When my husband turned 35, we celebrated in style – 1930’s style! This would make for a fun new years eve party as well!
I had way too much fun planning this vintage-inspired bash, and honestly? It came together way easier than I expected. If you’re into glam, old-school vibes, and an excuse to dress up without breaking the bank, this theme’s a winner.
It would also make an amazing New Year’s Eve party. Just saying.
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Dressing the part
I find it so rare an occasion to dress up anymore; between busy schedules, tight budgets, and the fact that most of us live in yoga pants now, “dress-up” nights don’t happen often. That’s part of why I loved the idea of a grown-up, themed night with a little glitz.
I told guests the vibe was 1935, but honestly, some 1920s fashion snuck in—and I wasn’t mad about it. Decades blend, right?
I found my black flapper-inspired dress on Amazon, and my mom snagged an absolute steal for hers too.
1930s-Inspired Food & Drinks
Keep it classy but simple. We served:
- Cheese plates, crostini, and caprese skewers with balsamic glaze
- Deviled eggs, shrimp cocktail, and my fan-favorite stuffed mushrooms
- Caesar salad and two relish trays (because the 30s were big on those)
- Champagne, red wine, and classic cocktails like Old Fashioneds and Manhattans
Fun thrift find: I scored a full set of short-stemmed champagne glasses at a thrift store for under $20—the same style my husband had been eyeing in my grandmother’s collection for years!
Easy Decor with Big Impact
You don’t need Gatsby-level sparkle to set the mood. Here’s what worked for us:
- Linen tablecloths from my stash
- Classic black and gold party supplies (Party City has these on the cheap!)
- Framed vintage photos of old Hollywood couples
- DIY photo booth props (think: faux pearl strands, trilbys, fascinators)
Fun fact: The photo of 1930’s starlets Jeanette MacDonald and Nelson Eddy in the photo above was one of the table numbers at our wedding! I am a sucker for old films, and we chose a classic celebrity “couple” to grace each table at our wedding. Jeanette and Nelson happen to be two of my favorites.
Others included Groucho Marx and Margaret Dumont, Judy Garland and Mickey Rooney, and Lucy and Desi Arnaz. My mom also printed a bunch of black-and-white photos of vintage celebs and we taped them to the cabinets.
It added charm and filled empty space on the cheap. This is a trick I’ve done for many a themed party, including my kids’.
Setting the Mood
We kept the ambiance light but luxe.
A few strands of gold garland, sparkling door curtains, and soft lighting made everything feel just a little extra. You could totally nab some personalized cocktail napkins to go with the decor! I also purchased some fun photo props, like pearl strands, trilbys, and fascinators!
We had a blast, and he was super surprised. I let the guests know ahead of time so that they could dress to match the occasion. Everyone turned out in their best post-prohibition era get up!
Want to recreate it?
You absolutely can! Shop your house, hit up your local thrift store, and stick to black/gold/silver for your color scheme. A few vintage touches, classic drinks, and finger foods go a long way.
This was honestly one of the most fun parties I’ve ever thrown – and you don’t need a milestone birthday to try it. Whether it’s a holiday bash, NYE party, or just a reason to dress up with friends, the 1930’s theme is a vibe.
What a cute idea! I never thought of using the birthday number as a theme – you nailed it for sure! Love all of the details and the costumes.