Party Theme Idea: Kitschy Retro Glam
categories: birthday party ideas, bridal shower ideas
I’m so smitten with the adorable Mini Classic Gumball Machines highlighted on Simply Stated today that I felt inspired to work up an excuse to use them! So… here are a few quick ideas for a Kitschy Retro Glam party theme that combines 50’s diner style with a little glamour girl attitude… a fun way to celebrate that bride-to-be or birthday girl with a fun, sassy side!
Tablescape & Decor Ideas:
• Feature Retro-Style Napkin Dispensers (in blue or black) and Retro 50’s Poodle Poodle Salt & Shaker Sets
• Decorate table surfaces & centerpieces with pink & blue acrylic ice and Diamond Shaped Crystal Paperweights
• Embellish Mini Classic Gumball Machine favors with rhinestones and use them as place card holders
• Choose paper partyware with retro-style patterns & colors, such as houndstooth, dots, and stripes. (Pictured above: Black & White Houndstooth Plates, Turquoise Stripes Napkins, and Pink & White Dots Napkins.
• Serve drinks or treats on this gorgeous, extra-large Kitsch Pink Melamine Platter ($28)
• “Frugal” cocktail napkins by Anne Taintor add a shot of sass to the soirée!
• Decorate mod vases and frames with occasion-appropriate rhinestone word stickers such as “Bride”, “Cheers”, or “Birthday Girl”
Food & Drink Ideas:
• Create a candy buffet featuring several clear jars and other containers filled with gumballs, color-coordinated candies, rock candy sticks, and ring pops. This fun Jukebox Gumball Dispenser would be a fabulous focal piece!
• Serve Root Beer Float Cocktails in soda-fountain glasses or stemware embellished with cocktail charms featuring faux diamonds or pearls.
• Serve mini root beer or coke floats in colorful paper juice cups embellished with rhinestones
I’m sure you guys have a ton of ideas to build on this theme, so please feel free to post them here!
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Such a fun theme! And that poodle shaped salt and pepper set is just about the cutest thing ever!
Jul 22, 2008 at 7:01 pm -
This is such a fun theme, and it looks pretty stress-free.
Jul 22, 2008 at 11:27 pm
Anne Taintor’s stuff just kills me, it is hilarious! -
What a terrific idea! The root beer float cocktail sounds gooood.
Jul 23, 2008 at 7:51 am -
As someone who loves few things more than wearing vintage 50’s dresses to cocktail parties, this is right up my alley.
Can you imagine if you asked all the guests to come dressed in vintage? Sigh – the photos would be so fantastic.
Jul 23, 2008 at 8:43 am -
I actually have those diamond paper weights in my office…they add some sparkle to the space!
Jul 23, 2008 at 8:43 am -
such a great idea to dress up vintage, Amy! They actually have some great things for “dress up” at the same place that sells the poodle shakers & pink melamine tray. Check out these retro houndstooth peep-toes
Jul 23, 2008 at 9:32 am
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Jenn, I mean this with love when I say this: Devil Woman. This posting good stuff has got to stop.
Jul 23, 2008 at 10:16 am -
I love this stuff!! What a great favor for so many different events!!
Jul 23, 2008 at 7:32 pm -
Great ideas and really cute examples! Of course I’m sitting in the library now in a 1947 dress (thank somebody for awesome sewing patterns!) though I can’t say my fabric choice was very retro… lol. I like to mix things up with old and new.
Jul 26, 2008 at 1:23 pm -
hi! this is off topic, but i’m looking for advice! i’m married, have two small kids (3 yrs., and 10 months old) and i just finished hosting a birthday party. it went well overall, but my husband made the comment that i was too focused on the work of setting out food, organizing favors, etc… rather than spending time talking to guests. i realize that preparation is key in avoiding such situations — but i am hoping you can post on how to really be a good hostess to guests, especially when you have and they have little ones!!
Jul 26, 2008 at 9:26 pm
thanks1
