How to Throw a 60s Themed Party - Ideas & Tips
Add us on Google
The 60's have been etched in our collective imaginations as a colorful and showy time, that we are still familiar with today through music, film and television. So having a party inspired by that time may be a good reason to organize a celebration full of color, joy and great music. So from OneHowTo.com we give you some tips on how to throw a 60s themed party.
Steps to follow:
The first thing we need to consider if you want to throw a 60's themed party is to dive deeper into the characteristics of this era: what music did they listen to? What was fashionable? Who were the most popular celebrities and artists? Understanding these elements will give your party a more authentic feel.
The 60s were a time of openness to new experiences. Make sure psychedelia, bright colors, and kaleidoscopic designs are very present. Your guests will immediately associate these with the pop culture and the rise of the hippies. In addition to decor, consider incorporating iconic 60s sayings or slang into your invitations and signs to set the mood.
Transform your living room walls with images and phrases alluding to that time to create a mini-museum of popular images from the 60's. You can search the Internet and print photos of newspaper and magazine covers from the time to spark conversations about events that defined that decade: the first man on the moon, the Beatles, the Vietnam War, the Kennedy assassination, Martin Luther King Jr.'s speeches, Woodstock photos, and more. Adding pieces of iconic 60s artwork, such as those by Andy Warhol, can further enhance the atmosphere.
Your outfit is crucial: flared trousers, colorful prints or flowers, high boots, miniskirts, etc. If you're unsure of the stereotype you want to use as inspiration, just watch some scenes from the Austin Powers films, which honor the looks we remember from that time. Any episode of the Mad Men series will also help give you ideas. Additionally, consider accessories like large hoop earrings or peace sign necklaces to complement your attire.
Here are some recommendations you can follow if you want to dress like a hippie from the 60's.
If you want your hairstyle to be part of your "sixties" outfit, it'll be easy for you to get a vintage-style look. If you have long hair, straighten it and put a flower wreath in it, and if it's short, curl it. Other useful accessories are headbands, sunglasses with round, colorful lenses, and large necklaces with peace signs. Experiment with iconic hairstyles like the bouffant or the beehive to truly capture the essence of the decade.
Lava lamps are great to automatically give a "sixties" touch to your living room. They can be found in many hobby shops or on the Internet. Consider adding other iconic 60s lighting options, like colored string lights or a disco ball, to enhance the ambiance.
Another simple and inexpensive idea is to place handmade bead curtains in doorways with 60's-inspired motifs. You can even make button coasters! Additionally, consider using tie-dye fabric as tablecloths or wall hangings to add a splash of color and authenticity.
To serve the food and drinks, arrange everything on a table so everyone can enjoy helping themselves to typical 60's snacks such as deviled eggs, sandwiches, canapés, and meatballs. For a more sophisticated touch, create a chocolate fondue fountain with a fruit arrangement so guests can dip their favorite fruits in the chocolate. For drinks, classic cocktails such as whiskey sours or mai tais were favorites. If you're not into whiskey or a dirty martini, you can also add a punch bowl filled with a fruity concoction.
Buying plates and napkins that are also inspired by the theme can be a nice touch. Consider using biodegradable options to align with the eco-friendly movement that began in the late 60s.
And of course you can't forget about the music. What would a 60s party be without a playlist that includes artists like The Beatles, The Doors, Jimi Hendrix, Janis Joplin, The Who, The Byrds, Rolling Stones, Bob Dylan, Simon & Garfunkel, Jefferson Airplane, The Animals, The Mamas and the Papas, etc. To diversify your playlist, consider adding some Motown hits from artists like Marvin Gaye, The Supremes, and Stevie Wonder, which were also popular during the 60s. If you want to add a little Spanish music to your playlist, use songs from groups like Los Brincos, Los Canarios, Formula V, Raphael, Lone Star, Miguel Rios, Los Pekenikes, or Los Bravos, among others.
If you want to read similar articles to How to Throw a 60s Themed Party - Ideas & Tips, we recommend you visit our Weddings & Parties category.
