Since Baz Lurhmann’s adaptation of The Great Gatsby exploded onto our screens last year, the fascination with the glitz and glamour of the 1920’s era has inspired fashion designers, musicians and artists; so, why can’t we have a taste of one of Gatsby’s infamous parties without blowing our student loans? This week, I teach you how I did it without breaking my budget.
1. Decorations
First things first- set the scene. Any Prohibition Party requires one simple colour scheme: black and gold. We hung a few gold balloons and streamers from our curtain rails and printed and framed some classic Gatsby quotes, song lyrics and 1920’s vintage posters that we found online (you can even spray the frames yourself if you’re feeling creative!). Everything is to be served on disposable gold platters which you can find really cheap in any high street shop. Make the room dark and let the decorations catch the light for maximum glitz effect!
2. Playlist
All parties need a playlist, but a 1920’s theme requires a frenzy of swing music and high tempo jazz. The soundtrack to The Great Gatsby is a great place to start, but if you keep digging on Spotify you will find some amazing artists who produce retro “jazzed up” cover versions of current songs. I’d particularly recommend an artist named Scott Bradlee whose tracks include Thrift Shop, Wake Me Up and Just Dance.
3. Props
You’re almost there! In terms of props, it really shocked us that Poundland came up with trumps for our Gatsby party. In keeping with our black and gold theme, we spent less than £5 and managed to get two champagne bottle-style party cannons, champagne style miniature bubbles and party poppers! We then went to our local fancy dress store for some lips, top hats and moustaches on sticks for some photo booth style fun.
4. Costumes
We’ve saved the best ‘til last- fancy dress! From Myrtle to Daisy to Jordan, take your pick and don’t hold back on the costume. Feathered boas, jewelled headbands, pearls, cigarette holders and flapper dresses are bursting out of high street stores and fancy dress shops right now! For hair and makeup, curled up-dos are made simpler by the 1920’s flyaway style, and jewelled headbands are perfect for tucking hair into or creating your bun around. There are plenty of tutorials available on YouTube, so get searching.
I hope these ideas have inspired you to delve into the Jazz Age and try out a little 1920’s party for yourself. Pinterest and YouTube are great for pointers, but if you stick with the black and gold, sparkles, sequins and feathers you really can’t go wrong!