you create an unforgettable experience filled with vintage charm, secret passwords, and an ambiance that captures the essence of a bygone era. So, dust off your fedoras, shimmy into those fringe dresses, and let's dive into the exhilarating world of planning a speakeasy party that will leave your guests talking for years to come!

Pick A Theme

Red neon signs

For an unforgettable speakeasy party, setting the right theme is key. Transport your guests to the glamour and excitement of the Roaring Twenties, a time of prohibition, flapper dresses, and Gatsby-style extravagance. To capture the essence of this era, style and decorate the place with opulent Art Deco patterns, luxurious fabrics, and vintage furnishings. Incorporate a color palette of rich golds, deep blacks, and lush reds to evoke the ambiance of a lavish Gatsby mansion. Hang cascading strings of pearls and feather boas as part of the decor, and consider setting up a DIY Great Gatsby photo backdrop with props like vintage hats, faux cigars, and elegant long cigarette holders. Creating an authentic atmosphere will make your roaring twenties party a night to remember, filled with the spirit of the Jazz Age.

Choose A Venue

Ladies in vintage costumes

Selecting the right venue sets the tone for your speakeasy party. Hosting at your residence adds a personal touch and lets you create an intimate atmosphere, enhancing the secretive vibe of a speakeasy. On the other hand, renting an event space grants you more creative freedom in terms of decor and layout, allowing you to craft a unique experience. For those seeking an element of mystery, consider utilizing a hidden area within a larger venue—like a tucked-away room or a rooftop hideout—to amplify the clandestine ambience. Whatever you decide, ensure the venue aligns with your theme, guest list, and the unforgettable 1920s aura you're aiming to recreate.

Send Out Invites

Pile of post stamps

Embrace the allure of a roaring twenties party by designing invitations that exude the glamour and mystery of that era. Incorporate Art Deco designs, muted colors, and elegant fonts to capture the essence of the 1920s. To truly engage your guests and enhance the excitement, make sure to include a secret password or phrase required for entry. This not only adds an element of exclusivity but also transports everyone into the prohibition-era atmosphere. Remind your invitees that this isn't just any gathering; it's a costume party! Encourage them to don their finest flapper dresses, pinstripe suits, and fedoras to fully embrace the spirit of the time. With these thoughtfully crafted invitations, your guests will eagerly await the chance to step back in time and relive the intrigue of a true speakeasy affair.

Style Your Backdrop

Disco balls with a metallic foil backdrop

To transport your guests back to the glamorous 1920s era, infuse your speakeasy party with an exquisite array of vintage-style decorations. When it comes to planning the decor, focus on creating a captivating backdrop that encapsulates the essence of the time. Start by setting up backdrop stands to give structure to your focal point. To truly evoke the spirit of the 1920s, drape rich, deep-hued velvet curtains and ornate brocade fabrics across the stands. Now, embellish the backdrop with decadent elements that define the era. Gently hang cascading feathers from the top of the stand, allowing them to delicately sway and catch the light, evoking a sense of opulence. Intertwine strands of pearls among the feathers, their lustrous sheen adding a touch of elegance to the arrangement. Enhance the ambiance with strategically placed spiral candles in ornate holders, their flickering glow casting a warm, nostalgic light. For a grander touch, position a gold pearl beaded candelabra on one side, adorned with LED candles of varying heights to add dimension and drama.

Style A Buffet

An array of food on a white ceramic dishes

Lay the foundation with a deep, rich tablecloth that exudes the opulence of the time. Choose complementary table runners that feature intricate patterns, adding texture and depth to the setup. To serve up the delectable spread, opt for old-style serving trays, a nod to the era's elegance. Adorn the venue with meticulously strung black and silver streamers, creating an ambiance that's as enchanting as it is secretive.

Incorporate an array of essential items to complete the atmosphere. Set dessert stands atop the buffet table, showcasing treats that echo the lavish tastes of the time. Utilize ornate dish bowls for shared snacks, and accentuate the place settings with elegant charger plates and dinner plates that capture the essence of the era's aesthetic. Complete the tableau with antique-style cutlery and disposable drinking glasses, ensuring that every detail contributes to the overall nostalgic ambiance of the speakeasy party.

Serve Drinks

Ladies with drinks in their hands

No Speakeasy party is complete without a carefully curated selection of classic cocktails that pay homage to the Prohibition era. Transport your guests back in time with a range of libations that were popular during those clandestine days. Offer iconic concoctions like the Old Fashioned, Sidecar, and Bee's Knees, ensuring a delightful mix of flavors that will leave your guests impressed and entertained. To add a touch of authenticity, style your bar cart with a collection of vintage-inspired elements. Utilize an antique bar cart as the centerpiece, adorned with dimmed Edison bulbs to create an intimate ambiance. Arrange disposable drinking glasses with an art deco flair, perfectly complementing the elegant champagne glasses neatly placed nearby. Ensure straws and cocktail picks are at the ready for convenient sipping and garnishing. 

Set Up A Fake Gambling Station

Slot machine with playing cards

Enhance the allure of your speakeasy party by setting up a captivating fake gambling station that will transport your guests straight into the Prohibition era. Whether you choose to use play money or offer small prizes for winners, this element is sure to be a hit. To create an authentic atmosphere, select vintage party decor that exudes the ambiance of a secretive underground casino. Adorn the poker station with classic gold circle dot party banners hanging discreetly to catch your guests' attention. Sprinkle the tabletop with confetti, adding a touch of glamour and excitement to the gaming experience. For an immersive feel, drape velvet tablecloths over the gambling tables, and use antique-inspired playing cards and poker chips. Illuminate the area with low, dim lighting to maintain the clandestine vibe. 

Organizing a speakeasy themed party can truly transport your guests to the enchanting world of the Roaring Twenties. By delving into the intricacies of theme party planning and drawing inspiration from 1920s party ideas, you can curate an unforgettable experience. Remember, the key lies in the details, from the secretive entrances to the dazzling flapper dresses and dapper suits. Enhance the ambiance with vintage party decor that captures the essence of the era, making your event a journey back in time. So, don your fedoras and pearls, set the mood with jazz tunes, and let the spirit of the speakeasy era come alive in a night of celebration that will be remembered for years to come.